For lift chairs to function effectively, they should be well-maintained. Follow these tips for maintaining and keeping uplift chairs to ensure they function optimally and last for a long time.

• All lift chairs have a maximum weight capacity that should not be exceeded when in use. Failure to adhere to weight capacities increases the chances of the lift chair being damaged. It may also put the user at increased risk of an accident, especially if it breaks under heavier use.
• When plugging in the lift chair, ensure that it is plugged directly into the wall and not an extension cord. An extension cord may overheat and destroy the electrical mechanism of the lift chair.
• Most lift chairs have backup batteries that need to be inspected and replaced on a regular basis. Routine inspection prevents oversight of acid corrosion that may damage the battery unit.
• Wipe down the lift chair on a regular basis to keep it clean. Make sure it is unplugged from the electrical outlet before cleaning, especially if any solvents are used. This reduces the risk of electrical accidents.
• Keep moisture and liquids away from the electrical components of the lift chair. These can damage the electrical parts and could put the user at risk of electrical accidents.
• When moving the lift chair, do not pull by the footrest as this can damage the lifting mechanism in the chair.

We offer lift chairs that can make it easier for you or your loved ones to easily sit up and down. For more information about lift chairs, maintenance tips, or our other home medical equipment and supplies, contact us today!

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• The tool-free two-position contoured backrest is reversible depending on whether you are using the Nitro Duet as a rollator or transport chair
• Back support height easily adjusts with tool-free buttons
• Caster fork design and large 10″ front casters enhances turning radius and rolling comfort
• Cross-brace design allows for side-to-side folding and added stability
• Brake cables routed inside the frame add safety and convenience
• Weight Capacity: 300lbs
• Total product weight: 22lbs
• Seat width: 17.5″

Walkers, Rollators, Canes, Wheelchairs, Transport Chairs

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Pressure sores, also known as pressure ulcers, develop when patients who are ill and immobile stay in a fixed position for a long period of time. When this happens, blood supply to the skin over the area is reduced. Ultimately, the skin and underlying tissue become damaged and may become infected. This infection may then spread throughout the body, thereby worsening the patient’s condition and delaying recovery. Pressure sores typically develop on bony body areas, such as heels, hips, elbows, and more.

One way to prevent pressure ulcers is to ensure that patients are repositioned frequently. The current recommendation is that patients should be repositioned every two hours. In a home setting, accessories can also be used to shift body weight and alleviate pressure around the bony areas, thereby minimizing the risk of developing pressure sores. Some accessories that can be used in a home setting include:

• Feet Elevators: Heels and ankles are highly susceptible to pressure ulcers in immobile patients. Feet elevators serve to keep feet raised up, so that the heels and ankles are not in direct contact with the bed.
• Heel/Elbow Protectors and Heel Pillows: Protectors provide extra soft padding for the bony joints, thereby minimizing pressure over these areas.
• Alternating Pressure Mattresses: The special mattress offers control over the bubble cells to change pressure to suit the user to prevent soreness and skin breakdown. This mattress relieves pressure on the skin by alternating the pressure every 10 minutes on any portion of the body coming in contact with the bed, providing great comfort for a bedridden patient.

Prevention of pressure sores is essential to the comfort and recovery of an ill patient. At KC Home Medical Supply, we have various accessories that can be used to minimize the risk of pressure sore development. Contact us today to learn more about our products and to find which would best meet your home care needs.

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Allowing a loved one to remain in the comfort of a familiar environment is an option many are choosing as opposed to placement in care facilities.  Often in home care proves to be more cost effective with better outcomes.  Home care plans are often built around the lives of the patient and family and can enhance the experience for everyone involved.  With the proper care team and support in place it can be a very manageable and positive experience.

Below are just a few ways home health care can offer support.

1. Assistance with Daily Living Activities– In-home service staff can help with personal hygiene, dressing, medication management and many other things. Allowing non-family members to take on these roles is an excellent way to preserve a patient’s dignity.
2. Companionship – Stress on families can be greatly decreased just by knowing that their loved one is not alone. Caregivers in the home are able to be the eyes and ears for long distance family as well.  Accidents can be avoided, and possible health issues identified that might otherwise go unnoticed.
3. Skilled Nursing – Often complex medical needs require hospitalization or placement in a facility. Skilled nursing visits make it possible to manage many of these in the home.  Dressing changes, ostomy care, IV therapy and medication management can keep in individual at home and in comfort.
4. Physical and Occupational Therapy – Many patients are opting for home therapy as opposed to rehabilitation in a facility.  These therapists are able to evaluate what an individual’s needs are in relation to their specific home environment.  Recommendations for adaptive equipment or medical supplies can be given directly to the patient and the family.

The growth of the home health care industry has made it possible for more people to convalesce at home without placing added stress to the people they love.  The options for providers and levels of care make it possible to manage daily living while keeping those closest to happy and healthy.

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A hernia is a condition in which a portion of organ or soft tissue pushes through a hole or weak spot in a muscle or surrounding connective tissue that lines your abdomen or groin. It can be caused by an action that puts pressure or strain on an organ in that weak spot.
Sometimes you can see the hernia, depending on its location and size. Certain activities can worsen the condition, like bending over or lifting heavy objects. Hernia’s can be very painful and disrupt your daily activities.

There are several types of hernias:
• Inguinal. This groin hernia involves a portion of intestine or bladder protruding. It is the most common type of hernia and far more common in men than women.
• Femoral. In this type of groin hernia, the intestine pushes through tissue near where the femoral vein enters the upper thigh. These affect women more often than men, but they are uncommon.
• Umbilical. A hernia at the belly button, or naval, is common in infants, as well as women who are obese or have had several children. There is a natural weakness in that area. It is where the muscles and tissues come together.
• Hiatal. This hernia occurs when the upper stomach squeezes through the hiatus, an opening in the diaphragm where the esophagus passes through.
• Incisional. These hernias happen at the site of a surgical incision.

Signs that you might have a hernia include:
• A visible bulge in the affected area.
• Discomfort in the groin area that gets worse when you bend or lift something.
• Heaviness in the groin or abdomen.
• Pain or discomfort during a bowel movement or urination.
• Other symptoms that have been reported are bloating, heartburn, and constipation.

Treatment options depend on the type of hernia you have and your state of health. At first, your doctor may suggest monitoring your condition for changes. If the hernia does not improve or worsens, your doctor may discuss surgery. KC Home Medical Supply carries hernia belts, or trusses as well as abdominal binders. A physician may suggest these in place of surgical treatment or to ease symptoms until surgery can be done. Our staff can help you choose which product best suits your condition.

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Using and moving a rollator walker is easily controlled because the wheels allow steady movement without requiring much strength to lift the walker up to take another step. The front wheels usually swivel, which allows a guided glide in various directions, while the back wheels are fixed to remain stabilized. When the user decides to use the seating option, all wheels can be safely locked in place.  Rollators are not meant for everyone.  Dementia or memory issues can affect the users ability to operate the equipment safely.  Check with your healthcare provider if you are unsure.

Individuals with some of the following conditions or diagnoses would benefit from using a rollator:

• joint pains
• hip or knee replacements
• Hemiparesis
• obesity
• decreased ability for weight bearing

Due to the wheels and a more fluid movement, the rollator allows for faster walking speeds. This helps put the user closer to a normal walking gait to aid in recovery and maintain mobility. People can also benefit from exercising for longer distances and being out for longer periods of time, given the seat that provides a resting moment if needed.

Kansas City Home Medical Supply offers a wide variety of rollator options with different accessories and advantages. When looking for your next rollator that fits you, consider one with these:

• Carrying Pouch – some are located in front for easy access; others contain a more secure, private option such as under the seat; and some even include a tray for use.
• Customizable Ergonomic Options – some models can adjust by height, while some come with ergonomic hand grips that make them easier to grasp for people with lacking grip strength.
• Seats –many seat options exist, including extra padding, oversized seats, and even waterproof cushions.
• Backrest – padded and height-adjustable backrests are possible in various models for comfortability when sitting.
• Storage – putting away your rollator with ease may be useful, with compact, one-handed folding options available.
• Tires – if you want to be able to use your rollator both inside and outside, there are different options for the tires that make moving over different type of terrain possible, such as soft grip tires. Models also often have tires that swivel freely and easily.
• User Details –your height and weight may determine what model would be ideal for you. Be sure to find one that can sustain you and your use.

Compare our assortment of rollator walker models to find options that are essential for you. For more information or if you need help to find the perfect rollator for your mobility needs, contact us today to learn more!

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• Reduce Edema – Excess fluid can build up around the injury and block helpful nutrients from reaching the site for effective healing. If the injury is near a joint, that excess fluid can also minimize your range of motion, which will impact your body’s natural way of pumping and moving your muscles to enable healing. Wearing a compression device along with elevating the injury can reduce this excess fluid.
• Minimize Swelling – Swelling and inflammation can negatively impact your healing process and reduce mobility. Using cold therapy in combination with compression, the body will help your injury site feel more comfortable.
• Increase Oxygen – The more blood that the injury site receives, the more oxygen can be delivered to help with body repair. If the area is swollen and blocked, oxygen levels are reduced. Using a compression aid will help to keep blood flow moving more freely.
• Assist Lymph Fluids – Lymph fluids help in healing by carrying nutrients to the damaged tissues around the injury and removing waste from body tissue to create a clear field for tissue regeneration. Compression devices help circulate these fluids for improved healing.
• Add Warmth – Wearing a compression aid can also help to keep the area warm, promoting the flow of helpful fluids and maintaining good comfort and care overall.

KC Home Medical Supply carries a wide variety of compression therapy options. Choose from a wide selection that fits you and your particular situation and injury for faster recovery. For more details on compression therapy, sizing assistance, or for more details on our other medical supply products, contact us today!

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What is ALS?  

ALS is an abbreviation for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. It is a chronic degenerative disease that affects nerve cells in both the brain and spinal cord. It is also commonly known as Lou Gerhig’s disease after the legendary baseball player who eventually succumbed to the illness. The term “amyotrophic” comes from the Greek language and translates to “no muscle nourishment,” referring to the deterioration of muscle control that occurs with ASL. Nerve transmission follows a path from the brain, to the spinal cord and then to muscles throughout the body.  However, as the disease progresses the motor neurons carrying signals from the brain die, causing loss of muscle control. Those afflicted may lose the ability over time to walk, use their arms, speak, eat, and even breath.  The life expectancy of those suffering from the disease is variable but typically ranges from 3-5 years.

How does a person get ALS? 

    The exact cause of the disease has not been determined but research efforts continue in search of answers. We do know that ALS is not contagious and that only 5-10% of ALS cases are deemed familial or genetic. The majority of cases are sporadic, or without a hereditary cause.  The most common age at diagnosis is greater than 40 years. The rate of diagnosis is higher in men than in women. Military veterans are twice as likely to develop ALS than the rest of the population, the reason for which is still unknown. There are approximately 16,000 people living with the disease in the US at any given time.

Is there a cure for ALS?

    Unfortunately, there is no cure for ALS. The FDA has approved the use of several medications to manage the symptoms of the disease. Research is ongoing in hopes of more effective treatments and ultimately a cure.  Visit http://www.alsa.org/  for more information or to make a donation.

How can we help?

KC Home Medical Supply staff realize the obstacles that daily life can present for people living with ALS. Our staff are compassionate individuals trained to identify how adaptive products can improve the quality of life for patients and caregivers alike. We would be happy to talk about your specific issues or needs and find the product that best suits you. Please call or stop by one of our three locations for more information.

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