Bariatric Equipment

 

 

Individuals who weigh more than 250 pounds are considered to comprise the bariatric population.  It is estimated that one-third of all Americans are considered to be obese.  This heavier set population frequently suffers from illnesses including diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, and back and joint pain.  Many who suffer from these illnesses become unable to walk and require bariatric equipment to help them function in their home and community.  They usually have problems with muscle strength due to their immobility.  They also have decreased available movement caused by excessive tissue.  Pain from over taxing on the joints and lack of breath due to exertion cause mobility problems for the heavier set population.  Therefore, bariatric equipment is medical equipment especially designed for the heavier population.

 

Bariatric equipment can be difficult to find and usually more expensive due to the fact that it must be heavy duty.  Even bariatric wheelchairs require stronger metals or stronger batteries/motors for power wheelchairs.  This website will concentrate on the different types of bariatric equipment available on the market. 

 

Bariatric Equipment – Shower Chairs 

Many bariatric clients have difficulty not only getting into and out of the shower, but also for prolonged standing.  They require heavy duty shower chairs to help them be safe in the shower.  The heavier population also has to be aware of their skin and transfer status in the bathroom.  Falls can be very dangerous for the bariatric population, as getting up from the ground can be very difficult, if not impossible without lifting equipment.

  

The purchaser of a bariatric shower chair should be cautious when making their choice.  They should buy a shower chair that not only fits them now, but would also fit them if they were to gain more weight.  The bathtub should also be measured to make sure the shower chair will fit properly.  If the person or the proper bath lift cannot fit adequately within the bathtub confines, it is recommended that the person consider construction of a roll-in shower.  Overall, it is important for bariatric clients to properly clean and dry themselves to avoid fungal and bacteria growth.  

 

Bariatric Equipment – Beds 

When someone a bariatric client is considering purchasing a bed, they must consider their ability to transfer on to it, the ability it has to change positions, and the ability for the caregiver and user to operate it.  In regards to bed height, if it is too low the person will have trouble standing up from it.  It is best to look for a bed that has height adjustment.  The ability to change position is also important to help individuals who cannot sleep at a total horizontal position due to sleep apnea or discomfort.  Also, the caregiver may need to access both sides of the bed to be able to transfer the user to and from bed.  Usually, bariatric beds are wider than standard hospital beds because of safety concerns when the client is turning over.

  

The mattress is also something that should be considered when purchasing bariatric equipment, because a soft mattress may make it difficult for the individual to transfer off of or to move on. This can make transfers difficult.  Also, if the individual is in bed for many hours and is immobile they may need a pressure reduction mattress.  There are many types of mattresses and overlays available to help individuals who are prone to pressure sores. These types of mattresses include air, gel and water.  These help reduce friction and help distribute pressure.  There are also high-end bariatric mattresses that will also rotate the individual from side to side during the night to avoid excess pressure and improve sleep quality. 

 

 

Bariatric Equipment – Walking 

Heavier set individuals may require the use of a walker or rollator in order to get around their home and community.  There are different choices of rollators available on the market.  Some walkers/rollators have the option of wheels or stopper bottoms and others are available with or without seat on them.  Most options are foldable.  There are also canes and crutches available, but they are not as safe for the bariatric client.  An individual should contact their physician and local medical store, in order to try out different options.  It is important for bariatric clients to ambulate if they can, because it helps improve strength, endurance and the ability for caregivers or the person to take care of themself. 

 

Bariatric Equipment – Diabetic Shoes 

Many people with bariatric needs have diabetic concerns.   Diabetic conditions warrant a regime that includes proper foot and skin care.  This is because of the bodys’ impaired sensation, lack of circulation and the lack of ability to heal after it has become injured.  In the diabetic, special concern is especially spent on the feet and hands, as they are the most distant parts of the human body.  This means that because the circulation and sensation are impaired, injury can happen because of small objects stuck in someone’s shoe or severe weather conditions can cause significant problems.

  

If an individual has a small pebble or wrinkle in their sock, it can cause an area of pressure that has the ability to develop a small ulcer on the foot.  Once this ulcer has started, it must be treated immediately, so that it does not worsen.  It can take weeks for the diabetic to heal from such sores.  Therefore, it is imperative that the diabetic client be aware their sock and shoe condition.

  

There are many companies that provide special socks for the diabetic community without seams. This helps decrease pressure areas around the toes.  Also, there are companies that make diabetic shoes, that have decreased seams and laces that can all cause sudden pressure sore development on the diabetic patient.  Insurance usually covers one pair of diabetic shoes per year if the person has a diabetic condition and has durable medical equipment coverage.   

  

Bariatric Equipment – Manual/Power Wheelchair and Scooters 

Many bariatric clients become immobile due to decreased strength, endurance and movement availability.  Some of these clients cannot uses walking aids and now require some type of manual wheelchair or power operated mobility device, such as a power wheelchair or scooter.  Manual wheelchair are most often used for people that have the ability to propel themselves using their arms or are being pushed by a caregiver.  Heavy duty manual wheelchairs are difficult because they are usually bulky and heavy and are difficult to push because of the person’s weight combined with the weight of the wheelchair.  The positive attribute of the manual wheelchair is that it is transportable in cars.  The basic manual wheelchair usually has a sling back and seat, which is not the most comfortable option for the bariatric clientele. 

  

Power wheelchairs and scooters are usually preferred by the bariatric population because they offer independent mobility with improved comfort.  The fact that the individual does not need to propel, saves their energy for other skills, such as transferring and completing activities of daily living.  There are many different choices when it comes to power wheelchairs and scooters.  Many insurance agencies will provide coverage for these devices.  However, they must be needed in the clients’ home, to be covered. 

  

Bariatric Equipment – Hydraulic Lifts/Hoyer Lifts 

Individuals with bariatric needs should be cautious when asking for help in transfers.  Many people do not know how to lift correctly and can become seriously injured if the transfer is not done correctly.  Many nursing organizations have changed their philosophy to a “no-lift” policy.  Basically, if the person weighs over 30 pounds, they must be lifted with a hydraulic device.  Since there has been this change in patient care standards, the number of individuals and children being transferred with hydraulic lifts has dramatically increased.

    

A hydraulic lift consists of a sling, which is placed under an individual.  The sling’s hook ends are then connected to the lifting apparatus which is then pumped up to lift the client out of bed or their wheelchair.  The use of this device has significantly reduced the number of workers compensation cases, as well as, patient injury. 

 

Bariatric Equipment -- Summary 

It is difficult for the heavier population to get equipment to help them be functional at home.  It is usually more expensive and harder to find.  However, more companies are entering the market to help this population.  If you are unable to get to your local medical supply store, you may seek these items out on the internet.  This bariatric equipment that was discussed can really help someone stay functional in their home and community.  It is recommended that the clients speak to their physicians for proper recommendation on bariatric equipment.

 

 

 Last Update:  12/28/07

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This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor or any other health care provider. Global Rehab Technologies, LLC disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information. 

 

To contact us, please e-mail GlobalRehabTech@roadrunner.com