Essential home medical equipments are a must for senior citizens who want to lead a self reliant and fulfilling life. One of the many lessons which you would have learned as a senior is that you cannot let your health depend 100% on others or wait for professional health check up every time you feel uncomfortable. You have to take responsibility individually and collectively for being able to self-monitor yourself and prevent yourself from illnesses. You have to be able to keep a check on yourself with home medical equipment with regards to your health each day to make sure you are fit.

Thanks to the development of healthcare and technology, you can now perform various tests and self monitor yourself from the comfort of your home. Increased medical awareness has increased the demand for home health care equipment. Use of these devices can seem confusing initially, but once you practice, they will be able to save you a lot of time and money. This Buying guide details some of the most essential medical equipment which a senior needs to have at home.

1. Thermometer

Thermometers are used to measure the temperature of the body and is the first health tool for many illnesses. The normal body temperature is 37.0 degrees Celsius (°C). This is just the average, your body temperature can be slightly higher or lower. Any reading above 37.6 degree Celsius for a prolonged time can be indications of fever. It is advisable to call a doctor then. But, if your body temperature falls back to normal readings, you can manage yourself. Digital thermometers are faster and give accurate readings then mercury thermometers. Thermometer can be used in three ways - Oral, Axillary, Rectal.

2. Glucometer

Glucometers are the medical equipment which measure the concentration of glucose in the blood. It is most important for diabetic seniors who need to monitor their blood glucose levels at regular intervals. It checks glucose through a test-strip blood sample. This can help diabeticians/endocrinologists to correctly prescribe medications and change prescriptions if necessary. With a glucometer a senior can have more accurate data on their blood sugar level on a daily basis. This home monitor can take readings quickly and easily at any time. A blood sugar level less than 140 mg/dL is normal.

3. Oximeter

Pulse oximeters are used to calculate the oxygen level in the blood. During the COVID-19 pandemic, this equipment was highly in demand to analyse the seriousness of a patient’s infection with the virus. This device is simple and easy to use and understand. The device is placed on the finger or earlobe and the sensor measures the oxygen present in the blood. The blood oxygen levels are measured in percentages, so any reading between 95%-98% is normal. There is no cause for alarm unless the reading is less than 92%. A low reading indicates the lack of oxygen in the blood and a ventilator is required in extreme cases. You can buy pulse oximeters online.

4. BP monitor

A blood pressure monitor  also called a sphygmomanometer is used to measure the blood pressure in the body. As a senior, it is necessary to monitor yourself at home if you have high BP. This way you can make sure that you are alright and be consistent in your care. These devices have inflatable cuffs and a manometer to measure the Blood Pressure. This equipment at home helps you keep track of your BP anytime and it is fully automatic and is able to measure both systolic and diastolic readings.

5. Weighing Scales

Close to 30% of all senior citizens are obese. Obesity in itself is not a probelm but being obese can lead to a lot of problems. Weighing scales are devices which are used to calculate the total body weight and can help to keep a track on one’s fitness and diet. They are also helpful in finding the Body Mass Index (BMI) which is crucial for a healthy lifestyle. Weighing scales come in both analog and digital form. They are quick and easy to use. 24-30 is the correct BMI for senior citizens.

There are many more available home medical test equipment with each one having its benefits. The need for the elderly medical equipment is to be decided based on the individual requirements and conditions. With these 5 medical devices in your home, you can be assured of leading a life more self-reliant and healthier.

Author : Team 60Plus India

Keywords used : Buying Guide, Home Essential Medical Equipment, Self Monitor, Health, Well Being, Thermometer, Glucometer, Oximeter, BP monitor, Weighing scales, Senior citizens.

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