Tips For Preparing To Move Your Medical Equipment To A New Home
If you are getting ready to move to a new home and have medical equipment, you may be wondering if there are any special preparations that need to be made. Below are a few tips to guide you on what to do before and during the move.
Before You Start Packing
Before you start packing, there are some things you will need to do to make the process of moving your medical equipment go easier. This includes asking both the equipment company and moving business a couple of questions.
- Ask the equipment company if they have a location near your new home. If so, you may be able to return any rented items before you move and coordinate delivery of new ones. This would eliminate the need to pack and move larger items like a hospital bed.
- Inform the moving company you will need to move medical equipment. They may need to obtain a permit if moving flammable items such as oxygen tanks.
- Ask the movers if there are any items they cannot transport. Things like suction equipment could present a biohazard that requires special handling. You may need to take these to your new home yourself
Hospital Beds
If you or a family member has a hospital bed, use the following tips for preparing and packing it.
- The bed will need to be taken apart before moving to make it easier to handle. You can either dismantle the hospital bed yourself or call the medical equipment company to find out if they can have someone do it for you.
- After taking apart the bed, wipe it down with a cleaning solution of one-part bleach to two-parts water. This will clean and sanitize it for safe handling. It will also make it ready for reassembly in your new home without having to take the time to do it while you are busy unpacking.
- Ask the movers to bring the bed into the new residence first so it can be put it as soon as possible. This is especially important if you have loved ones who are bedbound and will need it right away.
Oxygen And Pressurized Air Tanks
If you use oxygen or pressurized air tanks, these will need extra attention. If packed improperly, they present a fire and explosion hazard while in transit. They will need to be secured so they do not bump into other objects that could puncture the tanks or break off the valve stem.
- If you do not already have a tank rack, either request one from the equipment company or purchase one from a durable medical equipment store.
- Before placing the oxygen tanks in the rack, wrap the wires with two layers of bubble wrap. This extra padding will prevent them from banging into the metal and into each other.
- If you are unable to acquire a tank rack, get a sturdy, wooden box to place the tanks in. Double wrap each one with bubble wrap, then tape them together with duct tape. This will prevent them from knocking into each other or rolling around in the back of the moving truck or van.
- Make sure you leave out enough tanks to last the duration of the move. If only larger tanks are usually used, ask the doctor for a prescription for portable tanks.
After preparing the above medical equipment for the move, make sure you discuss your situation with your moving company. They can advise you on additional measures that need to be made, as well as let you know if you will be required to transport anything yourself during your household move.
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