Please click on any question below to learn more:
No. BC's MSP has elected not to fund this program. Individuals who have extended health insurance benefits may have coverage.
Limited financial coverage is available for upper extremity Lymphedema arm sleeves and gloves depending on specific Pharmacare plans and deductibles for BC residents. BC Pharmacare does not offer coverage for lower extremity Lymphedema compression garments. BC Pharmacare does not offer any funding for healthcare rehabilitation professional services.
Occupational Therapy healthcare services are a tax deductible medical expense. For further information can be obtained at: Canada Revenue Agency. We encourage you to discuss these options with your income tax planner and check with the Canada Revenue Agency for any updates to federal tax laws.
Yes. Compression garments are designed to offer a gradual level of support to the area(s) of your body that have developed Lymphedema. Wearing a compression garment will help you control the condition while continuing your daily activities. We will work with you to fit a garment that best suits your needs.
"Compression garment" or "garment" is used to describe compression products that provide graduated support for Lymphedema management anywhere in your body. Graduated compression garments are available in both custom made and standard sizes.
"Compression stockings" refer to graduated compression products used to manage leg, thigh, or waist-length Lymphedema concerns.
"Hand gloves" describes a compression product to provide hand support. Hand gloves can be made to include individual finger supports when needed.
"Millimeters of Mercury" or "mmHg" relates to an estimated measure of the amount of gradual compression woven into the product. For instance, a 20-30mmHg garment is designed with a gradient 30mmHg to 20mmHg of compression support, with the lighter compression always designed to be at the point closer to the torso. For instance, a 20-30 mmHg arm sleeve will offer up to 30mmHg of graduated compression at the wrist, with compression support gradually reducing to 20mmHg at the arm pit to encourage lymphatic drainage towards the torso. The higher the numbers, the more compression support is offered by the product.
It is important to be fitted with a compression garment with enough support to control the Lymphedema. Higher level compression garments are not always appropriate. You also need to be able to don and doff the garment, and comfortably wear it during daily living activities. Your therapist will provide a written summary of recommendations for graduated compression garments for your physician and insurance provider(s).
We offer our client's the opportunity to be measured and fitted for graduated compression garments by a Certified Lymphedema Therapist and trained compression garment fitter in the comfort and privacy of their own home. Appropriate fitting and use of graduated compression garments is crucial to our client's ability to gain greater independence in Lymphedema self-management in their daily lives. We will also work with our clients to replace, update and review graduated compression garment needs over time.
(778) 220-2269
info@healthylifegarments.ca