Providing care to someone who is obese can require specialized supplies. Bariatric caregiving supplies can help you provide a better level of care and minimize potential risks, like back injuries or other bodily harm that comes from trying to lift or care for a bariatric patient.
Who is Considered a Bariatric Patient?
A person is considered a bariatric patient if they have a body mass index equal to or greater than 40, although there are different levels of severity. A person who fits into this category may struggle with mobility.
It may also be challenging for a bariatric patient to complete tasks that others take for granted, such as using a traditional toilet or showering in a typical bathroom setting. Caregiving for someone who is obese is challenging because their weight makes it hard to move them to allow for proper access.
How to Improve Outcomes with Better Products
One of the steps that may be beneficial for caregivers is to seek out bariatric products specifically designed to accommodate larger sized individuals. This type of equipment may fit better, making it easier to perform necessary tasks and enhancing the level of care.
Some bariatric caregiving equipment might make it possible for patients to do more self-care, as well. They may avoid doing important tasks because they don’t have the right tools.
How to Find Bariatric Caregiving Supplies
Often, it is simply a matter of looking for the term “bariatric” on the label. You might see extra-large or XXL, but they still may not fit. Bariatric is a medical term used to indicate products for someone who is medically obese. There are a variety of products that use this label.
Bariatric Blood Pressure Cuffs
For diagnosing conditions or monitoring health, bariatric blood pressure cuffs are essential. There are several types available, including those that are large enough to place around the arm and those designed for use on the thigh. Proper sizing is critical to getting accurate readings.
Bariatric Incontinence Supplies
It’s often difficult for bariatric individuals to get to and from the bathroom if they have mobility issues or incontinence problems that are common with age. This is when the use of bariatric incontinence supplies is necessary, like pads or bariatric briefs.
These supplies need to be large enough to fit the patient, absorbent, and easy to put on and take off. In some cases, the use of a commode may also be necessary.
Basic Skincare
Skincare can be tricky when it comes to bariatric caregiving. Skin irritation and infections are common. First, it’s critical to have the right skincare products to wash the skin, remove bacteria, and protect skin from damage caused by built-up moisture, especially within skin folds.
The use of personal washcloths may help to some degree with this. Also, those with sensitive skin and skin breakdowns may need additional products to help with reducing the spread of skin damage and avoiding the onset of bedsores, which can be life-threatening.
Mobility Aids
Mobility aids designed for bariatric patients are available to help assist in transportation and movement. Gait belts may be useful in patient handling and mobility, while a transfer sheet is ideal for transport. Bariatric rollators are great for indoor and outdoor use and offer smooth maneuverability.
There’s no doubt that it’s challenging to care for a larger person, whether they are family member or a patient. With the wide range of bariatric products available to help you, it may be possible for you to see significant improvement in your day-to-day caregiving.
Find the bariatric caregiving supplies you need at Simply Medical.