Introducing: A Very Bari Minute

Posted on May 9, 2022

Welcome to “A Very Bari Minute”! In this series, Nichole LeBlanc, HME’s leading Bariatric sales team members will guide you through the ins and outs about bariatric products and provide education on major focal points when looking for bariatric products and also understanding the benefits and features of some of the specialized products available in the marketplace today.

In this segment we want to introduce what Bariatrics is and how that pertains to obesity.

What is Bariatrics?
Bariatrics is the relating to or specializing in the treatment of obesity.

What is Obesity?
Obesity is one of the most common causes of health problems today. Not only does obesity to lead to physical complications it also leads to challenges with mobility and caregiving. Obesity exists when an individual has a high proportion of fat to lean body tissue. The growing incidence has been referred to as a global epidemic.

Causes of Obesity
Imbalance of Energy Intake vs. Energy Output Influenced By:

• Heredity/genetics
• Endocrine system 
• Physical health/functional health 
• Environment and culture
• Mental/emotional health 
• Neurophysiology 

Functional Challenges Experienced by Bariatric Clients:

• ADL activities
• Transfers 
• Mobility
• Accessibility in the built environment 
• Transportation 
• Self-esteem 

Goals of Care Considerations

• Safety for clients and caregivers
• Comfort
• Cleanliness (skin temperature and moisture management)
• Reduced number of transfers
• Mobilization: lying to sitting, sitting to standing, bed to chair, etc.
• Independent mobility
• Access to activity 

Importance of Access to Care
It is important for us as health care professionals to understand the impact of physical and psychosocial issues faced by bariatric clients and ensure we are aware of the equipment options to promote safe living environments and independent mobility. We need to consider both the health and safety of clients as well as their caregivers.

Access to suitable equipment is an important for the safe care, handling and mobilizing of a bariatric client. HME Home Health carries a wide variety of equipment to meet the needs of our Bariatric clients, their caregivers, and facilities. 

Bariatric Equipment Carried by HME Home Health Includes:

• Home care hospital beds and support surfaces
• Commodes, shower chairs, and other bathroom equipment
• Ceiling/floor lifts and slings
• Powered/Manual wheelchairs and seating
• Walkers

Contact HME Home Health’s Nichole LeBlanc for more information on Bariatric equipment.

Nichole LeBlanc
Sales Team Member – Specializing in Bariatric, Pediatric, and Adult Rehab
Nichole.LeBlanc@hmebc.com
(604) 362-8546

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Introducing: A Very Bari Minute

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