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Re: Assistive technology for folks with MS
Literally hundreds of simple, inexpensive devices are available
to address activities of daily living (cooking, eating, dressing, etc).,
including cooking from a wheelchair.
I strongly suggest that your friend be seen by an occupational
therapist for this type of evaluation- in addition, an OT or PT
is best able to address bed positioning- both of these
are 'medically necessary' issues of disability so insurance
should pay for the assessment (as would medicare or medicaid).
With respect to positioning changes- several air systems have been
designed, and are on the market. Special mattresses and
bed systems are designed to alter positioning via inflation and deflation
of bladders- of course the prices reflect the complexity and need- if she
is at risk or has a history of pressure ulcers, she will qualify for
a mattress overlay or replacement mattress.
Funding for assistive technology is often a crap-shoot, but is
fairly straightforward if medically necessary- that designation
will come from her primary care physician
the ADL equipment is inexpensive because the market is fairly large-
the mattress world has a huge price range, in part because of the limited
market
some numbers to call:
Abledata 800-227-0216 (federally funded database of assistive devices)
Sammons 800- 323-5547 (vendor of AT, including ADL equipment)
Maddak 201-628-7600 (similar to Sammons)
Dig around- it'll be worth her time
Stephen Sprigle
Center for Rehab Technology
Helen Hayes Hospital
Literally hundreds of simple, inexpensive devices are available
to address activities of daily living (cooking, eating, dressing, etc).,
including cooking from a wheelchair.
I strongly suggest that your friend be seen by an occupational
therapist for this type of evaluation- in addition, an OT or PT
is best able to address bed positioning- both of these
are 'medically necessary' issues of disability so insurance
should pay for the assessment (as would medicare or medicaid).
With respect to positioning changes- several air systems have been
designed, and are on the market. Special mattresses and
bed systems are designed to alter positioning via inflation and deflation
of bladders- of course the prices reflect the complexity and need- if she
is at risk or has a history of pressure ulcers, she will qualify for
a mattress overlay or replacement mattress.
Funding for assistive technology is often a crap-shoot, but is
fairly straightforward if medically necessary- that designation
will come from her primary care physician
the ADL equipment is inexpensive because the market is fairly large-
the mattress world has a huge price range, in part because of the limited
market
some numbers to call:
Abledata 800-227-0216 (federally funded database of assistive devices)
Sammons 800- 323-5547 (vendor of AT, including ADL equipment)
Maddak 201-628-7600 (similar to Sammons)
Dig around- it'll be worth her time
Stephen Sprigle
Center for Rehab Technology
Helen Hayes Hospital