Written by Megan Smith, PT
Choosing a medical supply company for your facility or practice can be a big decision. Fortunately, there is a company that understands this struggle. Medline is striving to be more than just a manufacturer and distributor of goods-- they focus on partnering with healthcare providers to actually help them achieve their business goals. Their approach consists of four focuses: helping customers reduce supply spending, helping system leaders improve care quality, helping caregivers work more efficiently, and helping facilities to be the preferred choice in their respective areas.
Medline carries just about anything you might need and offers impressive support and repair options on all of its products.
 | Excel Translator Combo Transport Chair and Rollator by Medline View Product |
It is hard to over-emphasize the value of having dependable mobility aids in clinical settings. Transport chairs can be useful for moving patients to different locations for the purposes of lab work or imaging. Unlike standard manual wheelchairs, transport chairs are not propelled by the patient. Rather these chairs are designed to be comfortable for the patient and lightweight for the caretaker who is assisting with transfers. Often these chairs will have the same sorts of quality-of-life features as other wheelchairs-- accessible carrying cases for personal items and even cup holders.
One advantage over a traditional wheelchair is that transport chairs are typically much lighter and easier to store. For short trips in a clinical setting or occasional as-needed use in the home, these basic chairs are an excellent option.
 | Guardian K1 Folding Manual Wheelchair by Medline View Product |
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, roughly 18 percent of Americans have some form of disability contributing to activity or mobility limitation. Included in that figure are 1.5 million manual wheelchair users. For sheer versatility and everyday usage, few mobility devices are more widespread than a traditional wheelchair.
For patients with greater autonomy, a chair that they can easily propel is a natural choice. While powered wheelchairs are a great choice for certain situations, institutional use sometimes demands a lower cost and lighter solution. Medline hits all of the marks with their flagship wheelchair -- durable powder-coated steel frame, dual axle height adjustment, choice of swing-away or elevated leg rests, and of course a collapsible design for storage.
An even more economical solution for patient mobility is providing traditional walkers. For patients who are experiencing temporary mobility limitations, such as recovering from an illness or surgery, having a walker can be an excellent source of comprehensive walking support. St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital suggests walkers are used to help patients heal and to get back to normal activities.
Walkers are not only more affordable than wheelchairs and rollators, but they are also typically easier to store. Medline’s Stand Assist model is fully folding for easy storage. The extra design of this model can actually be used as a toilet safety support frame. Perfect for patients in extended-stay recovery with some mobility but who might need help moving from sitting to standing or toileting.
_(1)_(1).jpg&newwidth=365&maxheight=200 "Ultralight Rollator / Carbon Fiber Rolling Walker by Acre") | Ultralight Rollator / Carbon Fiber Rolling Walker by Acre View Product |
A rollator is sort of a hybrid between a traditional walker and a transport wheelchair. These devices are a great support for users who have some independence but need occasional support to prevent a fall. Unlike a standard walker that requires lifting off of the ground to move, a rollator helps allow for a normal gait by rolling forward. Often rollators can also be used as a seat -- if the user needs a break from walking they are never far from a place to rest.
When selecting a rollator model, certain features definitely make a difference. Solid, dependable cable brakes are a must to prevent accidental rolling. A collapsable frame is also ideal for storage needs.
 | Medline Padded Transfer Bench for Bathtub and Shower - Height Adjustable with Back and Arm Rests - 400 lb. Weight Capacity View Product |
A medical transfer bench is basically an elongated platform where half of the bench is outside of the bathtub and half of it sits inside. The user can be placed onto the bench outside of the tub and then maneuvered over into the bathing area. Products like this are typically used in the home, but they can be an excellent option for any longer-term facilities or assisted-living settings.
Stability is the main focal point when selecting a bench for toileting or bathing. Suction cups or non-slip feet are essential, and a handle or some sort of arm support is good to have as well. Many benches include the option of a commode opening as well which can make for a dual-purpose piece of equipment.
 | Bariatric Aluminum Bath Bench with Back by Medline View Product |
Some patients may need more support than a handrail to hold for active showering/bathing. For these patients, a waterproof seat is a great option. A basic shower chair will be a durable non-slip seat with some sort of back support. The patient can remain seated during all bathing activities, greatly reducing the risk of falling. Nurses and other caretakers can similarly benefit from support during bathing tasks.
In addition to being non-slip and easy to clean, it is important to look for safety features when considering a shower chair. Some chairs are weight-rated to support heavier or bariatric patients. Adjustable height is also something to seek out, especially when buying chairs for multiple patients.
 | Guardian Toilet Safety Frame by Medline View Product |
With toileting activities representing some of the most sensitive and difficult ADLs for patients, having solutions that help contribute to autonomy while providing safety is a huge win. Toilet safety rails are handles that mount to an existing toilet seat in the position of armrests. They are braced against the floor to provide help moving from sitting to standing positions or vice versa.
Both bathing and toileting involve complex movements of both the upper and lower body. Toilet rails and safety frames aim to support the upper body during the transfer process to ensure safe toilet use. This type of device can be great for assisted living residential settings or for patients in recovery from illness or surgery who need temporary support.
 | Medline Electric Hoyer Lift - Adjustable Base and 6-Point Cradle View Product |
The ultimate solution for more difficult or complex patient transfer is to use a power patient lift such as a Hoyer. Electric patient lifts are typically designed with a steady base that can slide under a hospital bed or other furniture. By using a multi-point patient harness and a strong lifting arm this piece of equipment can be a lifesaver for caregivers. It can reduce strain for providers and reduce the risk of a fall for patients.
In a clinical setting, having a Hoyer lift can be a necessity. For bariatric patients, electric lifts facilitate transfer that might otherwise be impossible. In the home, an electric lift can allow users to regain autonomy by using the remote control. When looking for a lift, something to consider is overall weight capacity and lifting height. Additional features like having a backup battery and a six-point harness for extra support come standard on Medline’s Hoyer lift.
 | Vinyl Innerspring Mattresses by Medline View Product |
There are many different types of hospital mattresses available depending on the specific needs of the individual user. A frequent request across mattress types, however, is an easy to clean and hygienic material. By using an anti-microbial coating over a durable vinyl upholstery, Medline has provided a simple, affordable hospital mattress that meets those requests.
Unique also to Medline’s offering in this department is the use of inverted side seams for enhanced patient comfort. The rough edge of the seam is hidden from the patient ensuring a smooth, comfortable rest. Many hospital beds are traditionally sized to fit a standard bed frame, but you should check for specifics before making a purchase.
For clinical workers who are directly treating at-risk patients day in and day out, personal protective equipment (PPE) is extremely important. These workers, who are at the frontline of the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic, need supplies that can keep them safe from virus transmission and Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs).
 | Latex-Free Protective Face Masks View Product |
Access to a plentiful supply of breathable, well-made masks is key for healthcare providers of all types. Critical supply chain shortages have at times hindered access to such basic supplies, so having a good back stock is a must for providers. Medline’s surgical masks are manufactured with dual linings or cellulose and polypropylene-- no latex is used in order to avoid any potential allergies.
Patients and their families and other assorted visitors all need to have easy access to this type of PPE in a clinical setting. Especially in regions with relaxed mask mandates, having an available stock of masks to be able to offer visiting family members will make life in the clinic easier. Further, it is essential to have a good stock so that providers can quickly and easily change masks as needed throughout the day. Due to the medical necessity of face masks, Medline frequently has to limit their sales to provide medical professionals the masks they need to do their life saving work. Feel free to browse all of Rehabmart's Face Masks to find what you need and what's available!
 | Medline Deluxe Cut Patient Gowns View Product |
In clinical environments where exposure to bodily fluids or aerosols is more likely, having a full coverage PPE solution is needed. Isolation gowns are worn in surgical settings and certainly in the fight against contagious blood or airborne pathogens. Having a breathable but durable material is important -- as it is very easy to get overheated under high levels of protective gear. Elastic bands are also important to ensure a full seal and snug fit.
Typically these gowns are to be discarded as biowaste between uses, so having a good back stock here is also helpful. One huge advantage for disposable gowns is obviously not needing to launder potentially hazardous materials.
Medline is striving to be a full-service solution for healthcare organizations and practices that need reliable, durable medical goods and supplies. Their commitment to environmental and business sustainability is commendable and they offer just about anything your facility could need.
Take a look here to see Rehabmart's full line of Medline products!
Megan has been a part of Rehabmart since its inception nearly 20 years ago. For the past several years she has been enjoying her role as HR Director while maintaining her Physical Therapy license. When she isn't working on her next in-service or working to find a new team member, she enjoys her five children, helping those who have PT type ailments, baking, practicing yoga, and working out.
