Whether you are a senior seeking products that will improve your mobility and your lifestyle or a family caregiver looking for better supplies to care for your loved one, there are a variety of medical supplies and equipment providers available to help. Impressive advancements in medical equipment technology have afforded more Americans the opportunity to remain independent in a healthy and safe environment.

Medical supplies and equipment fall into two major categories: medical supplies and durable medical equipment. Medical supplies generally refers to products that are used to make patients more comfortable and need to be replenished on a regular basis. Durable medical equipment includes items that are long-lasting and are generally one-time purchases. Medical supplies and durable medical equipment can be used together or separately to help elderly and disabled individuals maintain their independence and mobility.

Medical Supplies

Medical supply products help individuals cope with and manage the symptoms of illness or old age. Products include specially adapted socks and stockings, protective undergarments, skin care products, cushions and positioners, and many other helpful items. A wide variety of daily living aids are also available to help individuals who need assistance with bathing, dressing, or taking medication. Home health monitors let patients track everything from blood pressure to heart rate. Specialized in-home tests also allow patients to track their blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

Durable Medical Equipment

Durable medical equipment includes items that help elderly or disabled individuals maintain mobility and/or receive necessary care in the comfort of their homes. These products are designed to help those who need extra assistance performing the tasks of daily living. Durable medical equipment products can be broken into two major categories: mobility products and care assistance products.

Mobility products include a wide range of highly advanced equipment to help individuals get around. From Scooters to canes, products are available for every mobility need.

Scooters are available in a range of styles and feature various options to meet individualized needs. Many individuals find outdoor mobility challenging and are searching for a personal mobility vehicle that can help them continue to participate in activities they enjoy. Others need more comprehensive daily assistance. Today’s wide range of scooters are more maneuverable, lighter, and more durable than their older counterparts and can be customized to fit every lifestyle-from that of the active outdoorsman to the individual with decreased mobility who wants to remain independent.

This article was reprinted with permission from Guide to Retirement Living SourceBook, to access the original article and additional senior living resources in VA, MD, DC, DE, PA, NJ click here.