When it comes to home care medical supplies, most people are never sure what to expect.

Perhaps, your family is currently transitioning into a home care situation and you are not sure which supplies you need.

If you find yourself wondering what you need to get and even where you need to get it especially if you live in the Greater San Diego area, no need to worry!

In this blog post, we will go over what home care medical supplies you should have handy.

PLUS, give you a shortlist of area supply stores you can visit to find what you need.

Ready to dive in?

Let’s do it.

Home care medical supplies – Here’s what you really need

Specialized/Hospital bed

Not every senior will need a special bed but sometimes it becomes necessary if there is an underlying condition.

However, specialized beds can be good for several reasons:

1. They can be lowered, raised or reclined.
2. They are good if you are considering hiring a home caregiver through your local home care agency
3. Hospital beds are small, movable and can be easily maneuvered. You cannot do that with a traditional bed.
4. Specialized mattresses that are designed especially for these beds can also reduce the incidence of pressure ulcers as this study from Ghent University in Belgium showed.
5. Specialized beds typically come with side rail support to prevent falls.

Bedside support rail

Even if you choose to go with a traditional bed, you can still optimize it for safety.

One way you can do this is by getting a support rail to help prevent falls for your loved one.

Falls are a common health problem for seniors which can have devastating consequences.

Buying a support rail will help your loved one maneuver better in their bed and prevent them from falls and injuries.

Walker

Mobility is an issue for many older adults.

A walker will be helpful in helping your elderly loved one move around and get things done around the house independently.

Wheelchair

A wheelchair is another mobility aid that can increase the independence of your elderly loved one.

Shower chair

The shower is another place where falls can occur.

Taking a shower does not have to become a danger trap for an elder.

A shower chair can prevent that.

Staircase transport

It is best if you can customize the home so that your elderly loved one lives on the first/ground floor and doesn’t have to use the staircase.

However, I know that this may not be feasible for everyone.

In such instances, staircase transport support becomes imperative.

First aid kit

Every home needs a first aid kit!

According to the Red Cross, a good first aid kit should include:

• 2 absorbent compress dressings (5 x 9 inches)
• 25 adhesive bandages (assorted sizes)
• 1 adhesive cloth tape (10 yards x 1 inch)
• 5 antibiotic ointment packets (approximately 1 gram)
• 5 antiseptic wipe packets
• 2 packets of aspirin (81 mg each) (PLEASE NOTE: Aspirin is not good for everyone. It is especially not advised if your loved one is on blood thinners or bleeds easily. Alternative pain killers include ibuprofen (e.g. Advil) and acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol).)
• Blanket
• 1 breathing barrier (with one-way valve)
• 1 instant cold compress
• 2 pair of non-latex gloves (size: large)
• 2 hydrocortisone ointment packets (approximately 1 gram each)
• Scissors
• 1 roller bandage (3 inches wide)
• 1 roller bandage (4 inches wide)
• 5 sterile gauze pads (3 x 3 inches)
• 5 sterile gauze pads (4 x 4 inches)
• Oral thermometer (non-mercury/non-glass)
• 2 triangular bandages
• Tweezers
• First aid instruction booklet

Or you could just go to Wal-Mart or Target and pick one up!

Non-skid bathmats

These help prevent falls in the bathroom.

Compression garments

Compression garments are used in different kinds of situations but their main purpose is to encourage blood circulation.

A common type of compression garment is the compression socks. These can be worn just like regular rocks with daily shoes to improve circulation.

Find out from your loved one’s doctor if they need one.

Adult diapers/Disposable Under-pads

Extra adult briefs and disposable under-pads are must-have home care supplies if your elderly loved one has challenges with controlling bowel movements or urine.

Disposal under-pads are especially helpful for home caregivers when they need to change your loved one in keeping messes off the bed.

Home Care Medical Supplies Stores in Greater San Diego

Here is a shortlist of San Diego home care medical supplies stores in the Greater San Diego area.

San Diego Home Care Supplies

All Home Medical Supply 

Harmony Home Medical

Advanced Medical

Closing Thoughts

Will you need all these items as you transition to home care?

Of course not!

Every individual needs something different and so you will get these items depending on your loved one’s particular needs.

This list is just to give you an idea of what items you may need to get.

If you found this post helpful, please consider sharing it someone else who needs this.