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UPS (uninterruptible power supply) systems designed for computers can also work very well for a variety of small in home power needs. UPS systems look like a boxy power strip/surge protector, provide surge protection for all the outlets with about 1/2 to 2/3s of the outlets also being powered from a battery when the home electricity fails. They include a battery which is charged when the electricity is available and then provides power to the plugged in stuff when normal electrical power is unavailable. Most also include 1-2 USB ports that can be used to recharge a phone.
I purchased a small UPS for Mom's room. The UPS can run a lift chair, adjustable bed and an LED lamp for over a week (tested by unplugging the UPS from the wall plus and running everything from the UPS battery). Of course, Mom's chair and bed only need power when actually moving so a UPS to support continuously running an oxygen generator or concentrator would need to be larger because it would not last as long under the higher load. These can even power a CPAP.
For short term power outages, I suggest purchasing one or more basic UPS systems. Because the higher the capacity, the more the battery weighs you may prefer to purchase a couple instead of one larger but heavier unit.
Right now I like the CyberPower ST625U Standby UPS System, 625VA/360W, 8 Outlets, 2 USB Charging Ports, Compact available on Amazon for $55 or the Protector with USB Charger, 600VA, APC Back-UPS (BE600M1) for $60. You can purchase larger units with lots of good choices in the $60-160 range. Make sure you can turn off the alarm (so you can test how long it last with your appliances) and the battery is replaceable as needed in 3-5 years.
Remember when looking at shutdown times that these units were designed to support a power eating computer or game system with a large monitor. They last a lot longer for small appliances or charging cell phones.
TNtechie, thanks for sharing this good information on UPS systems. The only types of systems of which I was aware other than larger and much more expensive generators are the solar chargers, but they're probably not very useful in winter and when there's less sun.
I'm checking out the units you recommended. These are of interest to me. At least they could provide communication with the outside world.
Thanks GA. The LED light bulbs with battery backup are good during a power loss too. I installed them in the hall and Mom's bedroom and bath. They are only good for 3-4 hours of continuous 40W light from their small battery but it's wonderful to be able to turn the hall light on (when the power is out) to check on my mom and turn on the UPS fed lamps in the bedrooms. When you turn the wall light switch off, the bulb goes off and saves the battery. With Mom's memory issues, lights that work "normally" from the wall switches are much better than camping lanterns. They are a little expensive (2 for $18) but they can be placed just about anywhere you have regular bulbs now. They are a little longer than a normal bulb so if the bulb fits really tight in the fixture it might not work.
Worried, you made a good point, making me realize I didn't even distinguish between generator and concentrator.
So, to correct my post, Mommomjo, if what you really want is a standby generator in the event of power failure, WorriedinCal is right. Those can cost thousands of dollars.
If you mean a stationary concentrator which provides oxygen, Medicare will pay for that.
I apologize for not making that distinction and inadvertently offering what could be construed as misleading information.
Worried, thanks for raising that distinction in your post.
Medicare will pay 80%, the remaining 20% should be covered some by the secondary policy. No generator is needed. Oxygen companies designate one tall tank for emergency use & will include this on their inventory when making visits to the person’s home. You want an oxygen concentrator. This uses room air to make more oxygen thus prevents the need to switch out tanks
I’ve found that each person is given varies. My MIL had a home concentrator and a medium sized green bottle metal bottle. That’s all Medicare would approve. My mother has a home concentrator, a portable concentrator and I think 4 small metal bottles that last a few hours each. If the power is out for days, which happens in this state often, you need a generator for sure.
As of last year, yes it would, if they're both scripted for by a physician. In our case it was the pulmonary doctor who ordered both.
As to oxygen, are you familiar with the portables as well as the tanks? You'd probably want E tanks and a concentrator for home use. For traveling, such as to medical appointments, a portable unit is better, and easier to handle, but it doesn't have as much capacity (i.e., doesn't last as long) vczas a stationary concentrator.
The nebulizer will include the vials, probably of albuterol and ipratropium bromide, which would also be refilled by the DME supplier as needed.
My mon was told this year that Medicare will not pay for a generator for her oxygen concentrator because a generator is not considered medical equipment.
Not a generator, but they will provide enough oxygen tanks to ensure that you have enough oxygen to get you through.
Talk to the oxygen provided and find out how long it takes to get refills in the event of a power outage.
My step-dad is provided 8 tanks with a 4 hour expectancy based on his needs. They have been really great about keeping all of the tanks full as often as needed.
The number of tanks provided was determined by the turn around for getting him filled tanks in the event of an emergency.
In my county they have an Emergency Management Dept. This department keeps a list of people in need of oxygen or anything that electric is involved. They will supply generators to those people who need them in an emergency.
If you live in an area that you feel more comfortable with a generator, it maybe wise to buy one or a concentrator.
JoAnn, you're very fortunate; sounds like your county is very progressive and concerned for older folks who need 24/7 access to electricity for medical devices.
Do you know if they hook up the generators as well?
I'm going to check with my Courty to see if it has anything similar.
By proceeding, I agree that I understand the following disclosures:
I. How We Work in Washington.
Based on your preferences, we provide you with information about one or more of our contracted senior living providers ("Participating Communities") and provide your Senior Living Care Information to Participating Communities. The Participating Communities may contact you directly regarding their services.
APFM does not endorse or recommend any provider. It is your sole responsibility to select the appropriate care for yourself or your loved one. We work with both you and the Participating Communities in your search. We do not permit our Advisors to have an ownership interest in Participating Communities.
II. How We Are Paid.
We do not charge you any fee – we are paid by the Participating Communities. Some Participating Communities pay us a percentage of the first month's standard rate for the rent and care services you select. We invoice these fees after the senior moves in.
III. When We Tour.
APFM tours certain Participating Communities in Washington (typically more in metropolitan areas than in rural areas.) During the 12 month period prior to December 31, 2017, we toured 86.2% of Participating Communities with capacity for 20 or more residents.
IV. No Obligation or Commitment.
You have no obligation to use or to continue to use our services. Because you pay no fee to us, you will never need to ask for a refund.
V. Complaints.
Please contact our Family Feedback Line at (866) 584-7340 or ConsumerFeedback@aplaceformom.com to report any complaint. Consumers have many avenues to address a dispute with any referral service company, including the right to file a complaint with the Attorney General's office at: Consumer Protection Division, 800 5th Avenue, Ste. 2000, Seattle, 98104 or 800-551-4636.
VI. No Waiver of Your Rights.
APFM does not (and may not) require or even ask consumers seeking senior housing or care services in Washington State to sign waivers of liability for losses of personal property or injury or to sign waivers of any rights established under law.
I agree that:
A.
I authorize A Place For Mom ("APFM") to collect certain personal and contact detail information, as well as relevant health care information about me or from me about the senior family member or relative I am assisting ("Senior Living Care Information").
B.
APFM may provide information to me electronically. My electronic signature on agreements and documents has the same effect as if I signed them in ink.
C.
APFM may send all communications to me electronically via e-mail or by access to an APFM web site.
D.
If I want a paper copy, I can print a copy of the Disclosures or download the Disclosures for my records.
E.
This E-Sign Acknowledgement and Authorization applies to these Disclosures and all future Disclosures related to APFM's services, unless I revoke my authorization. You may revoke this authorization in writing at any time (except where we have already disclosed information before receiving your revocation.) This authorization will expire after one year.
F.
You consent to APFM's reaching out to you using a phone system than can auto-dial numbers (we miss rotary phones, too!), but this consent is not required to use our service.
I purchased a small UPS for Mom's room. The UPS can run a lift chair, adjustable bed and an LED lamp for over a week (tested by unplugging the UPS from the wall plus and running everything from the UPS battery). Of course, Mom's chair and bed only need power when actually moving so a UPS to support continuously running an oxygen generator or concentrator would need to be larger because it would not last as long under the higher load. These can even power a CPAP.
For short term power outages, I suggest purchasing one or more basic UPS systems. Because the higher the capacity, the more the battery weighs you may prefer to purchase a couple instead of one larger but heavier unit.
Right now I like the CyberPower ST625U Standby UPS System, 625VA/360W, 8 Outlets, 2 USB Charging Ports, Compact available on Amazon for $55 or the Protector with USB Charger, 600VA, APC Back-UPS (BE600M1) for $60. You can purchase larger units with lots of good choices in the $60-160 range. Make sure you can turn off the alarm (so you can test how long it last with your appliances) and the battery is replaceable as needed in 3-5 years.
Remember when looking at shutdown times that these units were designed to support a power eating computer or game system with a large monitor. They last a lot longer for small appliances or charging cell phones.
I'm checking out the units you recommended. These are of interest to me. At least they could provide communication with the outside world.
So, to correct my post, Mommomjo, if what you really want is a standby generator in the event of power failure, WorriedinCal is right. Those can cost thousands of dollars.
If you mean a stationary concentrator which provides oxygen, Medicare will pay for that.
I apologize for not making that distinction and inadvertently offering what could be construed as misleading information.
Worried, thanks for raising that distinction in your post.
No generator is needed. Oxygen companies designate one tall tank for emergency use & will include this on their inventory when making visits to the person’s home.
You want an oxygen concentrator. This uses room air to make more oxygen thus prevents the need to switch out tanks
As to oxygen, are you familiar with the portables as well as the tanks? You'd probably want E tanks and a concentrator for home use. For traveling, such as to medical appointments, a portable unit is better, and easier to handle, but it doesn't have as much capacity (i.e., doesn't last as long) vczas a stationary concentrator.
The nebulizer will include the vials, probably of albuterol and ipratropium bromide, which would also be refilled by the DME supplier as needed.
Its not on the list of “what’s covered” either https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/is-your-test-item-or-service-covered
Talk to the oxygen provided and find out how long it takes to get refills in the event of a power outage.
My step-dad is provided 8 tanks with a 4 hour expectancy based on his needs. They have been really great about keeping all of the tanks full as often as needed.
The number of tanks provided was determined by the turn around for getting him filled tanks in the event of an emergency.
If you live in an area that you feel more comfortable with a generator, it maybe wise to buy one or a concentrator.
Do you know if they hook up the generators as well?
I'm going to check with my Courty to see if it has anything similar.
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