Medicare: What you don't know WILL make you sick Part 2

The most serious issue facing the home medical equipment industry right now is competitive bidding. In its current form, it will have a devastating effect on both medical equipment providers and their patients -- our parents, grandparents and other loved ones.

A study commissioned by VGM concluded that CB will have a horrible effect on rural areas, which is the opposite of what CMS has been telling lawmakers and the medical equipment industry.
This study, as well as some interviews with individuals who use HME and related services, is the basis for VGM TV’s first show, “Medicare: What You Don’t Know WILL Make You Sick."

Click here to view Part 2 and learn the potential impact Competitive Bidding could have on our rural communities.

Multigeneration Households Are Growing

Before there was Social Security, welfare or other social safety nets, there was family. When times got hard or life went off the rails, people went home. Multigeneration Households Increased During the Recession Since the start of the recession in 2007, people have been turning to their families again, and in record numbers, according to a Pew Research Center study. In 2008, 49 million Americans (just over 16 percent of the population, including a rising number of seniors) lived in multi-generation households-2.6 million more than in 2007. But the recession didn't start the increase in multigeneration households, it only accelerated a trend that has been building steadily since 1980, when the number of Americans living in such family units hit an all-time low of about 12 percent. In 2008, about 20 percent of adults 65 and older were living in households with at least two generations under one roof. Some had moved in with children or other relatives to make a fixed income go farther or to have a family caretaker nearby, while others were raising their grandchildren. Yet the biggest factor in creating new multigeneration households was the number of young adults in the 25 to 34 age group that moved in with their parents or older relatives. The percentage of young adults ages 25 to 34 who were living in multigeneration households in 2008 was about the same as the percentage of people who were 65 and older. But the increase in young adults living in multigeneration households was dramatic (from 11 percent in 1980 to 20 percent in 2008) while the increase among older people was more gradual (from 17 percent in 1980 to 20 percent in 2008). The Sandwich Generation is Born Many baby boomers-the so-called sandwich generation -are caught in the middle as they struggle to provide shelter and support for aging parents and adult children who are not yet able to live on their own. And the economy is making it harder for many people, young and old, to remain independent-which drives the increase in multigeneration households. The Pew Research Center reports that roughly 37 percent of younger Americans (aged 18 to 29) were either unemployed or out of the work force in 2008, the highest percentage in 40 years. And a more recent Pew Research survey found that among 22- to 29-year-olds, one in eight say that the recession caused them to boomerang back to live with their parents after being on their own for awhile. Creating a Successful Multigeneration Household For even the most loving families, a multigeneration household can put a strain on communication, lifestyles, privacy and peace of mind. It's important to keep communication open and avoid misunderstandings. Take a tip from well-run businesses and schedule a family meeting once a week-or at least once a month. Decide how household tasks will be shared, look for ways to streamline meal planning and preparation, and household chores. And don't forget to have fun together. The poet Robert Frost said: "Home is the place where, when you have to go there, they have to take you in." In today's economically troubled times, it appears that more and more people are being forced to test that theory. Artcile by Sharon O'Brien About.com Guide

Elegant Grab Bars?

As more and more people make the choice to age at home or recover at home after an accident or illness the medical industry responds. Did you know that you can install grab bars in your home to give you the safety and support you or a loved one needs yes still maintain the décor? There is a vast selection of grab bars in various sizes and finishes that are actually pretty elegant looking. Let us connect you with a certified provider to review the selection and make arrangements to install your new grab bars today. Call HMEprovider.com 800-951-1213

If you worry that physical limitations will prevent you from caring for a loved one in your home, don't give up! A care facility is NOT the only answer. There are many different patient lifts available to accomidate all levels of need.

The EASYmove Seated Support Aid by BHM is one such patient lift. EASYmove allows individuals a greater level of independence in there own home while reducing caregiver's strain.In today's homecare settings the need to assist your loved one to move around the house or to the toilet is something you may be called upon to do regularly. The hazards associated with performing a manually assisted transfer can be avoided through the use of the BHM Medical EASYmove. The EASYmove is a seated support aid solution for a patient who has the ability to stand, but requires some assistance to move around the home. It offers the benefits of active participation in the transfer as well as providing a level of independence.EASYmove allows individuals a greater level of independence in there own home while reducing caregiver's strain.In today's homecare settings the need to assist your loved one to move around the house or to the toilet is something you may be called upon to do regularly. The hazards associated with performing a manually assisted transfer can be avoided through the use of the BHM Medical EASYmove. The EASYmove is a seated support aid solution for a patient who has the ability to stand, but requires some assistance to move around the home. It offers the benefits of active participation in the transfer as well as providing a level of independence.

To learn more about how you can be connected to a local patient lift dealer go to HMEprovider.com today or call us at 800-951-1213.

Safety with NO installation!

Did you know there are products available to you today, at minimal charge, requiring virtually NO installation, that can make a world of difference to your safety and your independence at home?

Many people probably don’t have the first clue about where to find simple products that can make it easier for them to get out of bed in the morning or take a bath at night. Many may think of the standard medical equipment like walkers and canes, but there is so much more out there for you!!

Have you ever considered a suction cup grab bar or a tub clamp? These products require no “installation” and therefore no change to the structure of your home, yet they may very well be a way for you to find added comfort and safety.


If getting in and out of bed is becoming a challenge, don’t assume you need to give up the bed that offers you a great night’s sleep, consider a bed assist. This item secures under your mattress and will provide the extra support you need in getting into bed or repositioning yourself.

To view additional products to help you stay comfortable and independent at home visit http://www.hmeprovider.com/

If you don’t see what you’re looking for, give us a call. Our network contains over 3,000 providers nationwide that specialize in meeting your medical equipment needs. 800-951-1213

Connecting the Aging in Place to LOCAL Equipment Providers

Not Just Answers… Solutions

Are you or your loved one needing medical equipment but don’t know where to find it? Are you wondering how something like a stair lift really works and how it might aid in your independence and comfort at home? You have just taken the first step in getting your questions answered. We are HMEprovider.com and we’re here to help you.

HMEprovider, making home work

We hope you’ll find our site to be a thorough resource for learning more about various pieces of medical equipment and home modification solutions that will allow you or your loved one to remain independent in their home. HMEprovider.com is not just a “click and buy” site. Through your inquiry submission, you will be connected to a local medical equipment provider in your area for direct and local follow up in best meeting your needs.
HMEprovider.com has a network of over 3,000 independent, community based providers nationwide specializing in a variety of medical equipment, respiratory equipment, custom rehab equipment and home modification solutions. Most of our providers are Medicare licensed, have the ability to bill your private insurance and have obtained industry accreditations.



Visit us at http://www.hmeprovider.com/