DME Guide & Tips
- Check the weight capacities of equipment.
- Although you may feel the urge to ‘OT something’, do NOT alter DME, as you may compromise the integrity and safety of the device, e.g. drilling holes into walkers.
- Some equipment may require assembly (patients may require additional assistance)
- Besides purchasing, other options include: borrowing, thrift shops, second hand
- Most insurances including Medicare do not cover most of these DME.
- Eval/Interview: are patient’s using unsafe DME? e.g., suction cup grab bars, low weight capacities, old equipment that requires servicing, grab bars not anchored to studs
- Consider environmental restrictions (door jams, small spaces, clutter, etc.)
- Often, renters have more restrictions than homeowners, considerations include ADA, Fair Housing Act, Lease agreement, etc.
- Can it be placed somewhere else, e.g. bedside instead of bathroom?
- Consider the 1st floor instead of 2nd
- Can another room be used instead?
- Can items be removed?
- Can doors be removed?
- Always read and follow manufacturer’s safety and installation instructions.
DME & A/E Index
Kits (Usually more economical, easier for patients buy what’s necessary)
- Hip Replacement Kits
Feeding
- Walker Tray with Cup Holder
- Plate Guard
- Weighted Utensils
Mobility
- Front Wheel Walker (FWW)
- Platform for Front Wheel Walker (PFWW)
- 4 Wheel Walker (4WW)
- Wide Base Quad Cane (WBQC)
- Small Base Quad Cane (SBQC)
- Single Point Cane (SPC)
- Walker Basket with Cup Holder
- Walker Tote Bag
- Walker Tennis Balls
Bariatric Mobility
- Bariatric FWW
- Bariatric 4WW
Shower Chairs & Benches
- Shower Chair
- Shower Bench
- Bariatric Shower Chair
- Bariatric Shower Bench
Bed/Chair/Couch Mobility
- Bed Assist Rail / Handle
- Leg Lifter
- Couch Assist Rail / Handle
Car / Driving
- Handy Bar
Toileting
- 3-in-1 Commode
- Bariatric Commode
- Raised Toilet Seat with Handle Bars
- Toilet Handle Bars
- Toilet Aids / Buddies
Cooking
- Rocker Knife
- One-handed Cutting Board
- One-handed Jar Opener
General Purpose
- Dycem
- Build-up Foam
- Reachers
- Shoe Horns
DME & A/E Kits
Hip Replacement Kits
Although these are made for ‘hip replacements’, they contain commonly used adaptive equipment that can be recommended to most patients.
Hip Replacement Kit (5 items)
Hip Replacement Kit (7 items)
Feeding/Eating
Walker Tray with Cup Holder
Plate Guard
Weighted Utensils
Mobility
Front Wheel Walker
Platform for Front Wheel Walker (PFWW)
4 Wheel Walker
Wide Base Quad Cane (WBQC)
Walker Basket with Cup Holder
Bariatric Mobility
Bariatric 4WW
Shower Chair & Bench
Shower Chair
Shower Bench
Bariatric Shower Chair
Bariatric Shower Bench
Bed Mobility
Car / Driving
Handy Bar
Toileting
Bariatric Commode
Raised toilet seat with handle bars
Toilet Safety Bars
Toilet Aids / Buddies
Cooking
Rocker Knife
One-handed Cutting Board
One-handed Jar Opener
General Purpose
Dycem