We've tried countless pieces of equipment over the past 12 years to not only transport Andrew, but also increase his ambulation, muscle strength and flexibility, access to the out of doors, and overall postural support. Today, our DME representative is visiting to talk with us about beds, since Andrew is getting too tall for the twin-from-a-bunkbed-set he's currently using.
It's cumbersome to research, pay for, recoup insurance and the like; however, in our case, the benefits have always been worth it. Except for the Rifton Pacer walker, which was simply too difficult for Andrew to propel, given his limited lower range, each of the following things has been helpful at some extended period of Andrew's development.
Hart Walker (pictured above with Mr. Christmas), Rifton Prone Stander, Permobil power wheelchair, Quickie push chair, Convaid travel chair, ceiling list from Patient Lifts of New England (now runs from Andrew's bed/where we change him) into toilet and shower, Rifton shower chair (we no longer need this now that we use the lift), Rifton tub chair (we later used this in a canoe even!), Freedom Concepts bicycle, Cascade DAFOs, Tumbleforms wedge (gives Andrew "tummy time" while watching TV so he can develop upper body strength and head control), "Special Needs" Baby Jogger, Tumbleforms seat (we use this on our motor boat), and probably more I'm forgetting. I'm also currently investigating a new stander and bed, as I said, so let me know if you have any suggestions, please.
Happy shopping!
