Essential Durable Medical Equipment (DME) for Individuals with Traumatic Brain Injuries

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) manifest differently for every individual afflicted with them. This makes it difficult to predict the path to recovery, how long the recovery might take, what extent of physical or mental skills will be regained, and a number of other factors. This makes it difficult to determine what durable medical equipment (DME) might be needed for the individual with the TBI. Here are some of the TBI Factors to Consider:

• Severity of the Injury– The severity of the TBI is one of the biggest factors impacting the durable medical equipment (DME) needed.
• Level of Impairment– How impaired is the individual? Because TBIs are so unique for each individual, a specific type of injury doesn’t necessarily determine the amount of physical and/or mental impairment they suffer. For example, some activities or movements might be easy for one individual but may require assistive devices for other individuals.

Short/Long Term Prognosis – Does the long-term prognosis suggest that the individual will steadily improve as the therapy progresses? If the individual’s condition doesn’t improve, then you will need to look closer at permanent home modifications and durable medical equipment (DME) to make the individual’s quality of life the best that it can be.

Patient Lifts

For impairment that is likely to be short-term, a portable or mobile lift might be best for individuals needing that kind of support. For long-term or permanent disability, the use of a patient lift might be better served by some home modification to install a ceiling track lift system that can allow movement throughout the home.

Stair Lifts & Vertical Platform Lifts

Stairs are typically a problem for individuals recovering from a traumatic brain injury. Mitigating steps within the home might require the installation of a straight rail or curved rail chair lift that transports the individual up and down the steps. Other steps might require a vertical platform lift which allows the individual to transport themselves in a wheelchair up the steps.

Ramps

For those that require the use of a wheelchair, or simply need a way to manage a couple of steps up or down either within the home or to get into the home, wheelchair ramps for the home might be necessary. Sometimes portable wheelchair ramps might be helpful as well.

Grab Bars, Hand Rails, and Other Minor Adaptations

Making minor changes to the home by installing grab bars and handrails in areas where the impaired individual needs such as in bathrooms, bedrooms, and near steps is important. Another adaptation is replacing traditional door knobs with door levers that do not require as fine of motor skills to use them.

Assistive Devices

Most individuals that suffer from a TBI require some type of assistive device to enhance their independence and capabilities. Here are a few of them that might be needed.

• Canes, walkers, crutches
• Special telephones to assist with hearing or speech problems
• Medical alert bracelets or emergency communication systems
• Special grips attached to utensils such as forks or pens to help with fine motor skills
• Medication/Appointment schedules or alarms to help individuals with memory issues

Looking for Durable Medical Equipment (DME), Including A Patient Lift to Help with a TBI?

Look no further than Lift & Care Systems. We have been selling and installing durable medical equipment (DME) for individual homes, apartments, group homes, hospitals, and residential care centers since 1993. Our DME specialists will work with you to determine what DME is needed for the disabled individual in your life. Whether you need a full-featured ceiling lift system, wheelchair ramps, or just grab bars and poles to help with balance in some areas of your home, give us a call at (508) 465-5254 or fill out this online contact form to schedule a free, no-pressure, no-obligation consultation today.