Being a caregiver is a noble and rewarding job, but it can also be challenging and complicated without sufficient preparation and organization. A few essential tools and medical supplies in your toolkit can significantly make your job easier and, in some cases, even save lives.
If you want to provide better care to your patients, look no further than these must-have caregiver essentials.
Latex and Non-Latex Gloves
When caring for older adults, you need to keep you and your patient safe. Have a steady supply of latex and non-latex gloves (for those allergic to latex). These can be useful in a variety of tasks, from cleaning to doing basic medical care like dressing a wound.
Take it up a notch by having all your PPE essentials (gloves, masks, wipes, hand sanitizer, and thermometer) in one kit, so they’re always ready in a convenient resealable bag.
Pill Organizer
Patients usually have several medications at different doses and at different times. As you may be responsible for keeping your patient adherent to the treatments, you need to keep everything organized.
Having a pill organizer will save you a lot of time, as you can prepare the week’s medications beforehand. What’s more, having all of the pills organized will remind you when to call the pharmacy for a refill.
Pill Cutter
Use a good pill cutter when necessary to ensure consistent dosage and safety. A pill cutter also protects your medication supply and helps avoid cross-contamination.
Sanitizers and Cleansers
Alcohol and rinse-free cleansing wipes are the go-to cleaning products due to their strength, efficiency, and convenience. Choose cleansing wipes with Aloe and vitamin E as they’re gentler on the skin.
You may also keep a no-rinse liquid soap for patients who are dealing with ostomy or incontinence. This perineal and skin cleanser will allow for gentle and thorough cleaning while helping prevent dermatitis and other skin irritations.
Keep a bottle of hand sanitizer handy, too, to protect both yourself and the person in your care. Hand sanitizer will remove different germs from your hands.
Digital Thermometer
A digital thermometer is high on the list of items every caregiver needs. It is an invaluable tool in every home and facility. If you’re handling several patients in one shift, a non-contact thermometer can be your best option.
Without the need to come in contact with the skin, some digital thermometers can read temperatures in just one second and display the readings on a large, easy-to-read LCD screen.
Tools to Monitor Your Patients
Fall prevention is a priority when it comes to home healthcare for older adults. Ensure their safety with a fall prevention monitor.
Choose one with an auto-reset function that silences and resets the alarm. The raised visual status light enables the caregiver to see the alarm from a distance to avoid possible injuries and accidents.
Provide the best care to your patients with the right attitude, preparation, and caregiver necessities. Find everything you need, from medical-grade cleaning products to monitoring devices, at Simply Medical.