Home Oxygen Therapy, Products & Services

Home Oxygen Therapy

Simple, Safe, Effective.

In-home service throughout the Greater Toronto Area

Advacare is a registered Home Oxygen provider of Ontario's Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care

Why do I need Oxygen Therapy?

Oxygen is vital to the proper functioning of the cells in our bodies. Without it, cells begin falter and we cannot function. In absence of enough oxygen in our blood, significant impairment or death can ensue.

Oxygen makes up 21% of the air we breathe. Upon taking a breath, air moves from the atmosphere and into the lungs. The oxygen in the air then moves across a thin layer of cells in the alveoli (air sacs in the lungs) and into the bloodstream, where it is carried throughout the body.

Oxygen therapy is needed for some individuals with lung disease such as asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, occupational lung disease, lung cancer, cystic fibrosis, or congestive heart failure, as the amount of oxygen in the air may not be enough to meet their physiological needs. Providing supplemental oxygen is sometimes necessary to help make up for the lack of oxygen in the body.

Some conditions that MAY lead to a need for Home Oxygen Therapy Include:

• Emphysema
• Chronic Bronchitis
• Asthma
• Pulmonary Fibrosis or Occupational Lung Disease
• Cystic Fibrosis
• Congestive Heart Failure
• Cancer

Some benefits of Home Oxygen Therapy include:

• Increased exercise/activity tolerance
• Decreased breathlessness
• Improved cardiovascular function
• A more active, productive life

Home Oxygen Therapy

How do I know if I need Home Oxygen Therapy?

To find out if you are a candidate for Home Oxygen Therapy, your doctor may order tests to check the oxygen levels in your arterial blood. Examples of such tests are Arterial Blood Gases (small blood sample from an artery) or Pulse Oximetry.

How do I obtain Home Oxygen Equipment and Services?

If it is determined Home Oxygen Therapy is suitable for you, your physician must write a prescription that will indicate how much oxygen you need and when you need to use oxygen. Some people use oxygen therapy only while exercising, others only while sleeping, and still others need oxygen continuously.

You have the right to choose your Home Oxygen provider, as long as they are registered as a Home Oxygen vendor with the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care.

At Advacare, when we receive your prescription, we will make arrangements with you to meet at your home/residence at a time that is convenient for you and your family. At this time, a Registered Respiratory Therapist will:

• determine which equipment is best suited to you
• deliver and install the Oxygen therapy equipment
• thoroughly educate you on its safe and proper use

After this initial meeting, you will continue to receive education and follow up as is required. As well, at all times, your physician will be kept informed of the progression of your therapy.

Who will pay for the home oxygen?

OHIP will pay for some, or all of the home oxygen costs. If you are under 65 years of age and meet the OHIP funding medical criteria, 75% of cost is funded. For those 65 years of age or older, or for those receiving social assistance, 100% of the cost is funded by OHIP. Advacare collects this amount directly from OHIP.

Treatment: Home Oxygen Therapy Equipment

Our Home Oxygen Therapy equipment includes the latest, lightest and most reliable equipment available.

Oxygen is usually given through a tube with soft plastic nose prongs that fit inside your nostrils (a nasal cannula), that is connected to an oxygen source. On occasion, oxygen is given by mask.

The Most Common Home Oxygen Sources Include:

Stationary Oxygen Concentrators (SOC)

This is an electrically powered machine that is placed in your home. It works by taking air and separating the oxygen form the other gases in the air, only allowing the oxygen to pass through to the oxygen tube. This tube can be very long, allowing you to move freely around the house.

Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POC)

This device works in the same way as the Stationary Oxygen Concentrator but is much smaller and lighter. It can also be operated from both a battery or electricity. The POC is meant to allow mobility and be used outside the home. It is not meant for continuous use within the home.

Oxygen Cylinders

Compressed oxygen cylinders come in different sizes. A small portable cylinder can be used when leaving the home. It can be wheeled and attached to a walker, wheelchair or carried in a small bag or backpack. A larger freestanding cylinder can be used in the home as back-up in the event of a power failure.