ALS Ice Bucket Challenge Progress
Transitioning to a power wheelchair can be a difficult psychological shift for many coping with ALS.
“Everyone wants to remain independent for as long as possible,” said Mark E. Smith, who serves as the Public Relations and Outreach Manager for Quantum Rehab. “As your condition progresses, your body fatigues.” This can isolate and limit people with ALS from pursuing the activities they most enjoy. Smith, who has relied on his power wheelchair for nearly four decades now, is an “evangelist of independence,” particularly when it comes to helping those struggling to make the switch from walking to rolling.
Avoiding the Pain of Delay
As a longstanding representative of an internationally renowned mobility aid manufacturer, Smith finds people with ALS most often express regret for not seeking out a power wheelchair sooner.
“Even if you don’t feel you’re ready emotionally, summon the courage to get fitted for a mobility device,” urges Smith. “That’s the best time to get started so that it’s ready when you are.”
For most people with ALS, the process to get fitted for a mobility device begins by making an appointment with a seating specialist (physical therapist, occupational therapist or assistive technology professional [ATP]) at a multidisciplinary ALS Clinic.
As with most specialty power wheelchair manufacturers, every chair that Quantum Rehab produces is custom-built to the individual. The measurements are precise to ensure the most comfortable user fit. Every element is taken into consideration from the seat width, depth and height to the distance from the ground; the seat is placed to ease transfers in and out of the chair.
Designing a Chair Based on Your Unique Needs
Smith’s colleague Megan Kutch, M.S., OTR, who serves as Quantum Rehab’s Director of Product Marketing, advised on the importance of discussing lifestyle priorities with your assistive technology professional (ATP), occupational or physical therapist.
“Really consider all of the environments you visit,” said Kutch. “Think about the size of your vehicle; the layout of your home and its external walkways; your hobbies; and other unique environmental circumstances.”
Kutch adds, “It’s really a quality of life tool. If you love fishing, you need to be sure your mobility device will get you to the shoreline. If you need to get across a college campus for class or travel to the grocery store, you’ll need to ensure you have a battery that will go the distance.”
New Innovations
It's important to consider what your needs may be within a few years as well. That’s why it is crucial to work with healthcare professionals and ATPs who understand that custom chairs with modular features are highly valuable for people with progressive diseases. One example would be having the option to add an advanced electronic system at a later date.
“As the disease progresses, you can add different foot rigging, positioning components, and even different electronic controls,” explained Smith. “The product can evolve with your changing needs.”
Quantum Rehab is also introducing a new power adjustable seat lift called iLevel that will elevate the operator to sit at eye level as the name suggests. The concept is not new, but the driving and operational speed of the chair has increased, from typically a crawl to a true walking pace of three miles per hour when fully elevated. Previously, chairs with elevated seat options moved at an incredibly slow pace when this feature was in use, limiting the practicality of the technology.
Meeting Demand
Quantum Rehab manages to keep ahead of the curve by staying well connected with the ALS community.
“We listen to clients to see what they need and want in our products,” explained Kutch.
Still probably the most commonly question asked is, “How long will it take for my chair to arrive?”
“Because we know how important it is to the client to get their chair as soon as possible, barring no significant customization needs, we can typically ship the chair to the provider within one to two days.”
Smith added, “Everyday without mobility is a day lost. We really want to get people their equipment as soon as possible. The moment you can get mobility, you can access work, family and community again.”
Learn More!
To find a Quantum Rehab provider in your area, please contact your local ALS clinic or visit: http://www.pridemobility.com/locator/quantum/.
You may also consider contacting your local ALS Association chapter to learn about other power wheelchair distributors in your area. To find your chapter visit: http://www.alsa.org/community/.
