Resource
Home health equipment and supplies
Having the right medical equipment is important for your safety. You may be required to rent or buy equipment, such as walkers, bath seats, wheelchairs or lifts. If the appropriate equipment is not in place, it may affect the services we can safely provide to you.
Our home health staff can help you determine the following:
- The equipment you need
- How to access the equipment
- How to use the equipment
Costs for home health equipment
Most of the time, you will be expected to pay for your supplies, medications and equipment. There are a few exceptions where the equipment or supplies are free, such as:
Wound care services
If you receive wound care services through our home health services, either at home or in a clinic, you will receive at least two weeks of supplies outlined in our wound care guidelines and protocols. All other supplies are your responsibility.
Intravenous (IV) medications
if you are receiving IV medications through our home health services, either at home or in a clinic, we will provide you with the medication and the supplies you need at no cost until you finish the medication.
If no medications are involved, you will be given supplies to care for the IV access device, such as flushing, capping and dressing changes. Medications not approved for use in BC or experimental will not be covered.
Options to help cover your equipment costs
Depending on your situation, some or all of your costs might be covered by another funding agency, such as:
- Ministry of Employment and Income Assistance
- Veterans’ Affairs Canada
- Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
- WorkSafeBC
- Ministry of Housing and Social Development
- Insurance Corporation of BC
- Extended health benefits plan
- First Nations Inuit Health Branch
- Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
Some organizations provide short-term and long-term loans and financial assistance for eligible clients. Ask our home health staff for more information about your options.
