Getting your senior parents into current technology

Some 65+ folks run to new technology and gadgets; others fear it, deplore it, loathe it - mainly out of fear of failure trying to use it.  The frustraton, the cost, the worry about private information are all factors. You know it's out there - everywhere - they are looking for your private information to use it against you.  These wise people read the paper - in their hands at the breakfast table after fetching it from the driveway or paper box.  This is what they have derived from what they read.

You live for technology, or should I say, you require technology in your hour-to-hour day.  It's difficult to imagine why anyone would not want to use it to improve their knowledge, ability to communicate and stay current on all events around the world.  Here we have the two sides. 

If you are a caregiver, or care for your parent from afar, you want to do your best for them and make it as painless as possible for yourself.  Many of us just cram it down their throats, "Here Mom, I bought this for you. It's a phone and camera in one!" She pales and steps back.  She didn't ask for this. Why are you making her have this... this... thing?

One way to help them overcome the fear is to get them the simplest device that YOU know how to set up for them.  Do not even consider this type of gift for an older person without first taking the time to load it up with what is most helpful and removing what they won't need.

I Want The Ninja Stethoscope!

Once you go Ninja, you never go back!

ADC’s legendary Sprague with stealth black chrome for a striking appearance.

The 646 features:

• Threaded chestpiece drum permits the use of five interchangeable chestpiece fittings an adult and pediatric diaphragm, and three bells (11/4", 1", 3/4") - for complete diagnostic capability in most patients
• All metal parts finished in black chrome for a striking appearance
• Latex-free double tube configuration
• Proprietary valve mechanism eliminates acoustic leakage
• Adjustable binaurals
• Complete with an accessory pouch containing the bell chestpieces, chestpiece key, 2 spare diaphragms, one pair of mushroom eartips, and one pair of silicon eartips
• Weighs 8 oz., measures 30”
• Inspected and packaged in the U.S.A

 

Incontinence & Men With High Blood Pressure May Be Linked

From Yahoo Health News:
"It's not just women who suffer from urinary incontinence: Nearly one in twenty U.S. men have moderate to severe forms of the condition, which is as common as one in six among elderly men, a new study finds.

Read the rest here:

Pacific Medical Supply has a full line of incontinence products.  We also have the Diagnostic tools, such as blood pressure cuffs.

• Durable nylon construction
• Proprietary ADCUFF™ Size Guide™ Marking system
• Latex or Latex-Free Inflation bladder with 55cm tube length
• ADFLOW™ bulb and valve with filter screen protection
• For use with virtually any aneroid or mercurial instrument.
• Available in 3 sizes
• Luer connector (#891F) included
• Individually boxed
• 2 year warranty

Hello Kitty © 1976, 2006 Sanrio Co. LTD 
Used Under License. www.sanrio.com

Peanuts © United Feature Syndicate, Inc.

Betty Boop © 2006 King Feature Syndicate, Inc. 
Fleischer Studios, Inc. 
TM Hearst Holdings, Inc. / Fleischer Studios

Garfield ©2006 Paws, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

 

Friday Night Is Date Night

Do you know where your blood pressure cuff is?  Planning on going for a spin around the dance floor?  Dancing is great cardio vascular exercise.  But let's make sure the blood pressure is at a reasonable level.

There once was a couple that loved to dance.

They learned how in Paris, France.

They like to dip and glide and slide.

It keeps their backsides from getting wide.

Its keeps them young, you can tell at a glance.

Pacific Medical Supply has the diagnostic tools you need to keep your blood pressure in check.

ADSCOPE™ 601 - Just One Of Your Diagnostic Tools

I've been reading The Checklist Manifesto,  a book written by a Surgeon about how to get things done correctly.  He tells  a lot of stories about how things go in medical situations and points out the humanness of the doctors and nurses in high-stress situations.  He researched why checklists work.  Fascinating stuff.

It got me thinking about the tools of the trade of the medical office.  Pacific Medical Supply has the tools that make a difference.  At a price that works. So you can go make a difference.

A convertible scope that combines the versatility of our Sprague with the acoustic excellence of our 602

The 601 features:

• Threaded chestpiece drum allows rapid conversion from a pediatric diaphragm to an adult bell
• Chestpiece precisely machined to exacting tolerances from surgical stainless steel for outstanding performance and rugged durability
• Extra deep bell for unsurpassed low frequency response
• Ultra-sensitive diaphragms for greater amplification and crisper high frequency transmission
• Non-chill bell and diaphragm retaining rims for patient comfort
• Large internal bore stainless steel binaurals are fixed at a 15º angle for greater comfort
• Custom molded bi-lumen 19" PVC tubing stays soft and flexible
• Extra-thick tubing walls minimize extraneous noise
• Double leaf internal spring construction reduces bulk and prevents kinking when folded
• Complete with one pair of PVC eartips and Adsoft™ deluxe PVC eartips in small and large sizes for the ultimate in wearing comfort and acoustic seal
• Complete with an accessory case containing the adult bell, 2 spare diaphragms, and two sets of eartips
• Latex-free
• Scope ID Tag included
• Weighs 9 oz. (adult bell) and 10 oz. (pediatric diaphragm)
• Overall length 28"
• Limited Lifetime Warranty on metal parts

Blood Pressure Cuff Puts The Squeeze On

"AAAaaaarrghhhhhhhh!   Get it off!  It's squeezing my arm off!  Owwww!  Owwwww!  My arm's popping off!"

This is what we heard from the kid's bedroom last night.  Let me explain.  My dear Mother in Law is not the best gift giver.  She gets really close.  Like the nice purse she gave me for my birthday.  In a scary shade of bright green.  This time, she gave little Johnny a travel tote bag.  He was ecstatic. He took it to his room to see how many legos he could stuff in it.

Unfortunately,  it was a used tote bag.  Grandma left her blood pressure cuff in it.  Johnny and his sister decided to try it out.  They got Johnny's arm strapped in, and began to pump it up.  Only no one told them about the pressure release.  Sister gave the bulb a good set of squeezies.  And Johnny began screaming as his arm is crushed in the boa constricter like pressure applied by his loving sister.

Lesson learned.  Check Grandma's gifts before Johnny gets them.

In case Grandma needs a new Blood Pressure Cuff, Pacific Medical Supply has plenty in stock.

• Includes ADC’s exclusive Adcuff™ nylon cuff (#830 series) featuring the Size Guide™ marking system
• Latex or latex-free inflation bladder with two 55cm tubes (#810 series)
• Adflow™ bulb and valve (#872) with filter screen protection
• For use with most aneroid or mercurial blood pressure instruments
• Available in 6 sizes
• Adult size available in 12 colors
• Individually boxed
• Two Year Warranty
• Luer Connector (#891F) included

PROSCOPE 664Y - Hybrid Stethoscope Takes The Chill Off

Yellow Scope, Yellow Scope

Where are they hiding you?

Yellow Scope, Yellow Scope,

It's not your fault.....

You are yellow and chrome-plated,

My love for you has not faded....

Your disposable chest piece with traditional Y styling,

Takes the chill off and keeps me smiling. 

Yellow Scope, Yellow Scope

Where are they hiding you?

Yellow Scope, Yellow Scope,

It's not your fault.....

A hybrid scope that combines a disposable chestpiece with traditional Y-tubing and lightweight chrome-plated brass binaurals.

The 664Y features:

• Diaphragm only disposable ABS chestpiece with non-chill rim for patient comfort
• 22” PVC Yellow Y-tubing
• Chrome-plated brass binaurals
• Weighs 2.5 oz., measures 32”
• Individually polybagged, 25/carton, 2 cartons (50 ea)/case
• Made in Taiwan

Pacific Medical Supply - Home Health Care Resources

What do you do when a family member or loved one needs you?  You do what needs to be done.  Caring for a loved one at home may not always be easy.  A great resource is The Oregon Association of Home Care.

The suggestions and information are very useful.  At Pacific Medical Supply, we are dedicated to helping you help the ones you love.   Don't feel like you are on your own.  We want to help.

Mobility

Bath Safety

Wound Care

Diagnostic

Home Hospital Beds

Infection Control

Pacific Medical Supply Makes Everthing Easier

Maybe not everything, but we have what you need to make life a little easier for your favorite Elder.  I call it Elder Safety Proofing.  No, its not the same as baby proofing.  But it can be just as important.  Pacific Medical Supply has it covered.  You know how babies have all that gear?  Elders do too!  My mom is getting older and I can hardly believe her stuff!  Canes, blood pressure cuffs, and it just goes on and on.  As we age, it can be harder to do simple, every day activities.  Let's add those bathroom grab bars for safety.  Why not add a shower seat.  These items allow our loved ones to be more independent and safe!

Pacific Medical Supply has been serving Marion and Polk counties since 1962. We are the oldest medical supply in the mid-valley area. We began as an off shoot of the local ambulance company in the early 1960’s, and have grown into a full-service durable/home medical equipment dealer.

We pride ourselves on superior customer service and knowledge of our products.

The Ultimate Acoustic Stethoscope- You Heard That Right

Oh, yeah baby!  Pacific Medical Supply carries the (insert trumpet blast)  FINEST, no, the ULTIMATE Acoustic Stethoscopes!  It is the Adscope 600 Platinum Edition! 

Pacific Medical Supply is the place with the best selection of the finest Aucustic Stethoscopes anywhere.  Call Pacific Medical Supply today for all your diagnostic and home medical supply needs.

Don't settle for less,

the 600 is the best.

It comes in platinum,

I guess that helps for hearing 'em.

Heart beats, that is...

Hearts pumpin'

Blood pressure bumpin'

Pac Med is the Place

that puts a smile on your face.

* Unique design that combines the acoustic response of a traditional bell and diaphragm into a convenient one-sided chestpiece
* Light pressure for low bell-type frequency, firm pressure for diaphragm type high frequency