Helpful Tools, Technology & Devices

[Dagmar Munn]

It seems that learning to live with ALS now requires a crash course in Technology 101. Gone are the days of having to rely solely on other human beings for essential daily living needs. Today, both the ALS patient and their caregiver are receiving help from assistive technology by way of apps, robotics, and smart appliances that only a decade ago were the dreams of science fiction.

I’ve had fun learning to use assistive devices – – sometimes with very surprising results (I wrote about it below).

What devices are you using that help you through your day? Let’s learn from each other!

Making a New Friend with Help from a Boogie Board

[Diana Belland]

Hello, Everyone,

I am planning to purchase an all terrain rollator soon for an upcoming trip and would love to hear from other members who may be using all terrain rollators for use in parks, nature centers, beaches, etc.

I found one online that looks good:  the Volaris All Terrain Patrol Rollator/Walker.   Here is a Youtube video:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4RMbdvUPlY

If you have experience with this rollator or something similar, I would appreciate hearing your comments.

Thank you!

[Jean-Pierre Le Rouzic]

I<span style=”color: #000;”>n maker sites like Hackaday.io, they can find awesome technologies for ALS, including some developed by pALS like Patrick Joyce who was a real genius. An incredible project was his eyes controlled wheelchair.</span>

<span style=”color: #000;”>https://hackaday.io/Patrick.Joyce

https://hackaday.io/project/10763-bci-based-assisted-living-and-robot-avatar-system
https://hackaday.io/project/27094-helpme-trigger-using-emg
https://hackaday.io/project/20410-tawking
https://hackaday.io/project/13424-lipsync
https://hackaday.io/project/27049-als-keyboard-using-neural-networks
https://hackaday.io/project/20624-assistive-speech-device-for-people-with-als
https://hackaday.io/project/5426-eye-controlled-wheelchair
https://hackaday.io/project/10046-raimis-arm-bionic-arm-for-kids
https://hackaday.io/project/7167-open-source-head-mouse
https://hackaday.io/project/6584-headphone-robot
https://hackaday.io/project/13349-50-foot-controlled-mouse
</span>

[Bev]

I dont know rollator that can work on sand. I got the upwalker and it goes on rough terrain. Although I’ve only used it and carpet and tile. It makes me walk upright instead of a stooped position. I also purchased a portable power wheelchair that folds up and can be put in the trunk of a car.  It weighs 50 lbs. Go to wheelchair.com to view it if interested and google upwalker.

[John Russell]

I’m impressed with the Volaris.

1. The only thing I would say is that it uses conventional looking wheels which limits the terrain U can handle.
2. I have found several “eurowalkers” that use bicycle wheels up to 12″ in diameter. The wheels required air and could be softened for sand. These walkers are expensive and heavy so U pay a big price.

[Diana Belland]

I thought I’d post a followup comment about my experience using a Volaris rollator.  I purchased the Discovery, after a phone consultation with a company representative.   She was extremely helpful in terms of recommending a specific rollator model for my height/weight and needs.   At first, after receiving the rollator, I felt that it might be too “short” for me, but I have since learned how to walk with it without leaning forward.  I took it with me on an Alaskan cruise recently and used it onboard to get around.   At home, I now keep it in the garage as my “outside” rollator.  I take it to my YMCA and have learned to efficiently slide it up to the recumbent bike and the leg machines that I use, park it, put the brakes on, and move to a seated position on the bike or machine.   It takes up less space than my Drive/Nitro rollator and the wheels move very smoothly over any kind of paved surface or flooring.   It’s extremely stable due, I think, to the larger, “fatter” wheels.   Recently, I used it on a short trail at my local nature center and was pleased with how well it rolled over both paved and unpaved areas.

The Volaris is definitely not cheap but the good news is that I received a grant from my local ALS Association which covered nearly the entire cost!   I still love my Drive/Nitro and use it in the house.   It has a wider seat and back rest which I really like for taking rest breaks while doing chores in the kitchen.

I’m now intrigued by the convertible rollator/wheelchairs I saw several people using while we were on our Alaska trip.  They look great for travel because the rollator mode allows you to walk for exercise and to cover short distances, and the wheelchair option allows you to “rest”and cover longer distances.

[Diana Belland]

Hello,

I would like to buy a back brush to use in the shower. I’m still able to shower without assistance using a shower chair, but I have difficulty reaching my entire back.      I have found several kinds of curved and straight brushes/shower aids on Amazon and Performance Health and other sites.  But nearly every brush on the Amazon site seems to have mixed reviews about quality.

I would appreciate hearing from anyone who has found a good device to aid in washing the back in the shower.

Thank you!

[Author]

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