REHAB PRODUCTS

I-2-I HEADREST

		The Eye-to-Eye Head & Neck Positioning & Support System

In addition to its value as a theraputic tool for working on active head control, the i2i assists in the following areas: - Improved Eye Contact which Promotes Socialization - Improved Ease of Feeding - Improved Saliva Management & Decrease in Drooling - Less Caregiver Time Spent Repositioning! - Improved Ability to Communicate & Interpret Responses

Chin Prompt promotes more neutral Head Positioning and helps limit Neck Flexion. TWB LINK Hardware and Flip Down Feature are standard.

SUMMER / FALL 2005- ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROLS

Most people are unaware of the technology that is available for wheelchair users to take control over their home, and environmental controls.  A wheelchair is an adaptive device to allow a user to get around, where as environmental controls consist of computers, transmitters, receivers, motors and actuators.  Some common applications are power door openers, controlling appliances and lights. 

Every year technology gets better, and cheaper to provide these controls.  We currently use X-10 radio and inferred technologies to allow the wheelchair electronics or other device to control the environmental devices.

Any device that uses a remote control can be integrated and operated using the wheelchair joystick, head control, sip-n-puff, or other joystick input device.  With new technology a user can dial a telephone, operate a computer, change the temperature in the home, open doors, turn on the tv, radio, toaster, coffee machine and more........

 

WINTER/ SPRING 2005 -SILHOUETTE-Molded Seating

Although this process of making molded, contoured seating is not new, it is a technology that isn't used as much as it could be.  For years we have been offering this molded technology for clients who could benefit from more than what off the shelf seating could provide.  The Silhouette system, offers good body support and contact, but is softer and more forgiving than it's Contour U (Prarrie, Signature 2000, OBSS) systems.  These later systems provide much more aggressive positioning and provide solutions to complex seating needs.  

We have had great success using the silhouette back, with an off the shelf seat cushion to provide seating systems for even complex cases.  The silhouette cushion, although used for many client's have shown its ability to break down prematurely, as the foam used only seems to last for three (3) years.  The cushion's life can be prolonged using a gel or other type of overlay.  These overlays not only lengthen the life of the cushion, but also help with pressure and shear reduction.

 

 

WINTER / SPRING 2004

TITANIUM-WHEELCHAIRS

Titanium wheelchairs have always been sought for their light weight properties; unfortunately the material is very expensive in materials and to manipulate.  This past year, Ti-Lite has emerged from the background to launch their own line of chairs.  This company who has made frames for many of the major manufacturers for years; recently launched a campaign to be a mainstream provider of rigid and folding titanium wheelchairs.  Their chairs are very cost effective, when comparing to other manufacturers providing titanium and light weight aluminum.  There is much research being done currently to investigate long term affects of repetitive strain injuries associated with pushing a manual wheelchair.  In addition to how the chair is set up, the weight also plays a critical role.

 

SEAT ELEVATORS

Scooters have always been desired due to their ability to incorporate vertical seat elevators. There has been much documented information about a vertical seat elevator to benefit clients: 

1.  To reach medications stored in Medicine Cabinent.

2.  For meal preperation and cooking.  We expect wheelchair users to put themselves in danger by reaching over the burner.

3.  Can help replace upper extremity function (same as using a orthotic/ prosthetic device).

4.  Adjust the thermostat to allow for changes in temperature.

5.  To allow reach to fire alarm, to change battery, and test routinely.

6.  To reach fire extinguisher in the case of a fire.

7.  To allow for safer independent transfers.

In addition seat elevators allow users to attain eye level to carry on normal conversations.

 

SUMMER / FALL 2004- POWER DOOR OPENERS

Power door openers have been around for a while, however not promoted enough for the public to take advantage of their abilities.  Power Access is a company who offers a wide array of openers from, standard door openers to sliding glass door openers.  By using a switch, a user can operate the door open or closed.  They have safety locks that will preserve the security of your home.  

 

FALL 2003- WHEELCHAIR WEIGHT/ REPETITIVE INJURY- for kids and adults we (therapists, suppliers) expect them to sit with heavy seating equipment, and a heavy wheelchair frame, and expect them to self propel.  There are many children that weight less than the chair they are in, and we expect them to push it.

WINTER 2003- KIDS IN POWERED MOBILITY  -there are studies that children who do not walk by age 12-14 months have a more difficult time learning than those that do.  There is a surge to put children in powered wheelchairs by 12 months to allow them to keep up with their peers, and allow them the ability to explore and learn.