Post-pandemic demand for medical equipment such as walkers is high, while skyrocketing aluminum prices are creating supply chain problems.
DENVER — Michele Lujan needed a wheelchair for her 52-year-old husband who had been hospitalized with Covid-19. But she had lost her job, and money was tight. Insurance wouldn’t cover the cost, and she didn’t see the use in buying something to meet a temporary need. So she turned to a loan closet not far from her home in the Denver suburb of Highlands Ranch., crutches hung from the walls, knee scooters lined the floor, and shower seats and toilet risers overflowed from the shelves.
Besides insurance delays, hospitals across the U.S. have reported not having enough walkers, crutches, canes, and wheelchairs. Supplies are limited because of shortages of raw materials such as aluminum, said“The availability, not just the cost, has an impact on the durable medical equipment industry,” Baveja said.
Equipment technician Jan Kupidluvsky uses a pressurized steamer to sanitize a wheelchair at the Foundation for Rehabilitation Equipment and Endowment in Salem, Va.Last September and again in January, southwestern Virginia hospitals delayed discharging patients because of shortages of walkers and bedside commodes, and they experienced backlogs of patients in the emergency room because of a shortage of hospital beds, said Robin Ramsey, executive director of FREE, a nonprofit organization.
A group of local physical therapists volunteered at the Foundation for Rehabilitation Equipment and Endowment in Virginia Beach on World PT Day.AT FREE, more than 100 volunteers and 12 staffers last year received 10,000 pieces of donated equipment, and refurbished 6,500 to put back into use, Ramsey said.
Brasil Últimas Notícias, Brasil Manchetes
Similar News:Você também pode ler notícias semelhantes a esta que coletamos de outras fontes de notícias.
Education Secretary says ‘conversations about broader loan forgiveness’ are continuingThis week, millions of borrowers learned the pandemic pause on their federal student loan repayments is extended through the end of August.
Consulte Mais informação »
Biden ‘has not ruled out’ canceling student loan debts, White House saysPress Secretary Jen Psaki made the comment the same day the Biden administration announced plans to freeze federal student loan payments through Aug. 31
Consulte Mais informação »
What to do with savings from federal student loan pauseWith federal student loan payments now paused through August 31, that means more money can stay in many people's pockets.
Consulte Mais informação »
Student loan pause extended again — is there an end game?At the very least, the additional reprieve provides borrowers with more time to plan. But plan for what, exactly?
Consulte Mais informação »
Student loan pause extended again — is there an end game?At the very least, the additional reprieve provides borrowers with more time to plan. But plan for what, exactly?
Consulte Mais informação »
Theodore VFW post in jeopardy of closing grateful for Fish Fry turnoutVFW Post 4328 -- was on the verge of being shut down due to low membership as some of the older veterans passed away. That’s not the case anymore -- they’re not only getting new members but help from the community -- who heard about their plight -- right here on FOX 10.
Consulte Mais informação »