Products & Services
Products & Services
Preferred Homecare | LifeCare Solutions offer a full suite of respiratory care therapies and services. Each regime is tailored to meet the patient’s individual need and is supported by the best in clinical expertise, education and resources, as well as timely and courteous customer service.
Oxygen Concentrator – An oxygen concentrator is a machine that plugs in to an electrical outlet and is designed to use ambient air (room air) and change it to an oxygen enriched gas mixture. The concentrator takes room air and passes it through a filtering system in the machine and converts it to more pure oxygen. Ambient air consists of approximately 21% oxygen, after circulating through an oxygen concentrator the air emitted is around 96% oxygen. The machine has a small “port” to which the patient attaches a “nasal cannula” or oxygen tubing. The oxygen flows from the machine to the patient in the prescribed liter flow; never change the flow rate without consulting with your physician.
Oxygen Cylinder System – An oxygen cylinder (tank) is designed to provide concentrated oxygen in a more portable manner. An oxygen cylinder system consists of a cylinder, which stores compressed oxygen, a cylinder stand, and a regulator, which controls the flow of oxygen. A cart can also be provided to make transporting your oxygen cylinders more convenient. Cylinders come is a variety of sizes dependent on oxygen use.
Oxygen Conserving Device – Oxygen conserving devices, as the name implies, are used to conserve oxygen by controlling the flow from your tank or concentrator based on the rate in which you inhale. Oxygen is not delivered during expiration, thus conserving or saving oxygen. Utilization of an oxygen conserving device can save 50% or more of the flow of oxygen, allowing liquid and compressed gas cylinder systems to last longer. With a longer lasting portable system, you will be able to be away from your home for longer periods of time. A conserving device is not intended for use during sleep or by patients who breathe greater than 40 breaths/minute or who fail to consistently trigger the device due to a weak inspiratory effort.
Liquid Oxygen System – When oxygen is super cooled to -297°F it becomes a liquid and is then stored in a thermos-type container. When exposed to room temperatures the liquid oxygen turns back into a gas before it exits the thermos and warms spontaneously before you breathe it in. As with the concentrator and compressed gas cylinders a controller device can be used to adjust the amount of oxygen delivered. A large stationary source of liquid oxygen is provided and patients learn to refill small portable liquid oxygen units as needed.
Portable Oxygen Concentrators – The portable oxygen concentrator (POC) allows the oxygen user complete independence while on oxygen therapy and total confidence with multiple power sources; DC Adapter, Battery Pack, and AC power source. For traveling or active day-to-day use, a POC unit allows patients mobility without dependency on heavy oxygen cylinders. A POC unit may not be right for all patients so consult with your physician and talk to your local Preferred Homecare | LifeCare Solutions location to determine if a POC is right for you.
Nebulizers – Nebulizers use compressed air to break up medical solutions into small aerosol droplets that can be directly inhaled from the mouthpiece of the device. A Small Volume Nebulizer (SVN) is primarily used as a drug delivery device to administer medication in the form of a mist inhaled into the lungs. A SVN system is composed of a portable compressor, tubing, and a reusable nebulizer kit; which may include a mask or mouthpiece. Delivering medication directly to your lungs is one of the most effective home therapies for opening airways and delivering pulmonary antibiotics.
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) – Continuous positive airway pressure uses air pressure during inspiration (breathing in) and exhalation (breathing out) to keep your airways open. CPAP is commonly used to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) but may also be prescribed for other pulmonary conditions. A CPAP system is composed of a pressure unit, nasal pillows or mask, headgear, and a connecting tube. It is important to replace CPAP supplies on a regularly basis in order to keep the system in good working order.
Bi-Level Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP) – Bi-Level therapy differs from CPAP by using two different pressures, one during inspiration (breathing in) called inspiratory positive airway pressure, or IPAP, and a different pressure during exhalation (breathing out) called expiratory positive airway pressure, or EPAP. For COPD patients, BiPAP is sometimes the preferred method of treatment over CPAP because it’s easier for these patients to breathe out against lower pressure.
CPAP & BiPAP Clinics–For the first time or seasoned PAP user our PAP Resource Centers/Clinics are a one-stop-shop for all your PAP needs. Our clinics are staffed by highly experienced Respiratory Therapists, all certified or registered by the National Board of Respiratory Care (NBRC). In addition, we also have a Sleep Board Certified Physician readily available for help with specific questions or concerns.
For the first time PAP user, patient education is the key to understanding your diagnosis and your new PAP equipment. Our Respiratory Therapists at the clinic will spend time with you either individually or in group setting to make you feel at ease and comfortable with your new equipment. You will receive 1) detailed instructions on the proper use of your PAP device, 2) important maintenance tips to ensure your device remains in good working order, and 3) expert mask fitting to reduce leaks and provide optimal PAP therapy.
If you are current PAP user feel free to bring in your CPAP or BiPAP unit as well as all the headgear and mask to be checked by our Respiratory Therapist. We will download data from unit to review the performance of the equipment, check you compliance, and identify potential problems such as air leaks.
Remember, your PAP machine is more than something that helps you sleep better at night– it is your lifeline to controlling and treating your apnea –using it regularly is critical to insure that you avoid the negative consequences of sleep apnea such as hypertension, heart disease, and diabetes.
Ventilator and Related Respiratory Equipment – Home ventilator care is our specialty and our team of highly trained Respiratory Care Practitioners is our strength. From hospital to home we provide comprehensive training every step of the way. Program highlights include:
- Pre-discharge evaluation by a licensed Respiratory Care Practitioner
- Caregiver training and education
- Home safety assessment
- Equipment and supply list established with family and discharge team
- Cutting edge technology for multiple ventilator applications and modes
- Monthly follow-ups
- Clinical support available 24/7
- Clinical respiratory assessments and treatment plans available upon physician’s request
Apnea Monitors – Apnea monitors measure a child’s heart and breathing rate. Apnea, by definition, means that the breathing rate has slowed or stopped for a period of time. Home apnea monitors are used for babies who have, or have experienced, slow heart rates (bradycardia) or apnea episodes with in the hospital, are premature, or have siblings who have died of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). An apnea monitor is designed to sound an alarm if the child stops breathing for a given period of time.
Suction and Tracheostomy Equipment and Supplies – As a leading provider in home respiratory care, we offer compact suction units for both oral and tracheal airway clearance. In addition, we carry a comprehensive line of tracheostomy supplies and equipment for managing the most complex respiratory patients in the home setting.
Overnight Oximetry – Oximetry has become an invaluable diagnostic tool in many phases of medicine. Oximetry is a very simple and inexpensive screening tool that can detect nocturnal oxygen desaturations with a high degree of reliability. Oximeters are setup in the patient’s home for a single night and the test results are quickly conveyed to the patient’s physician.
