Before purchasing assistive equipment, you are advised to consult with professionals who are familiar with the advantages and disadvantages of the equipment that is available to serve your needs.

Think through what your needs are, both immediate and longer term.

Discuss your needs with a doctor, nurse, physiotherapist, occupational therapist or other healthcare professional with knowledge of your condition, and familiarity with the available equipment to serve those needs.

Find out from healthcare professionals what loan equipment or financial assistance might be available.

Visit local suppliers and test out the various options where possible.

Financial Support
Check with your local healthcare professional and equipment suppliers to find out what government support programs are available in your area for equipment, and for home renovations required to accommodate your disability. Some programs will fund only one project per patient. Therefore, consider carefully what your longer term needs are likely to be before applying for this type of assistance program.

ALS Society Equipment
Some ALS Units and Chapters in your area may have a limited inventory of equipment acquired through the generosity of contributors and for use by needy people with ALS.

Equipment Suppliers
Most suppliers of equipment for disabled patients are listed in the phone book under “Hospital Equipment and Supplies.”

HELP YOURSELF! Hints for Persons with Disabilities is a very useful book published by Human Resources Development Canada, and distributed by the Ministry of Supply and Services Canada. Cat. No. H21-95/1994E. It is filled with helpful hints, including many easy to make devices. The book has sections on Personal Care; In the Kitchen; Cooking Techniques; Living Easier; Reading, Writing and Telephone; Safety; In the Car; and Recreation Activities for the Disabled.

Home Care
Home Care personnel are another source of information about assistive equipment. Many of them have probably visited other people with similar needs, and have seen how useful different types of equipment have been.

There are several devices to help disabled people in the bathroom. Raised toilet seats are a standard requirement for those with weakened leg muscles. These range from homemade and low-cost seats to more expensive models. Another option is to have a plumber raise the level of the toilet by putting it on a low platform. Also, there are a number of alternatives for assisting with bathing. There are several models of bathtub seats and lifting equipment that can assist you in sliding or rotating over the tub for showering. Retail stores that handle equipment for the disabled often have a variety of bathroom aids on display. Check with your occupational therapist or other healthcare professional for their assistance in choosing these aids.

A common problem during the advanced stages of ALS is being unable to roll over in bed. Lying in one position becomes intolerably painful, or requires a caregiver to move you every few hours. There are now specially segmented, air filled mattresses, (a KVC bed) which are attached to an electronic pumping device which continually changes the air levels in different cells in the mattress, thereby gradually rotating the sleeper during the night.

The various types of body supports available are called orthotic devices. Available through hospitals and clinics, orthotic devices help to support your joints in certain positions when your muscles weaken.

The universal cuff may be the most familiar orthotic aid. This straps over the hand and allows you to grasp such objects as cutlery, hairbrushes and other small personal objects. A thumb splint helps in squeezing the fingers in opposition to the fingers and makes it easier to grasp and hold an object for use. Many people with ALS experience “foot drop.” This problem leads to stumbling on stairs or curbs. The answer may be a simple ankle-foot splint made of plastic that is inconspicuous under trousers or slacks.

There are more orthotic aids available than we can discuss in this brief overview. An aid or a combination of aids can be prescribed by your doctor. A physical or occupational therapist can teach you how to integrate these devices into your daily routine.

Foot and Ankle Supports
When weakened muscles cause “foot drop” and lead to stumbling on stairs or curbs, a lightweight plastic or metal ankle splint can be a big help.

Hand and Wrist Supports
A wrist and thumb splint can stabilize the wrist and thumb, helping you to grasp eating utensils and other objects. Additional supports can be added for positioning the fingers, enabling you to make finer movements with weakened fingers, such as are required for writing.

For those in wheelchairs, there are more sophisticated supporting devices that help a person with ALS eat. This requires adapting these devices to each person's individual situation.

Shoulder and Neck Supports
Weakened shoulder muscles can cause the arms to “hang” more than normal, which can become very painful. A shoulder sling can pull the arm up, reducing the pressure on arm muscles and ligaments. There are also cervical collars that can support the head when neck muscles are weak.