ARTIKLER / SYKEHJEM
Medical equipment every nursing home should have available
Residents of nursing homes are more likely than other people to need hospital treatment. These hospital stays can be disturbing and frightening, especially for people with dementia. The right medical equipment deployed in nursing homes can manage a number of less serious conditions, prevent deterioration, and reduce the need to transport residents to and from hospital.
Having the right supplies on hand is an important component of nursing home preparedness. In order to take the best possible care of nursing home residents, you should have access to a range of equipment and aids, such as:
- Walkers
- Wheelchairs
- Crutches
- Patient alarms
- Shower seats
- Nursing home beds, mattresses adapted for the elderly
- Thermometer, stethoscope etc.
- Bed lifts, support structures and stretchers
- Disinfectants / soaps
Correct training
Training remains a core component of quality nursing homes. Misuse of equipment such as defibrillators or catheters can cause serious patient injuries. Staff must be trained in how to use each piece of equipment. For highly specialized equipment, it must be ensured that a designated person or unit is responsible for its use. Certain medical devices may only be safe for a paramedic, EMT or other professional to use, so check your state's regulations and read accompanying user manuals.