An Explanation of Bariatric Equipment

Statistics from the American Heart Association show that more than 150 million Americans aged 20 and older are overweight or obese as of 2013.  These numbers show that many Americans deal with the daily struggles that carrying extra weight brings.  Sometimes, a person’s weight makes it where they can not function like a non-obese person, especially in their medical needs.  These people require special medical equipment designed for them as their weight prevents the use of non-bariatric supplies.

As a caregiver, it is necessary to maintain a level of trust, openness, and honesty with any person you are caring for.  Our culture has created such walls around discussing weight, but when a patient is over 300 pounds, his weight becomes a safety matter for himself and his caregiver.  The products must be designed to bear the weight and the caregiver must protect herself from bearing too much of that weight to prevent injury.

One example of a medical supply product that serves a specific audience, based on weight, is the Invacare Bariatric Commode.  These commodes are portable, so anyone who has difficulty getting to the bathroom can use the commode to stay sanitary and maintain a degree of dignity that using a diaper or brief might not provide.  When they are bariatric commodes, the commodes can sustain weight 400 pounds and greater.  This keeps the person safe by using a product designed especially for him or her.

Lifts are another great tool for protecting caregivers from muscle pulls and injury when caring for a severely obese person, as well as protecting the patient from injury from falls.  These powerful machines usually fit in a standard bedroom and help lift a bariatric person into and out of bed for transportation, changes, or bathing.  Buying a lift with a manufacturer warranty is essential and thus we recommend buying one new as opposed to used, in spite of the cost.  It is necessary to keep caregivers in functioning physical health so don’t skimp on the protection.

While there are many different pieces of equipment and other products available, such as Aids to Daily Living and Incontinence products, to people 400 pounds and over, the equipment is all I will mention today.  Any questions?  Be sure to write in our comment section below.