I'm a Caregiver: What Products Should I Keep On-Hand?

There are over 44 million caregivers in the United States that provide an average of 21 hours of care each week to the sick, disabled, and/or elderly. That means there are multitudes of people, both paid and unpaid, in the U.S tasked with overseeing their loved one’s basic care needs, and working with trained medical staff on how to properly address any health issues that may arise. Many caregivers are balancing their caregiving tasks with full-time careers.  Additionally, most have a solid knowledge base of health products and daily living aids in order to be prepared for whatever situation may arise. So, what are some examples of products that an experienced caregiver should keep in their arsenal? Let’s break the necessities down by need:

·         Bathing

o   Shampoo Tray- this tray is contoured to fit a neck comfortably and rest on shoulders for easy shampooing in seated position.

o   Bedside Care Body Wash- this product boasts to be a complete bath in a bottle. No rinsing needed! This product is perfect for sensitive skin, and is an all-body wash and incontinent cleanser.

o   Comfort Shampoo Cap- this product cleans and softens hair without the mess and aggravation of traditional methods. This fabric-lined cap effectively removes EEG gel, blood, iodine, and more to leave hair clean and fresh.

o   No-Rinse Bathing Wipes- these alcohol-free wipes are enriched with aloe and lanolin, to clean and deodorize, for a complete bath experience.

o   Bath Seat with Back and Arms- this bath seat is constructed of heavy duty molded plastic, with an aluminum anodized frame. Comes complete with skid resistant rubber tips along with push button release removable arms and back.  

o   Grab Bar- this product will add security and stability to any spot in your home and help you get around, sit or stand.

·         Incontinence

o   Reassure Overnight Underwear- one of our most absorbent underwear with complete overnight protection for a restful night of sleep.

o   Always Discreet Maximum Pads- protects against moderate bladder leaks and make your overactive bladder feel like no big deal. 

o   Reassure Booster Pads, Moderate- this product is designed to wear in addition to your primary absorbent garment. They are ultra-thin for greater comfort. 

o   Rubber Pant- Reassure Rubber Pants help to hold pads or briefs in place and keep clothing dry.

o   Reassure Premium Underpads with Tape- the unique design of the Reassure Premium Underpads with Tapes makes them ideal for a good night's rest.  Wide adhesive strips keep the underpad in place throughout the night. 

o   Janibell Akord Slim Disposal System- the Janibell Akord Slim Disposal System locks in odors to keep things smelling fresh. Perfect for home use or in assisted living or nursing home settings, the Akord Slim’s elegant design looks attractive in any room.

·         Daily Living

o   Dignity Mealtime Protector- this reusable protector is easy to wash and helps protect clothing during mealtime.

o   Safety Treads- this product helps provide safe traction in tubs, on bathroom floors, on stairs, or anywhere that there is a danger of slipping.

o   Large Print Playing Cards with Holder- great for people with pain and/or limited use of their hands. Most find using this holder much easier than trying to hold multiple cards in one hand. The slot is designed so that cards can be easily added or removed. Also holds Mah-Jongg tiles, recipes, or memos.

o   MyID Hive Bracelet- this product is the easiest way to access, store and manage your health information.

These products are just some examples of products that help caregivers provide quality care for those under their supervision. There are plenty of other products and aids that can be found on HDIS.com that can supplement an established care plan created uniquely for your patient’s needs.  Not only is a caregiver responsible for assisting with basic care needs, they are also an integral part of providing companionship and helping to maintain their loved one’s home. These points may seem trivial to those not in need of personal caregiving services, but mean the world to those who need a little extra help on a day-to-day basis. HDIS knows that caregivers face monumental pressures to properly serve those in their care, we hope you’ll visit us at HDIS.com for additional blogs, resources and insights on how to face those challenges ahead!

HDIS' friendly and knowledgeable customer care representatives are available to answer all of your questions and provide product counseling. Give HDIS a call: 1-800-269-4663.