21 August 2024

This paid post is sponsored by Avera Health.

“Bigger is not always better” and “location, location, location” were the business mantras that Avera executives had in mind as they looked for a new location for a home medical equipment store in Sioux Falls.

Avera Home Medical Equipment has moved from 33rd Street and Minnesota Avenue to 3720 W. 69th St.

“It’s a location with a full range of home medical equipment, from canes and shower chairs to the most advanced ventilators on the market,” said Mitch Butler, vice president of Avera Home Medical Equipment, part of Avera@Home. “Some HME companies only offer the bare essentials. Others specialize in a few areas of care. We offer everything in one easily accessible location.”

Avera Home Medical Equipment’s new store offers all medical equipment for home use, from mobility aids to stand-up chairs, advanced ventilators and other technology.

Home medical devices represent a small but important part of healthcare.

“The little things make a big difference, whether it’s a lift chair, a custom-built cane or a CPAP machine that provides good rest,” Butler said. “We deliver all of that right here to our customers.”

The previous site was larger but was located on one of Sioux Falls’ busiest streets, making access more difficult for patients not accustomed to driving in the city. The previous site, which Avera donated to South Dakota State University, will serve as the permanent home for SDSU’s Sioux Falls-based nursing and pharmacy programs.

“We feel a little like Goldilocks,” Butler added. “Our new location on 69th Street is not too big and not too small – it’s just the right size for our market.” The new location also offers space for partners.

Customer service representatives Rick Boeder and Ashley Bierschbach in the lift chair department of the new Avera HME store

Not only does the HME store have thousands of items, but it is also staffed with knowledgeable staff who will not only tell you everything, but show you everything too.

“For example, we have a dedicated mastectomy area with clinical experts who can help each patient find clothing and accessories,” Butler said. “We also have private consultation rooms for patients who require CPAP machines.”

Butler’s team is committed to personalizing the shopping experience for items that improve quality of life. Clinical experts in respiratory care often work with patients who need perfected approaches to using oxygen or ventilators at home. Other team members are well versed in lift chairs, stair assists and power wheelchairs.

“Spontaneous visits are always welcome, but we can schedule a clinical consultation for anyone,” said Leslie Cunningham, director of client services at Avera HME. “This means a patient with complex rehab can get tailored instructions on the things they need, as well as answers to any insurance questions.”

Leslie Cunningham, Customer Service Manager, shows some of the motorized mobility products available in the store.

Butler said Avera’s mission is one reason the store has so many products on its shelves. “We provide the equipment in the store and at the bedside in our facilities,” he said. Avera employees often deliver products to rural areas so patients don’t have to travel.

If a small device can bring great peace of mind to a patient, Avera’s mission will be accomplished, Butler said.

“We truly make our customers’ lives better and we do that every day, in-store, on-site or in a facility.”

Learn more about Avera@Home services.