Savon Medimart Services All DME Equipment!

For Service on any DME equipment Call 1-330-288-0036
Savon Medimart will service all brands and all products of DME equipment on a cash basis.  (Even if the item was not purchased from Savon Medimart). 

Most DME companies DO NOT have a service department, but Savon Medimart does and can service equipment bought elsewhere.

Many items can be repaired within a day.  Savon Medimart can repair :
HOSPITAL BEDS
WHEELCHAIRS
SCOOTERS
PORTABLE OXYGEN CONCENTRATORS
CPAP UNITS & BATTERIES
PATIENT LIFTS
WALKERS
and much MORE!

Accessibility - Prevention

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that injuries caused by trips and falls are climbing at an enormous rate. In 2014, the number of deaths from trips and falls almost equaled the number of deaths caused by motor vehicle accidents. The fact is, many of these trips and falls are caused by preventable circumstances.

To reduce the probability of such injuries and potential deaths, some basic precautions can be taken in and out of the home.

Eliminate Hidden Hazards

TRIPS. Many trips and falls are caused by small, preventable items in the home that are, in most cases, simply overlooked. A thorough walk through the home may reveal such items. Throw rugs can be a cause for a trip or fall because many removable rugs can easily slide on a hard surface, or can ball up and create a trip hazard. Electrical cords that are strung across a walking path, or that run along the wall unsecured, can also create a hazard. Eliminating these few items can significantly reduce the number of fall and trip hazards in a home.

FALLS. Two common places for falls are in the bathroom and the bedroom. Bathroom falls can occur in several different areas: tub or shower (tripping and falling), getting on and off the toilet, drying off or dressing. Bedroom falls often occur while getting in and out of bed, dressing or reaching for something in a closet or dresser drawer.

Having sufficient grasping surfaces in the bathroom can aid in preventing falls. There are products available that can add a handsome design element, as well as help to prevent falls in the bathroom. Check out some of the innovative bathroom aids from Savon Medimart, like grab bars and bath/shower benches.

In the bedroom, having sufficient support next to the bed can also help to dramatically reduce falls. A firm, stable surface for sitting while dressing is also vital.  Savon Medimart has an under the mattress bed rail that provides a sturdy grasp for aiding at getting in and out of the bed.

Evaluate the Entire Home - Inside and Outside

Too often, even an awareness of the potential for trips and falls, as well as preparation for aging at home, is incomplete because of an inability to identify all of the common hazards. check online for worksheets or checklists can often help to completely evaluate a home; however, even phone apps are available  to make sure you do not miss anything during an evaluation.

Many trips and falls are caused by external areas of egress in and out of the home. Even in the nicest of weather conditions, the threshold and stairs of house can pose tripping hazards—coming or going—and may cause a fall. Products designed to reduce the trips on steps can very much assist in eliminating falls in a home.  Sufficient hand rail height on stairs and deck railings, stair tread width and depth are important.  When walking on uneven ground and terrain, the assist of a cane or walker/rollator can help prevent falls.

Expect the Expected

As baby boomers age, few like to truly admit that they are getting older and are starting to lose mobility. Studies show, however, that though aging can increase the risk of trips and falls, these occurrences can affect anyone at any age and ability.  Recognizing the potential for trips and falls even from seemingly able-bodied people shows the increased need to develop a safe approach to the prevention of these incidents.

Article adapted from Homecare Magazine.

10 Ways to a Beautiful, Accessible Bathroom

A low threshold makes entering the shower easier, and a built-in shower seat is more streamlined than a plastic shower chair.

Plenty of smart seniors and baby boomers are thinking about how to remain in their homes longer, effectively aging-in-place well into their advanced years. They know that remodeling a key functional space such as the bathroom can help make their lives simpler and more comfortable. Increasingly, younger homeowners planning a remodel are also thinking about ways to make the space work better for themselves, their children and their aging parents.
Mention accessible bathroom design, however, and most people think of sterile, hospital-like fixtures and cold, institutional spaces. The good news is accessible bathrooms for people of all ages and abilities can also be beautiful—it is part of a concept known as universal design.
The secret to a successful bathroom is to blend beauty and functionality seamlessly by integrating universal design features into a thoughtful layout. Many of these features can work without having to expand a bathroom’s square footage or move plumbing. Following are 10 ideas for products and design tricks that can help a bathroom meet any need.

1. Visual cues and good lighting

To help with diminished depth perception and weakened eyesight—or for anyone with impaired vision—consider using contrasting colors for key areas such as countertops, showers and toilet zones. Consider adding sconces or other lighting on either side of the vanity mirror to help eliminate shadows and glare. Make sure you have adequate lighting in the shower, and make the most of any natural light.

2. Hand showers with slide bars

A flexible-hose hand shower, mounted on a vertical slide bar and paired with a standard shower head, can be placed low enough to accommodate seated and standing users. Some slide bar models also function as grab bars, a brilliant idea for purists who prefer a pared-down space.

3. Barrier-free shower

A shower with a low or no threshold makes entering the space easy for those who use wheelchairs or walkers. Some designs feature decorative drains at the shower’s edge, blending water removal with a subtle visual cue that helps guide users. Barrier-free shower modules are available in dozens of styles and configurations.

4. Accessible sinks

Wall-mounted and pedestal sinks make use easier for those with mobility devices. The design choices are endless, with classic, modern and transitional styles to suit any space. Installing side-by-side sinks at different counter heights is smart for seated users, as well as couples of different statures.

5. Adjustable or customizable cabinets

A vanity cabinet with a removable base or pocket doors is a great solution for wheelchair users. Cabinets and counters that are wall-mounted on shelf brackets can be adjusted for height or removed to add space for mobility.

6. Lever and pull handles

When it comes to faucets, opt for lever-style models instead of knobs that might be difficult to grip and twist with arthritic or weaker hands. Lever models are easier for children’s small hands, too. Likewise, choose pull-type hardware for drawers and doors.

7. Nonslip floors

Designers agree that matte tile and textured or honed stone such as travertine are better choices for floors than polished surfaces. Aside from better traction, they offer simple maintenance.

8. Grab bars

Today’s grab bar products are designed to look more like traditional towel bars and soap dishes than the institutional-looking products most people are used to.

9. Built-in shower seats

More streamlined and design-friendly than a plastic shower chair, built-in shower seats offer a more comfortable experience for users who have trouble standing. Most models save valuable space by folding up against the wall.

10. Chair-height toilets

Toilets that sit a bit taller, around the height of a standard chair, can work better for people who have knee or back limitations because they don’t require bending or stooping; they can also make transferring to the toilet from a wheelchair smoother and easier. However, these models are not ideal for children or shorter adults. Test a model at a plumbing showroom to see if this style will suit your needs.

Experts agree that whether you include all of these features or pick and choose, the key is to think about your future needs and plan accordingly. For example, younger homeowners might decide they are not ready to install grab bars. But integrating hidden structural changes during a renovation allows you to add features later, such as adding plywood reinforcements behind walls so that you can install grab bars at a later time.

Designing bathrooms with an eye toward the future is a growing trend. As homeowners plan for the needs of their elderly parents and more young people consider how they can get the most out of their remodel in the long term, it’s an investment that pays off—not only daily in added comfort and safety, but also potentially in their home’s resale value, too.

Article by  (Adapted from Homecare Magazine)

Home Accessibility

by Megan Multanen

Buy from Savon Medimart for Less

It may be less expensive and more convenient to buy your medical supplies from Savon Medimart.  With changes in Medicare and with private insurance high deductibles and co-pays, you can buy direct from Savon Medimart at far lower prices.  It’s a smart alternative to the hassle and expense of dealing with insurance companies.  Savon Medimart is a sister company of Boardman Medical Supply which has been supplying DME services to the Tri-County area for over 30 years.  

“Large insurance conglomerates control what medical equipment suppliers can charge and what the reimbursement rate will be on our products,” explains Robin Savon Ivany, general manager and second generation owner of Savon Medimart.  “Contracts with insurance companies have forced DME suppliers to charge much higher prices so that the insurance companies can remain competitive.  Savon Medimart has opted to eliminate insurance contracts in order to give the savings back to our customers by drastically reducing prices, thus saving our customers a great deal of money.”

Savon Medimart is focused on helping patients to be able to get the products they need while also paying less than if an item had been submitted to an insurance company.  New Medicare regulations may require Medicare patients to switch to an out of state or out of area DME company that is a contracted Medicare Competitive Bidding Round 2 Recompete provider effective July 1, 2016.  For Medicare patients submitting DME claims, you may not be able to get the same supplies as you are getting now.  These new DME providers may not have the items you want, or the selection.  Call Savon Medimart now to see how to save on your medical supply needs.

Savon Medimart has locations in Girard, Boardman, Warren, and Twinsburg.  For more information call toll free 1-855-545-6685 or visit the website www.savonmedimart.com.

Help Parents with Mobility Issues

For those of us with aging parents who wish to stay in their own home as long as possible—there’s no better peace of mind than knowing they are safe and happy.

Each year in May and June, we see an influx of shoppers seeking products to make life easier for Mom and Dad, just in time for Mother’s and Father’s Day. People are getting the hint that flowers for her will die in a few days, and does he really need another barbecue apron?

Help Them Hold onto Independence and Mobility

To help parents with mobility issues venture out safely and securely, there is a wide selection available of scooters, wheelchairs, lift chairs, walkers, crutches and canes.

Fear of falling is also a major concern for seniors. Accidents in the bathroom are a major cause of injury. Products on the market to make this room as safe as possible include step-in tubs, grab bars, shower benches and raised commodes.

We offer a host of practical solutions to overcome barriers and make home living more manageable. If you’re not sure what Mom or Dad might need, feel free to stop in one of our stores and ask a sales consultant for advice.

Visit our website  www.savonmedimart.com to locate a store near you.

Sleep Apnea Leads to Major Health Problems

Savon Medimart's sister company, Safety First Sleep Solutions, can reduce the risk of sleep deprivation related accidents by offering affordable, low cost testing and treatment solutions for sleep apnea with sleep therapy experts available 24/7 to assist with any questions or problems.  SFSS uses a convenient, in-home low cost testing system that enables patients to be tested in the comfort of their homes.  A large component of the program is educating truck drivers, and the industry, on sleep apnea to help them become healthier.

At this time, the program is geared towards truck drivers, but it can be used for any shift workers, factory workers, pilots, bus drivers, railroad engineers or anyone where sleep apnea can cause poor productivity and put themselves and others at a great risk for accidents.  We want to help employees and companies keep the number of employee related accidents to a minimum.

The most important reason for recognizing and treating sleep apnea is to prevent future health incidents such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, impotence, stroke and heart attack.  Treating sleep apnea early in life enhances your future health and longevity.  When we sleep at night our airway is normally open, like a straw, allowing air to easily flow in and out. Oxygen moves through the lung tissue into the blood stream attaching itself to red blood cells.  These cells carry oxygen to your major organs to keep your body healthy and functioning properly.  With sleep apnea, the airway is narrower (snoring is a sign of a narrow airway) and becomes obstructed, causing the exchange of oxygen to not occur correctly.  In untreated sleep apnea, the exchange of oxygen does not occur causing the organs to not be properly oxygenated.

Think of it this way:  Vehicles require oil to keep the engine running properly.  The engine will be destroyed if the oil is dirty and disgusting.  Drivers would never allow this to happen.  The same can be said for oxygen rich blood and organs.  Untreated sleep apnea causes malfunctioning organs which causes many health related issues.  

Robin Ivany, Savon Medimart VP says: “Not only does untreated sleep apnea cause countless accidents, left undetected, it can lead to a plethora of other major health problems.  It just makes tremendous financial sense for companies to be proactive with this health issue.  This condition creates such a tremendous liability for companies, mostly because most people that actually have sleep apnea do not even know they have it.  There are no blood tests, for instance, to detect such a condition.  People are dangerously sleep deprived while they routinely operate vehicles or machinery throughout the day.  This is even a problem for employees that sit at a desk all day.  It is a huge productivity issue.” 

Put Your Insurance Card Back In Your Wallet

What makes Savon Medimart stand out from the rest when it comes to medical equipment and supplies?   SMM is dedicated to selling quality medical grade equipment and supplies to our customers at a discounted rate.  Medical equipment prices are constantly changing because of large insurance conglomerates that control the cost and reimbursement of products.   The majority of DME (durable medical equipment) companies are at the mercy of the insurance companies deciding if they want to cut their reimbursement rate or not.  During the past few years our industry has taken drastic cuts in reimbursement, some in excess of 49%.  Many companies have closed their doors because they can’t cover the cost of the product let alone additional overhead costs.   DME companies are being forced out of business at a drastic rate.  As a business owner, I knew I had to change the way we do business, not only for the livelihood of our business, but for the customers involved.  Customers are dealing with these ramifications on a daily basis.  Many customers are unable to find providers to take on their needs because the population of DME companies has dwindled so drastically over the past few years.  

My plan was to stay in business by changing our model.  We opted for a “no insurance contract model”.   Savon Medimart does not accept insurance payments of any kind and opted to be a cash and carry business.  We accept cash, checks and major credit cards.  Our prices are much lower compared to a DME company who is mandated to charge you higher prices because of insurance contracts.

Insurance companies not only cut our reimbursement but they have also made it almost impossible to get good health insurance coverage without paying an arm and leg.  More and more middle class families are unable to pay insurance premiums and have opted to go to the Marketplace to find more reasonable options.  “Cheaper” is not always better when it comes to insurance.  However, not being able to pay the rent and buy food for your family is not an option either, so off to the market place they trot.  Affordable options, yes, but let’s talk about deductibles.  The average deductible from the Marketplace can ranges anywhere from $3000.00 to $10,000.00.  This insurance will cover your family during a catastrophic event, but most healthy people don’t end up spending up to $10,000.00 on medical bills in a year.  Hence, buying your medical equipment and supplies from Savon Medimart proves to be a better option for individuals with outlandish deductibles.  Why pay more money for coinsurance fees when you can purchase discounted items for much less money out of your pocket. 

Know your insurance options before you hand over your insurance card to purchase your medical equipment and supplies.  Don’t be afraid to ask the right questions.  Know how much your insurance will pay for a product and ask the DME company how much they will be billing for those products.  Once you have the information you need, call Savon Medimart and see how much less you will be spending on the exact same products.  You will end up saving money in the long run.  Also, feel free to submit your own claim to the insurance company so that it can be added to your deductible.  Every penny counts when it comes to insurance deductibles.  Let Savon Medimart not only save you money but educate you on the products that will benefit you and your family. 
Savon Medimart prides itself on taking care of our customers by first making sure they get the products and services they need, but most importantly, at the lowest most affordable rate possible.  Put your insurance card back in your wallet and visit us for all your home medical needs including portable oxygen concentrators, Cpap and BiPap, nebulizers, lift chairs, hospital beds, bathroom safety aids, braces, tens units, ice packs / cold therapy, scooters, wheelchairs and bandage supplies and much more.  Visit one of our three locations in Girard, Twinsburg and Boardman or call us at 855-545-6685.

Article by Robin S. Ivany
Vice President/General Manager of Savon Medimart