“Negative Ghost Rider, the pattern is full.”

Some people are savvy shoppers by choice.  Others are savvy shoppers according to need.  And, sadly, some people simply are not savvy.  Consumers exist in every arena; however, rarely do we think of durable medical equipment (DME) and health care supplies when we think of shopping.

According to the United States National Institute of Health1, at least 2.5 million people in the United States rely on durable medical equipment as of May 2021.  Grandview Research company also indicates that the U.S. durable medical equipment market was valued at USD 52.9 billion in 2020.  That industry market includes a steady growth rate of 5.8% annually.  Moreover, the expected product demand is based on the growing geriatric population that is susceptible to chronic diseases like cancer, mobility, and neurological disorders, diabetes, and more2.

For those in need of DME (patients and caregivers alike), there is a keen awareness of cost.  Durable medical equipment includes common items like walking aids, bathing supports, wheelchairs, wound care supplies, incontinence items, and customised beds.  Additional DME items that may not be considered so common – or reusable – are machines for breathing, vests for cardiac rhythm regulation, and syringes or needles of any kind.  The cost of care can be overwhelming, especially for those persons who are impacted by unemployment, limited income, little – or no – insurance coverage, and/or the compounding condition of fragile health.  Managing chronic health care costs has been noted at an estimated cost of $1373 per month.  Many have lived with monthly expenses to be well over $3,000 per month.  

Daily living is subjective.  The host of influences that can impact one person during a single day is almost countless.  Imagine how much greater those influences can be for someone who experiences life with limitations.  Like Medcy.org, The Elder Expo is an affiliated retailer that provides an array of specialty devices to help people enhance mobility and safety in their homes.  Equipment can be found for home exercise routines; weighted cutlery can be selected for better control while eating meals; and ergonomic trays can be purchased to make relaxing in the home easier.  

Savvy shopping is not simply a matter of choice or need.  Savvy shopping is also a matter of product knowledge and availability.  As we acquire knowledge, let its application be fruitful for many.  This is a distinctive trait of wisdom.  Medcy.org has a very specific scope of knowledge concerning durable medical equipment – both its costs and its benefits.  Their willingness to make the product, the knowledge, and the access to the masses exemplifies a wisdom beyond measure.  Savvy to this degree is a distinct sophistication.     

References:

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8140591/#:~:text=Durable%20medical%20equipment%20encompasses%20at,rely%20on%20durable%20medical%20equipment
2. https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/us-durable-medical-equipment-dme-market
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5720589/