What Medical Equipment Do Long-Term Care Facilities Commonly Need?

Long-term care facilities rely on a wide range of medical equipment to support residents, nursing staff, therapists, and other healthcare professionals. The equipment needed can vary considerably depending on the type of facility, the services provided, and the needs of the residents.

For facilities looking to purchase, replace, or expand their equipment inventory, refurbished medical equipment can be an option for obtaining established equipment at a lower cost than purchasing new equipment.

Below are some of the common categories of medical equipment used in long-term care and alternate-care environments.

Infusion Pumps and Syringe Pumps

Infusion pumps are used to deliver medications, fluids, and other therapies at controlled rates. Long-term care facilities may use a variety of infusion equipment depending on the clinical services they provide.

Common equipment categories include:

• Large-volume infusion pumps
• Syringe pumps
• Enteral feeding pumps
• Infusion pump accessories and replacement components

When purchasing refurbished infusion equipment, facilities should consider the specific model, revision level, condition, preventive-maintenance status, battery condition, and included accessories.

It is also important to make sure the equipment is appropriate for the facility's intended application and that any required maintenance or inspection has been completed.

Respiratory Care Equipment

Respiratory equipment can be an important part of care in facilities serving residents with ongoing respiratory needs.

Depending on the services provided, equipment may include:

• CPAP machines
• BiPAP systems
• Noninvasive ventilators
• Portable ventilators
• Cough-assist devices
• Heated humidifiers
• Oxygen concentrators
• Pulse oximeters

Facilities purchasing respiratory equipment should pay close attention to the exact manufacturer and model. Accessories, tubing, masks, power supplies, batteries, connectors, and other components are not necessarily interchangeable between models.

For equipment used for patient care, facilities should also follow applicable clinical, maintenance, and regulatory requirements.

Oxygen Equipment

Oxygen equipment is commonly used in many healthcare environments. Depending on the facility's needs, this may include stationary or portable oxygen concentrators and related monitoring equipment.

When evaluating an oxygen concentrator, purchasers may want to consider:

• Oxygen output requirements
• Intended application
• Portability
• Operating hours
• Service history
• Accessories
• Power requirements
• Manufacturer and model
• Availability of replacement parts and service

Facilities should verify that the equipment meets their clinical and operational requirements before purchasing.

Pulse Oximeters and Patient Monitoring Equipment

Pulse oximeters provide a convenient way to measure oxygen saturation and pulse rate. Long-term care facilities may use handheld or more advanced monitoring equipment depending on their needs.

Examples include handheld pulse oximeters and more advanced bedside or portable monitoring systems.

As with other medical equipment, the specific model and configuration matter when purchasing refurbished equipment. Buyers should verify what is included with the unit and whether sensors, cables, chargers, or other accessories are included.

Cough-Assist Equipment

Some long-term care and alternate-care facilities may use mechanical insufflation-exsufflation, commonly referred to as cough-assist equipment, as part of respiratory care.

Examples include devices such as the Fisher & Paykel T70 and React Health BiWaze Cough.

When purchasing this type of equipment, facilities should verify the exact model and configuration along with the condition of the device and included accessories.

Heated Humidifiers

Heated humidification can be used with certain respiratory equipment and may be an important component of a respiratory-care setup.

The Fisher & Paykel MR850, for example, is a commonly encountered heated humidifier in healthcare environments.

When purchasing a used or refurbished humidifier, facilities should verify the model, condition, accessories, power requirements, and maintenance history.

Ventilators

Some long-term care facilities provide care for residents who require mechanical ventilation. In these environments, ventilators and related respiratory equipment can represent a significant part of the facility's equipment inventory.

Depending on the facility's needs, ventilator equipment may include:

• Portable or transport-capable ventilators
• Noninvasive ventilation systems
• Ventilator accessories
• Batteries and power supplies
• Tubing and circuit components

Ventilators are highly specialized medical devices. Facilities should verify the exact model, configuration, service requirements, and intended clinical application before purchasing.

Preventive Maintenance and Equipment Condition

The purchase price is only one consideration when acquiring medical equipment.

Facilities should also consider the condition and service history of the equipment. Depending on the type of device, important considerations can include:

• Preventive maintenance history
• Battery condition
• Usage hours
• Error history
• Service records
• Included accessories
• Availability of replacement parts
• Manufacturer-specific service requirements
• Warranty coverage

A properly evaluated refurbished device can provide an economical alternative to purchasing new equipment, but buyers should understand exactly what they are purchasing and what service or warranty is included.

Buying Refurbished Medical Equipment for Long-Term Care

For facilities purchasing multiple pieces of equipment, working with an established medical equipment supplier can simplify the process.

When requesting a quote, it can be helpful to provide:

1. The exact equipment needed
2. Manufacturer and model numbers
3. Quantity required
4. Any specific accessories needed
5. Your intended application
6. Your preferred delivery timeframe
7. Any purchasing or vendor-registration requirements

Providing this information allows the supplier to determine whether the requested equipment is available and whether the specific configuration is appropriate for the request.

Consider Your Facility's Complete Equipment Needs

Long-term care facilities often need equipment across several categories rather than relying on one type of medical device. Respiratory equipment, infusion equipment, oxygen equipment, patient monitoring equipment, and other specialized devices may all play a role depending on the services provided.

Whether you are replacing a few aging devices or outfitting an entire department, it is important to identify the exact equipment required and verify its condition, configuration, service requirements, and warranty before making a purchase.

Outfront Medical

Outfront Medical supplies new and refurbished medical equipment to healthcare organizations, long-term care and alternate-care facilities, DME and homecare providers, hospitals, educational institutions, EMS organizations, dealers, and other healthcare customers.

Our inventory includes equipment in categories such as infusion pumps, respiratory equipment, ventilators, cough-assist devices, oxygen equipment, and patient monitoring equipment.

If your facility is looking for specific medical equipment or needs assistance locating a particular model, contact Outfront Medical to discuss your requirements.

Outfront Medical, LLC
1557 Route 206 South
Tabernacle, NJ 08088
609-388-4635
www.outfrontmedical.com