The population in America is getting older, leading to several significant changes in the way people live and care for themselves.
One of the most significant changes is the desire among the older generation to stay in their homes as long as possible, and today's at-home medical devices make it possible.
As of 2009, about 12 percent of the U.
S.
population - some 39 million people - are aged 65 or older.
These new retirees represent the first of the Baby Boom generation, which is marked not only by their numbers, but also by their independence and desire to live life on their terms.
Baby Boomers are not thrilled at the prospect of entering nursing homes, assisted living communities, or other facilities.
Instead, they are buying or renovating their homes to allow them to stay put well into their Golden Years.
Try as we might, however, we cannot stop the advance of aging and the medical conditions that it brings.
This means people need to keep closer tabs on their health at home, by monitoring their conditions and conducting their own tests.
Today's at-home medical devices makes this possible.
They allow people to take responsibility for their own healthcare and have greater control over their treatment.
They also reduce the time, cost and inconvenience of frequent doctor visits for routine tests.
Finally, at-home medical devices accommodate the growing need for at-home professional health care providers.
There are several kinds of home medical devices available for purchase, but the three most common are pulse oximeters, blood pressure monitors and nebulizers.
Pulse oximeters are designed to help people monitor oxygen levels in their blood.
These non-invasive devices work by being attached to a patient's finger, earlobe or other thin part of the body.
For people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other respiratory conditions, pulse oximeters are an important tool.
A familiar sight in every doctor's office, blood pressure monitors are basic tools for monitoring patients' vital signs.
At-home versions allow people to keep a closer eye on their blood pressure and monitor their medication.
Also, due to the anxiety many people feel simply by being in a doctor's office, at-home blood pressure monitors can help patients get more accurate readings.
Unlike pulse oximeters and blood pressure monitors, which are designed for monitoring health, nebulizers are tools for treatment.
Also used for people with COPD, asthma and other respiratory conditions, nebulizers provide treatment by administering medication in the form of a mist, directly to the lungs.
Nebulizers allow people to get more immediate treatment - and relief - at home.
Buying pulse oximeters, blood pressure monitors and nebulizers is easier than ever.
Your doctor will tell you what type of medical device to get, and what to look for.
In some cases, you may be able to use your flex account or medical savings account to purchase the medical devices.