Carers

Adaptive Equipment / Contacts

Toilet Raiser, over toilet chairs, rails, commodes, shower chairs, grabbers, ramps, beds, chairs. There is a lot of equipment available to borrow, hire or buy that can make living at home with disease progression easier for you and you care team.

Occupational Therapists are available to help you decide on the best equipment for your needs and to ensure they are adjusted to your individual body type and environment. An inpatient hospital stay within 3 months provides access the hospital OT service who may come out to your home and complete a thorough assessment. Or equipment can be made available through Hospice at Home, Silver Chain, private providers or NDIS funding (for those under 65 years of age). It’s worth asking in the support group for people’s experiences with providers.

Many people are reluctant to invite specialist equipment into their home. It can be ugly and a daily reminder that illness will progress. Some people worry about becoming dependent on equipment or causing further stress when learning how to use, store and look after it.

On the upside, equipment does help to preserve autonomous living. It prevents simple tasks from being exhausting and creates a much safer environment for you and your family. Maintaining energy for the lighter things in life. It’s better to plan on what equipment you may need in the future than be left with several weeks of waiting.

Our community has found the following to be very helpful and are worth considering.

Adjustable Bed

Having a height adjustable bed is very useful as disease progresses. It helps to conserve energy and adjustable back rests makes sleeping more comfortable and effective. Many families adapt a living space to make space for a bed ensuring everyone gets some sleep. Electric beds with height, head and feet rising capabilities can make breathing easier, reduce swelling and help with repositioning and make bed changes easier.

Privately purchased beds can be designed to suit your home décor and even built within an existing frame. Independent king single beds within a king-size frame mean that couples can continue to share the same bed but tailor mattresses and bed positions to their own comfort and needs. If you hide the electric controllers no one would be able to tell.

Sit Stand Recline Chair

An electrically powered chair prevents difficulties encountered with seating on traditionally lower sofas. Chairs are height adjustable making getting in and out easier and often recline into comfortable sleeping positions. Otherwise, a height adjustable high-backed chair is a good alternative.

Wheelchairs

Wheelchairs will eventually become part of your new normal, if you’re smart. Electric wheelchairs can provide a higher level of independence and can still be pushed by carers as needed. Modern chairs can be folded to stow in the car or out of the way at home. Oxygen bottle can also be hooked onto the back as needed. Being able to get out of the house without worrying if your energy will meet the occasion makes a big difference to everyone.

Disabled Parking Permit

Download and print the application form for a disabled parking permit here. Take the completed form to your doctor or Occupational Therapist for them to sign and then post/email your application for review by ACROD. As your condition will deteriorate, it is best to anticipate your future needs, not your best day scenario.