LIFESTYLE
EyeGaze Technology
Tobi Dynavox The eye gaze is a technology that synthesizes with your eye movements and allows you to type words with your eyes. It is a very useful tool if you lose the ability to speak or if it is difficult or painful to speak.
Motorized Wheelchair
A Motorized Wheelchair is excellent to generate a renewed feel of independence. You will be able to get around on your own without being dependent on those around you. And this way, if someone parks you facing a wall you can turn yourself around!
Emergency Button
An emergency button is a very good thing to have in case a PAL needs something urgent. The button we used is the SadoTech Model C Wireless Doorbell
Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle
For ease of transportation with a wheelchair. Our van manufacturer is BraunAbility
Sleep Number Mattress
The Sleep Number Mattress has been our best friend the last few months.
AVAP/BIPAP
The AVAP/BIPAP Machine has been clinically shown to open up the chest cavity and allow for deeper breathing. Having this on at least 8 hours a day can have a significant effect on the prognosis of the disease.
FEEDING TUBE
The decision to get a feeding tube could be the best decision you make if made at the right time. Here are three reasons why you should consider one.
- In ALS you will have an unusually high metabolism since calories are needed to breakdown muscles.
- You will lose weight exponentially with a loss of muscle mass.
- It may become more and more tedious and frustrating to eat with the loss of swallowing function
Administering feeds:
- Bolus Feeds using gravity
- Feeding Pump
Types of feeds:
- Home-made blended feeds
- Preblended feeds
*Patients may get nauseous with heavy feeds in which case, the volume and density should be regulated*