Lab Equipment Essential for an Elderly Nursing Home

According to Zippia, 4% of American seniors live in nursing homes, and it is estimated that by 2050, 27-30 million Americans will require long-term care services.

If you run an elderly nursing home, you know how important it is to have the right equipment in your facility. This includes everything from wheelchairs to blood pressure cuffs and more. The last thing you want is to put a patient at risk by not having the proper tools for them. 

In this article, we'll go over some of the essential types of lab equipment for elderly people, so that you can keep your patients safe and comfortable.

Gait Belt

The gait belt is used to help elderly patients walk. It's an essential piece of equipment in the medical industry, and it can be used in any medical facility where a patient may need assistance with balance or movement. It's especially important for an elderly nursing home because many of the patients there have balance issues due to age or neurological conditions.

Gait belts are made of nylon material and come in different sizes depending on your patient’s size. Some straps go around the patient's waist, waist and chest, or even over both shoulders if needed. 

The main use of a gait belt is for getting patients up from their wheelchairs onto their feet so they can walk safely without falling over themselves. However, they can also be used as safety devices outside of wheelchairs as well. For example, you might want to put one on someone who has trouble standing up straight because they're weak from old age or maybe even dizzy.

Laboratory Microscope

A laboratory microscope is a valuable tool for any nursing home. It can be used to examine samples of blood, urine, and stool visually. The device allows you to look at your patients' specimens at 10x magnification with ease so you can accurately determine whether or not they have an infection. 

That will help you provide faster treatment for your elderly patients, which means fewer visits to the hospital and a lower risk of them developing further health problems.

A good microscope should be easy-to-use and have clear optics (the lenses). It must also have adjustable focus options to view objects from different distances. And if it is a large investment for your facility right now, consider you can also consider getting laboratory microscopes for rent.

Chair Scale

A chair scale is a device used to determine weight. It is usually found in nursing home patient rooms. The nursing staff uses this device to take patients' weights, which helps them keep track of how much fluid and food intake each patient receives. 

In addition to taking a patient's weight, this device can also be used for diagnosis. If a patient has lost weight or has gained an abnormal amount of weight, then there may be something wrong with their health that needs immediate attention from doctors or nurses.

Pressure-Redistribution Surfaces

A pressure-redistribution surface is a type of mattress that reduces pressure points and prevents the development of pressure ulcers.

This is achieved by distributing weight evenly across the surface of mattress, increasing its ability to support the patient's body and thus reducing pressure on certain areas.

You may be wondering why this technology hasn't been around for longer, but it's important to note that these beds are relatively new. They've only been around since 2012. 

According to Grand View Research, the global pressure-redistribution mattresses market was worth $1.66 billion in 2020, and it is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5% from 2021 to 2028.

The benefits of using a pressure-redistribution surface include fewer incidences of bed sores or other health issues caused by lying in one spot for too long. In addition, these mattresses help reduce the risk of developing skin infections by keeping patients from sweating while they are sleeping.

Patient Lift and Sling

The patient lift and sling is a device that can be used to lift and lower patients. It is designed to prevent injuries, damage, or harm to the patient by providing support during transport. This piece of equipment can be used for patients who are immobile or have limited mobility, making it an essential part of any elderly care environment.

Bathtub Safety Rails

Bathtub safety rails are great to have on hand when caring for elderly patients. These can be installed by the patient or an aide and can be removed easily when not in use. They come in several different styles and materials, including those that match bathroom decor, so you'll want to choose one that fits your needs while still matching the aesthetic of your facility.

Conclusion

According to Future Markets Insights, the skilled nursing facility market was valued at $181.74 billion in 2022, and it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.32% from 2022 to 2032, with a projected worth of $251.94 by 2032.

When you are responsible for the running of a skilled nursing facility, the health and well-being of your elderly residents are a top priority for you. With all of the complex equipment, medications, and other requirements that come with caring for an aging population, it can be easy to miss something important.

That's why we've put together this list of the lab equipment essential for an elderly nursing home. We hope this article will help you stay prepared and prevent any potential issues before they happen.