Finding new equipment for ALS management feels like a win

For more than a decade living with my husband Todd’s ALS, I’ve been the finder and procurer of equipment that makes both of our lives better. Since disease progression has made travel to our closest ALS clinic too difficult, we’ve had to figure out how to manage the disease without the help of medical professionals with ALS expertise.

Thankfully, I’ve found a supportive online community on ALS Facebook groups, where users point out solutions to the problems we encounter. I also scour the larger internet for both equipment and solutions.

Over the past few years, I’ve looked for equipment to help me turn Todd. It’s hard on my wrists and back when I reposition him in bed, get him dressed, and put the sling beneath him so that I can transfer him to his wheelchair using our overhead lift.

I found products that were available for sale only in Europe and other products available in the United States, but only to institutions. I did find one product, which used inflatable air pillows, that was available for home use in the U.S. I considered ordering it, but I hesitated to spend thousands of dollars on something without being able to try it first.

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But a month ago, I came across the Handicare Tri-Turner Patient Lift Sling, which costs only a few hundred dollars. It was used in conjunction with an overhead lift, which we already have, and was available for home use.

At that price, it was worth a try to save my wrists and back.

It’s been working well. I place the turning sling under a draw sheet, and Todd sleeps with it under him all night. He said he doesn’t feel it at all. In the morning, I attach the straps of the turning sling to our overhead lift, and then I guide his arm and leg over as I use the lift’s remote control to turn him.

After years of searching for this sort of solution, I wondered if this Tri-Turner Sling had recently come to market. I did another search for when it was invented, and a 2018 video from the company popped up.

I don’t know how I missed this for over five years, but I’m glad I found it now. It pays to keep looking for solutions because so much is out there that search algorithms can’t always find everything.

And now I’m going to search again for “voice controls to adjust wheelchair position.” It must be technologically possible. Todd can adjust his consumer-grade, adjustable bed frame using his Echo device; someone should be able to apply that technology to wheelchairs. I’m hoping that innovation is just around the corner.

Note: ALS News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of ALS News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to ALS.