Aug. 21, 2024

This paid piece is sponsored by Avera Health.

“Bigger is not always better” and “location, location, location” were business mantras Avera leaders had in mind when seeking 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 site with full-range essentials in home medical equipment such as canes and shower chairs to the most advanced respiratory services hardware available,” said Mitch Butler, vice president of Avera Home Medical Equipment, part of Avera@Home. “Some HME businesses offer just the basics. Others specialize in a few care areas. We offer it all in an easy-access location.”

Avera Home Medical Equipment’s new store offers complete home medical equipment needs, from mobility aids to lift chairs, advanced respiratory services and other technology.

Home medical equipment makes up a small but vital part of health care.

“The little things make big differences, be it a lift chair, a custom cane or a CPAP machine that leads to good rest,” Butler said. “We get all of these to our customers right here.”

The former location was bigger, but it was located on one of Sioux Falls’ busiest streets. Access was harder for patients unfamiliar with driving in the city. The former location, which Avera gifted to South Dakota State University, will serve as a permanent home for SDSU’s Sioux Falls-based nursing and pharmacy programs.

“We feel like Goldilocks a bit,” Butler added. “Our new 69th Street location is not too big and not too small – it’s just right-sized for our market.” The new site has room for partners as well.

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

While the HME store holds thousands of items, it also boasts expert staff ready to not just tell – but show.

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

Personalizing the shopping experience for items that improve quality of life is important to Butler’s team. Clinical experts in respiratory care often work with patients who need perfected approaches for home use of oxygen or ventilation equipment. Other team members know all the ins and outs of lift chairs, stair-assist devices and power wheelchairs.

“Walk-ins are always welcome, but we can schedule clinical consultations for anyone,” said Leslie Cunningham, customer service representative supervisor at Avera HME. “That means a complex rehab patient can get tailored instruction on things they need, along with answers to all questions about insurance.”

Leslie Cunningham, customer service representative supervisor, shows some of the motorized mobility products available at the store.

Butler said the Avera mission is a part of why the store stocks so many products on its shelves. “We provide equipment in the store and at the bedside in our facilities,” he said. Avera staff often deliver products to rural areas so patients can avoid travel.

When a small device brings great peace of mind for a patient, the Avera mission is realized, Butler said.

“Making differences in the lives of our customers really is what we do every day in the store, out in the footprint or in a facility.”

Learn more about Avera@Home services.