If your aging loved one is receiving home care services, it's most likely because they need help caring for themselves. Home care is a great option because it allows them to stay in their home while getting the care they need. Oftentimes, part of their care includes needing certain kinds of durable medical equipment to keep them safe and healthy.

Here are the answers to three frequently asked questions that seniors receiving home care might have when it comes to durable medical equipment.

What Is Durable Medical Equipment?

In order to be considered durable medical equipment, certain criteria must be met. This criteria for durable medical and supplies includes the following:

• It has the ability to withstand repeated use
• It is used only for medical reasons and not simply for comfort or convenience
• It cannot be used by those who aren't sick or receiving treatment
• It must only be used for those receiving home care

Some of the most popular types of durable medical equipment that is used by seniors receiving home care includes wheelchairs, home oxygen, adult diapers, mobility aids, such as walkers and canes, and blood sugar monitors.

Does Medicare Cover Durable Medical Equipment?

Seniors on Medicare will need to know what kinds of durable equipment is covered. If the equipment or supplies are used for medical purposes, it will most likely be covered. Equipment that is considered an item of comfort or convenience, probably won't be covered. A few examples of items of convenience include massage devices, bathtub lifts, and shower chairs.

It's important for seniors to know that just because their doctor writes a prescription for a certain type of durable medical equipment, doesn't guarantee it will be covered. Because medical equipment can be quite expensive, it's important to find out whether or not something is covered before getting it.

Can Durable Medical Equipment Be Rented?

Some types of durable medical equipment is covered only as a rent-to-purchase. In this case, the policy holder pays a monthly fee to rent the item. After a specified amount of time goes by, the policyholder will own it. Some supplies are not used long-term, so they are usually only covered as a rental only. This usually works out well, because in many cases, seniors might only need certain supplies, such as crutches, for a few months.

Seniors will always want to check with Medicare, or their insurance company, if the durable medical equipment will get covered as a rental or a purchase.

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