Baxter deliveries?

[Larry Robinson]

I do PD with Fresenius, who use Baxter to deliver dialysate to me every four weeks ago. Last month Baxter announced that they were no longer going to deliver the 36 cases upstairs to my bedroom, out of concerns for COVID-19.

Has anyone else run into this? What did you end up doing? Carrying everything up the stairs is a problem for me, since I had a (mild) heart attack a couple of years back. And it's not like the average dialysis patient is a linebacker. I wish they had given me the option of either carrying them upstairs or leaving them in my garage.

My region of New York (Southern Tier) is officially opening up, but Baxter isn't changing their policy. Any advice would be appreciated!

Thanks, Larry

[PrimeTimer]

If not already I would let Fresenius know about this. Seems to me that if masks are worn then maybe the boxes could at least be placed just inside your door for you. Covid-19 has sure screwed with peoples lives in many ways! Hope you get some help with it.

[rcjordan]

We had the same happen with Fresenius NxStage supplies.  Our notification said to arrange help with a family member or friend. 

[PrimeTimer]

I hate it when people (or Fresenius or Baxter) just assumes everyone has "people". Not everyone is lucky enough to have a support system. Perhaps if Larry lives in an apartment they will allow one of their maintenance men to help him with the boxes. Our apartment staff is still handling service calls, they wear masks. Don't know if they'd help with boxes but perhaps they would. Or a neighbor? 

[Michael Murphy]

Contact your church, or local support group to see if you can arrange volunteers to help carry in your supplies.  As last resort check with your social worker.

[iolaire]

Contact your church, or local support group to see if you can arrange volunteers to help carry in your supplies.  As last resort check with your social worker.

+++ this.  Many regions have COVID help groups on Facebook and the like.  I'm sure with some poking around a group could be help that have people ready and willing to help.

[Simon Dog]

taskrabbit.com can be used to solve the problem but it will co$t.

[Tío Riñon]

This is definitely a problem!  Baxter will drop the shipment just inside the building (house, apartment complex, assisted living foyer, etc.), but won't venture much further.  I have opted to have them put part of the delivery on my front porch and the remainder in my garage.  Luckily, I have friends and family who will help me move boxes to my bedroom as needed.

Definitely speak with your nurse and/or social worker at the DaVita/Fresenius clinic to see if they have any suggestions.  I'm sure you aren't the only person in this situation. 

You can also try posting a request for assistance on the NextDoor website, churches, or other local service groups.  I've been pleasantly surprised by offers of help by neighbors to help other as I review these sites.

Good luck!  Let us know if you find a solution to your dilemma.

[Larry Robinson]

Thanks to all for their suggestions! Right now I'm carrying the dialysate from the garage to the stairs, and relying on my wife to carry the cases upstairs.

I am disappointed at Fresenius corporate (not my clinic) for not really doing anything to support its customers.

I did reach out to the NY state COVID-19 help line, who suggested contacting my county health department and the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance. So that was helpful.

Thank you all for your thoughts and helpful suggestions,
Larry

[mamagemini]

I was lucky enough to have the nurse from the clinic come over and bring in my boxes for me one time. They left it outside in the sprinklers and sunlight!! Now I have them bringing into my garage. They are not to leave any of my boxes outside!!
During Covid they left them in the garage and I have my son or his girlfriend bring them in.

[Simon Dog]

Cost savings measures are addictive.   I've worked in companies that pulled back on some things like lavish holiday parties when sales shrank, but when the sales eventually returned there was no rolling back of austerity measures.

I've give better than even odds that the "deliver inside the house" option either never comes back, or is only available when the medical support team determines the patient lacks both the ability to do it him/herself and a support system to take care of the interior move of the boxes.

[Larry Robinson]

Just a quick note to Baxter has resumed delivering supplies up to my second floor bedroom. Life is good again!

[Seaweed]

Hi Larry i just went on home hemo. I have 2 story home so. I move downstairs nxstage only delivers to the garage
Its good to know what your issue are