Addressing the Bariatric Care Crisis: US Med-Equip's WAVE Technology™ Offers Critical Support

More than 40% of American adults are estimated to classify as bariatric—an epidemic, according to the CDC. As the bariatric population continues to rise, hospitals are under increasing pressure to provide appropriate care for these patients.

As US Med-Equip expands its bariatric equipment offerings, understanding what it means to be a large person in a healthcare setting, where standard equipment often doesn’t fit, is critical for our support to hospital partners.

“Our community’s biggest fear is that a staff member could hurt themselves while caring for us,” explained Tracey Carr, a prominent bariatric patient advocate. “If I break a piece of equipment, it can be replaced, but if someone has a career-ending injury trying to treat me, I’d be devastated.”

Carr, who estimates her weight to be around 440 pounds, said she grew up thin in what she calls an “average family” and began gaining weight following the tragic death of her partner. She has since become a plus-size model and spokesperson for the growing bariatric community, advocating for the safety of both patients and the healthcare staff who care for them.

“There’s no excuse for manual movements when technology is available to help,” she said. “I tell everyone to campaign at their hospitals for the right tools to do the job safely. Don’t let your team be at risk.”

Carr is a strong proponent of US Med-Equip’s WAVE therapeutic mattress technology.

“There’s never going to be one solution that works for everyone, but when the bed and mattress are adjustable, you give patients the best chance at comfort, and WAVE technology is infinitely adjustable.”

For bariatric patients, hospital stays can be stressful, especially with the added fear of damaging equipment or causing injury to healthcare workers. Carr believes clinicians can help alleviate these fears by making patients feel comfortable and asking how they typically manage their day-to-day activities.

“The equipment, training, and attitudes are improving,” Carr said. “I can feel the tide changing.”