7 Essential medical devices you must have at home for seniors

Senior citizens are increasingly finding themselves having to become independent to a certain extent still they have to keep a closer eye on their health compared to younger counterparts. However, if you think that keeping a tab on your vitals warrants a visit to the doctor every time, think again! Modern technology has made it possible to stock simple medical supplies for seniors at home to monitor their vitals. Some medical devices should be a top priority like blood pressure or oxygen levels. With these devices, you can detect irregularities immediately and seek timely medical help.

The devices mentioned below not only give them a fighting chance to fight against COVID-19 but also in maintaining a healthy lifestyle in general.

BP monitor

Having a blood pressure monitor at home can be critical to preventing heart disease and strokes among seniors. Normal blood pressure is around 110/70 to 120/80. Whether or not your senior family member suffers from hypertension or hypotension, this apparatus can be useful to keep track of any inconsistencies in their BP.

Glucometer

Diabetes is one of the leading causes of health complications in India. Having a machine handy that can accurately indicate the blood sugar level can prove to be lifesaving in the long run. It requires only a drop of blood. It is important to rely on the directions given by your doctor and the instruction manual that comes with the machine for optimum use of the device.

Pulse Oximeter

An oximeter is a small and affordable medical device that can be clipped on to your index finger to measure oxygen levels in your blood. Monitoring oxygen levels for seniors regularly can help detect conditions like anaemia or cardiovascular problems early. Normally, oxygen saturation levels between 95–100% are considered acceptable.

Weight Scale

Healthy body weight for seniors is just as essential as normal blood sugar or BP. Obesity can lead to many complications for elders, from joint and muscle pain to cardiovascular problems. Having a weighing scale at home can be useful to track BMI and establish a healthy diet plus exercise routine.

Thermometer

One of the most basic medical devices to have at home is a thermometer. The elderly are especially susceptible to infections like the flu that could lead to a spike in body temperature. They may also be prone to heat strokes. The normal temperature of the human body is between 970F to 990F. There are many thermometers available in the market, from oral and digital thermometers to contactless infra-red thermometers that have become popular during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nebulizer

Rampant pollution has made a disease like asthma become an everyday occurrence in this world. Even the corona virus affects the respiratory system more than any other organ in the body. Nebulizers help in administering medicines directly to the airway. This aids in regular breathing for the patient.

Medical Alert system

A medical alert system or a personal emergency response system is an extremely useful device for elders at home. In case of any emergency, like a fall or simply when they feel uncomfortable, they can get your attention with the click of a button instead of shouting for help or scrambling to make a phone call.