COVID-19 Resources

(part two)

We are continuing our series on tips to help protect your family from COVID-19. Our previous article discussed monitoring local health department recommendations, wearing a mask, and showering and washing clothes after being out in public. These tips are especially important as quadriplegics and individuals with chronic diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are especially vulnerable. If you or a loved one have any health issues or underlying conditions it’s important to read our series of articles and follow Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommendations on how to best keep you and your family safe.

Focus on Staying Healthy

It is extremely important for you to focus on your own health. Make sure you are eating healthy, getting some exercise and taking care of yourself.  Go outside to get some fresh air or take a walk.  Participate in a virtual exercise or yoga class. Maybe even explore options for safe and engaging activities to help decrease stress.

Alert Your Physician if Your or Your Loved Ones Show Any Signs of Being Ill

If you or your loved ones show any signs of being ill, contact your physician right away. COVID-19 is especially dangerous for quadriplegics and those with chronic diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and multiple sclerosis.

Have a Backup Plan if You Become Ill

If you become ill, you will need to focus solely on yourself to get better.  Avoid having to worry about your loved ones care by having a backup plan should you become ill. You can do this by briefing neighbors, friends or other family members about your loved ones care.  Who comes in to provide personal care services? How often?  What medication do they need? Make sure this is written down and accessible should something happen to you.

Accessibility Services Inc. (ASI) is a leading provider of assistive technology for quadriplegics and individuals with chronic diseases such as ALS and multiple sclerosis. Our signature autonoME is a combined custom environmental control unit / speech generating device that incorporates voice assistive technology. If you would like to learn more about our tools for quadriplegics and individuals with chronic diseases we would love to talk to you! Give us a call to learn more today.

 

 

(part one)

Quadriplegics and individuals with chronic diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and multiple sclerosis (MS) are especially vulnerable to the effects of COVID-19.  If you or a loved one is a quadriplegic or has a chronic disease, it is more important than ever to take extra precautions. Our next series of articles will highlight some ways you can help keep you and/or your loved ones safe during this difficult time.

Monitor Local Health Department Recommendations

COVID-19 cases differ by state and county.  It is important to monitor what local health departments are saying about COVID-19 in your immediate area.  Perhaps there are few cases in your zip code, but that can rapidly change.  Following the recommendations of your local health department in addition to state and federal guidelines is the best way to keep you and your family safe.

Wear a Mask

Even if you live in an area that does not mandate wearing a mask, caregivers and family members should consider doing so when they are out in public and while they are tending to the needs of a person with a disability or chronic illness. This is especially important because your loved one may not always be able to wear a mask around you, especially if they rely on an input method such as sip and puff to operate their custom environmental control unit (ECU) / speech generating device.

Shower and Wash Clothing After Being Out in Public

Any time you are exposed to the public (i.e. grocery shopping, work, doctors office, etc.) you should immediately take a shower when you return home.  It’s also not a bad idea to wash your clothes.

Accessibility Services, Inc. (ASI) is a leading provider of assistive technology for quadriplegics and individuals with debilitating diseases such as ALS. We care about the individuals we serve as if they were family!  We are continuing to install our signature autonoME (combined environmental control unit / speech generating device) in private residences, hospitals and long term care units throughout the United States.  Our technicians take extra precautions to ensure the safety of everyone around them.  Whether you are in need of ECU hospital units for your facility, or an individual seeking to gain more independence, we can help. Give us a call to learn more today!

 

Part One

The average person was not required to “social distance” and “stay at home” until the COVID-19 pandemic.  While most of the country had to adapt to a new lifestyle many individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) have had to live with aspects of social isolation since the onset of their disease. This article is the first of a two part series on how individuals with ALS have had to deal and adapt with limited social interaction.

Social Isolation

Social isolation includes not being able to participate in activities a person once enjoyed and/or communicate like they once were able.  While social distancing requires people to use their computers and tablets for video conferencing with business associates, family and friends, similar ALS communication methods have become a way of life for many with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.  Voice assistive technology with augmentative and alternative communication capabilities often becomes their only effective method of communication as the disease progresses.

Human Touch

We all miss shaking hands and hugging our friends when required to social distance.  While ALS assistive technology offers independence, a person whose amyotrophic lateral sclerosis has progressed is often times physically unable to freely give hugs and/or initiate a handshake.

Stress and Frustration

Most everyone has experienced increased stress or frustration when required to practice social distancing. A person with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis often experiences this same type of stress and frustration with their limitations. Fortunately, ALS assistive technology (including an environmental control unit equipped with augmentative and alternative communication / ALS communication capabilities) can prove helpful in reducing limitations.

Accessibility Services, Inc. is a premier provider of assistive technology for quadriplegics and individuals with debilitating diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and multiple sclerosis. Our signature autonoME is an environmental control unit with integrated voice assistive technology capabilities, making it one of the most sought after products on the market.  Give us a call to learn more about the autonoME today!