Winter is here and has reared it's ugly head upon most of the United States. During these times, we often forget that people who are on oxygen may need to make sure they are kept in supplies. Most people have concentrators which run off electricity. If you have a power failure, you are not going to be using the concentrator. Take a few minutes and call up your provider and order some large bottles that last around 8 hours and some smaller ones in case you need to travel.
There are loved ones who don't think about their oxygen and may have some memory problems. If you are a family member or friend, help them out by reminding them to call for a fresh shipment.
You have loved ones who don't want to see you in bad shape because of something that could have been prevented, so take a couple of minutes and take care of this right now. It will save a lot of heartache and discomfort if you do.
By gem from VA
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Excellent advice! Another thing that can be done is rather than asking the provider for portable oxygen tanks see if they would be willing to cover a portable battery operated concentrator. That way there is a backup during a power outage that can double for away from home outings without having to have alot of extra tanks around that are expensive to have refilled and the battery operated concentrator simply only needs to be recharged.
There's another related thing. If you provide medical documentation to the electricity provider, stating that you must have electricity for a nebulizer or oxygen tanks, they cannot legally ever stop the utility even when you are unable to pay the bill in full or in a timely manner.
My husband has a concentrator and a portable one inccase the power goes ot, but is unable to get a portable to carry in the car or when we go outside. Any suggestions on how to get one when we go away.
I think Deeli has the best advice, it's far preferable to have a concentrator than bottles of oxygen. Those can be a fire hazard. It's a great idea, though, Gem. You get my thumbs-up!
PRebuck, Get pushy with the insurance company and have the doctor write another letter but first be armed with information of how much it costs to have the current portable 'oxygen' tank(s) refilled and how much the refill costs are per year. (Do you own them or are they rented? That is another huge factor that could be helpful for you.) Then do some research on the net and at local oxygen supply stores about the total cost outright of a portable 'concentrator' and show the insurance company how much money will be saved in just one or two years.
The utility companies in Florida have a policy where you are put on an emergency list so that should there ever be a power failure you will be the first to have yours restored. I'm not sure if generators are supplied but when using one make sure that it is well vented since there is a gas buildup and it can cause death. All it will take is one phone call to give you peace of mind in this situation. Good luck.
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