12.10.1: Types of Equipment

Patients may have a number of special types of equipment that have been prescribed for them to use in order to be as independent as possible. Home Health Aides/Personal Care Aides should always be sure they know how to use the equipment correctly prior to using it with a patient.

Bed Equipment

Patients may be using their own bed or they may have a prescribed hospital bed. Learn how to properly use a hospital bed by practicing using the buttons to raise and lower the bed prior to using it with a patient.

Mobility Equipment

Patients may have any number of equipment to help them with mobility. Learn which types have been prescribed to the patient and how to correctly use them. An important task of the HHA/PCA is to use and teach patients how to properly use mobility devices.

Types of Mobility Equipment Include:

• Canes
• Walkers
• Wheelchairs
• Transfer/sliding board
• Hydraulic Lift (e.g. Hoyer Lift)
• Electric Lift Chair
• Gait belts
• Braces, splints, slings
• Prosthetic limbs
• Special shoes or boots

Toileting Equipment

Patients may have special equipment to use which will assist them with toileting if they have problems with mobility. These types of equipment help to meet the patient’s elimination needs and maintain as much independence as possible. Remember to offer toileting at least every two hours, or more frequently if the patient requires. Use proper safety procedures for transferring a patient to a toilet or bedside commode.

Types of Toileting Equipment:

• Bedpan
• Urinal
• Bedside commode
• Catheters

Scales

One of the tasks of the Home Health Aide/Personal Care Aide may be to measure the patient’s weight on a regular basis. This helps to determine if the patient is maintaining an adequate weight. Some patients may be on a special diet to lose weight, while others are prescribed diets to help them gain weight. Patients with conditions such as kidney or heart failure may have to be weighed on a daily basis in order to measure if the patient is retaining fluid. Retaining fluid can lead to a worsening of their health condition.

Accuracy is important when weighing a patient. Always ensure the scale is balanced to zero before weighing a patient. When weighing a patient, Home Health Aides/Personal Care Aides should encourage them to empty their bladder and bowels first. Weigh them first thing in the morning, and while they are wearing light clothing, such as pajamas.

Depending on the patient’s mobility, they may have a bed scale, chair scale, balance scale, or bathroom scale. Learn how to properly use each type of scale. It is important to ensure the safety of the patient while weighing them. If a patient appears unsteady and unable to stand in order to be weighed, inform the supervisor.

Remember too that people may be sensitive about their weight. Never chastise (scold) or be judgmental toward a person about their weight. Maintain privacy while weighing a patient and do not disclose a patient’s weight to others outside of the healthcare team, unless the patient states it is okay.

Types of Scales:

• Bed scale (the patient is weighed while in bed)
• Chair scale (the patient sits while being weighed)
• Balance scale (the type found in a doctor’s office)
• Bathroom scale (digital or standard)

This section will provide instruction about how to properly weigh a patient, use a hydraulic lift, and a slide board. The Home Health Aide/Personal Care Aide should always seek training from their agency to ensure they can correctly complete any procedure.