The Blessing Board

Home Medical Equipment Program

Volunteer Training Guide

Course Overview

1. 2 Types of HME roles
2. Registration form instructions
3. What is HME?
4. Types of HME and how to adjust them
5. Incontinence supplies
6. Safety and Inventory
7. Knowledge check

Role of HME Specialist

• Greets families who are receiving HME
• Completes Registration Form in FULL
• Shares The Blessing Board Message as a representative of Christ with those you serve, sharing the knowledge that God loves them (Script Provided)
• Obtains and fits the equipment and provides informational handouts according to what they receive
• Offers to pray with Families

*Upon completion of Knowledge Check, job description will be sent via email and orientation will be provided the first time you serve.

Role of HME Quality Control Specialist

• Qualifications:
• A background in the medical field (nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, EMT, or similar experience) is strongly preferred, especially for those assisting with fitting or evaluating the safety of home medical equipment
• Demonstrates friendliness, compassion, and remain calm under pressure.
• Maintains firm yet kind boundaries, respectfully declining requests that fall outside The Blessing Board’s policies.
• Understands quality control standards, including cleanliness, safety, and functionality.
• Procedures:
• Reviews inventory and new donations—identify which items need to be inspected or processed.
• Cleans new donations, inspects for any defects or issues with equipment, and places them in designated areas per label.

*Upon completion of Knowledge Check, job description will be sent via email and orientation will be provided the first time you serve.

Registration Forms

• Registration forms for clients can be found on the bottom of the 3 tiered tray by the desk in Home Medical Equipment (HME) Area. They are Blue in Color.
• Registration Forms must be filled out completely.
• Once Complete, Registration Forms must be placed in the top of the 3 tiered tray.
• If you are running low on forms, please let the Volunteer Coordinator know and they will make copies!

Share the Blessing Board Message

Review the following with those receiving HME:

“Before I get your information, I want to take a second to tell you a little about us. The Blessing Board is a Christian furniture bank that also provides donated home medical equipment to people in need of it. That means the reason behind everything we do here is to bring glory to God. We believe in addition to helping to provide you with the items you (or your loved one) need(s) God wants us to tell you that He loves you. He alone can meet your every need, and He wants to bless you today. So, what can I help you with?”

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Filling out the registration form: Contact Info and ID

Ask the client for their ID or the ID of the person who will be receiving the HME. If they do not have the ID, then please gather the data required verbally and record on the sheet that ID was not checked and state a reason why it was not present.

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*Note, please do not have the client fill out this top part of the form, you must be the one to complete!

Filling out the registration form: Demographics and assumption of risks

Explain that the first 3 questions are for statistical purposes and to check of the boxes that apply. *SS Income tends to fall under the 2nd income level option.

Income Level is on a yearly basis and best guess is fine!

They must sign the form, but initialing for photographs is optional.

Filling out the registration form: Reasons for HME needs

(Back of form)

Record the number of items received during the time with the client. Remember to give them the corresponding educational handout for the equipment distributed. These can be found in the large white binder on the desk.

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Don’t forget to sign your name next to “The Blessing Board Representative” at the bottom of the page

What is Home Medical Equipment (HME)?

Defined as any equipment that provides therapeutic benefits or enables the member to perform certain tasks that he/she is unable to undertake due to certain medical conditions and/or illnesses.

HME - Weight Capacities

Standard equipment: < 250 lbs

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Bariatric: > 250 lbs

Always check the label to be sure!

Types of HME: Canes

Single-point versus Quad cane

• You can support up to 25% of your weight with a cane
• They can help with early balance problems
• 4-point or “quad” canes add more stability and help even more with balance
• Adjusting the height to where your wrist bends

Taking a step: Place cane on strong side → Advance cane and weaker leg at the same time

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How to Adjust a Cane

Types of HME: Crutches

The top of your crutches should be 2 inches (2-3 fingers) below your armpits while standing up straight.

The handgrips of the crutches should be at wrist height

There should be a slight bend in your elbows when you use the hand-grips

Hold the top of the crutches against your sides and use your hands to absorb the weight. Do not press the top of the crutches into your armpits. This could result in damage to the nerves that run under your arms.

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How to Adjust Crutches

Types of HME: Walkers

Wheeled walkers (2 front wheels), standard (no wheels), bariatric (4 front wheels)

Wheeled: allows you to walk with greater speed, but it is less stable than a standard walker and can easily be pushed away from you while walking

Standard: lift and advance the walker while walking; appropriate for those not able to bear full weight on one leg

Fold for transport

Not meant to be used on stairs

Taking a step: Walker → weaker → stronger

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How to Adjust Walkers

Types of HME: Rollators

Rolling walker with brakes and a seat

Adjust the handles to where the wrist bends.

Good for those able to balance themselves but need a place to sit frequently or need help carrying oxygen tanks

Check brakes before distributing

Lock brakes before sitting

Fold for transport

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How to Adjust Rollators

Types of HME: Standard

Wheelchairs

Transport or Standard

Selecting the right width:

• Measure the person’s hip width across the widest point of hips or thighs
• Measure from one end of the seat to the other
• Perfect width seat will be the person’s hip width PLUS 2 inches

Average adult seat width: 18-20”

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Types of HME: Bariatric Wheelchairs

Standard and Transport

Distinguishing characteristics between standard and bariatric wheelchairs:

• Weight Capacity: Can hold 300-700 pounds or more
• Seat Width: 22-30”
• Frame: Reinforced and sturdier frame for durability and support
• Durability: Built to withstand long-term use
• Comfort: Designed with features like wider armrests and backrests

Standard bariatric

Bariatric transport

Types of HME: Wheelchairs

• The 90-90-90 Rule: If the person is able, a 90° bend in the hips, knees and ankles.
• The person's rear end should make contact with
• wheelchair back.
• Thighs should be parallel to the ground
• Knees should be in line with their hips
• ALWAYS LOCK THE BRAKES
• Can be folded for transport
• If they’re spending longer than 2 hours in the wheelchair, it should have a cushion

How to Adjust Wheelchairs

Types of HME: Shower chairs and tub benches

Shower chairs

• Ensure all four legs sit level on the shower floor, and the person’s feet touch the floor while seated
• Weight capacity 250lb�

Extended tub benches

• Designed for people unable to step over the tub
• Adjust all legs so the bench is parallel to the floor
• NOTE: Suction leg side of bench goes into bathtub. Leg heights may vary depending on the difference in height of bathtub and the floor. Adjust to face the faucet
• Give clear shower curtain with tub bench

How to Adjust Tub Benches

Types of HME: Bed Rails

Push the bed rail between the box spring and mattress until the handle is tight to the edge of the mattress

If the bedrail has feet, they should sit flat on the floor once adjusted to match the bed height

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Incontinence Supplies

In order from least to most absorbent (S-3XL)

1. Pads/Liners: adhere inside regular undergarment
2. Pull-ups/Protective underwear: elastic waistband
3. Briefs: sticky tabs that secure each side
4. Bed pads: disposable absorbent mats for mattress

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Safety and Inventory

Lifting wheelchairs safely (to load vehicles):

• Assess the Load: Before lifting, determine the weight and size of the object. Consider if it's too heavy to lift alone.
• Prepare Your Body: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, bend your knees, and keep your back straight.
• Get a Good Grip: Ensure you have a firm hold on the object, using gloves if needed.
• Lift with Your Legs: Use your leg strength to lift, not your back. Keep the load close to your body.
• Avoid Twisting: Move your feet to change direction, rather than twisting your body.
• Set Down Carefully: Bend your knees and keep your back straight when placing the object down.

Sorting new inventory:

• All new inventory get cleaned with wipes and gloves
• Label cleaned inventory with a colored sticker dot
• RED sticker dots are specifically for bariatric equipment

Knowledge Check

*Please proceed to the Google Form

*Once finished, be sure to hit “submit” to record your responses

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Check Your Knowledge