Tis the Season for Gratitude

A morning ritual for me is to take a few minutes and write something that I am thankful for.  At each staff meeting, I go around the table and ask not for what problems we face, but what Positives we want to share with each other.

If you are involved in the Health Care field than you already know that generally we have thankless jobs. Nobody gets up and says I want to go and see a physician, therapist or wheelchair specialist. We glory in our outcomes and success stories whether told or seen through our own eyes. 

This brings me to my point....Life is not perfect or fair, and if we dwell on the negative, and there certainly is a lot of that in the world, then our projection/signal to the world will be reflected in the same light and we will miss the most valuable thing in life.....TIME.

I would encourage you, during this time of year, to reflect on the good in you and your family/friends lives.  Stop judging yourself on what you have not achieved and Celebrate and Appreciate what you have.

Happy Holidays from the Staff at Active Mobility Center.  Carey can be reached at (954) 946-5793 or at cbritton@wheelchairguys.com .

The TEAMS behind your Medical Equipment

Any time you want something done right, you need a team behind you.  Whether it is a medical procedure, a legal matter, or acquiring new equipment- you need a team to ensure that the job is done right.

Seating and Mobility Equipment can be intimidating, and the process painful and confusing.  A team with the knowledge and experience in this area is essential.  There are two teams, the one that helps you select and provide you with your equipment and the one that keeps it working for the equipment's useful life.

The initial team would consist of  you, your physician, a physical, occupational and possibly a speech therapist, your family, caregivers and the equipment supplier. Each of these individuals are crucial in providing information to ensure that the equipment fulfils your needs, and your goals.  You are responsible for helping the team what your goals/desires are for your future, what you need your equipment to do to keep up with your life demands.  Your physician will need to provide a history, and any goals/concerns that they have. The Physical and Occupational Therapist(s) bring information on body posture, functional capability, and expected prognosis.  These clinicians perform a functional assessment and are very involved with the equipment prescription. Your family and caregivers need to voice their concerns about function, equipment and accessibility issues. The supplier brings equipment knowledge and works directly with all involved to help recommend the most appropriate equipment based on all the information that is gathered.

This team works really hard to trial and document the equipment, which is sent to the insurance for consideration.  This team works with the insurance provider to provide any additional documentation that is needed to receive an approval. On delivery, the Equipment supplier works with the user, the clinicians, and the caregivers to adjust and optimally fit the equipment.

Once the equipment is used on a daily basis, the technical service department because the support team to help maintain, adjust and repair the equipment; until such time the equipment is worn out and needs to be replaced. 

In the event that the equipment no longer fits, or there is a change of condition, the user is referred back to the physician and clinical team to review the equipment and make any recommendations on changes needed.

This article was written by Carey J. Britton, ATP/SMS, CRTS at Active Mobility Center. Active Mobility Center is a Seating and Mobility Specialty company located in Pompano Beach, Florida. Carey can be reached at (954) 946-5793 or at cbritton@wheelchairguys.com .

Understanding A Small Moment in the Life of a Wheelchair User

I was watching behind the scenes of Jamie Fox playing Ray Charles, and he didn't become the character until the director had his eyes sealed with a prosthetic.  Until he was able to experience life without vision, he didn't understand what it was truly like.

Similarly, the public has not realization on what a wheelchair user goes through both physically and emotionally. I will not pretend to understand or know everything; but do have each staff member working with us spend quite a lot of time sitting in and using the equipment we provide and try to perform daily tasks.  This is an eye opening process, and even though they can get out of the equipment; they learn a valuable lesson.

A few years ago the PVAF held a bowling event where everyone had to bowl from a wheelchair or scooter device.  It was a great opportunity not only to raise money; but awareness. 

Any time we as a group can glimpse at the lives of others it builds a understanding and brings down barriers.

This article was written by Carey J Britton, Seating and Mobility Specialist at Active Mobility Center. He can be reached at 954-946-5793 or cbritton@wheelchairguys.com.

What's More Important Wheelchair Brand or Wheelchair Configuration?

The Wheelchair Frame or the Wheelchair Configuration?

It is important to understand that when you are using a wheelchair, scooter or powered wheelchair; the seating and frame configuration is more critical than the brand of chair that you own/buy.  As an expert in the industry, I find most consumers coming to me with questions on which brand; Quickie, Invacare, Colours, Permobil or Tilite wheelchairs and which is the best.  If you had asked me a few years ago, I may have had a preference, however today through innovative new technology there are only subtle differences.

The wheelchair frame is important, however the configuration of the frame and the seating is much more critical to the function and well being of the user.  As I am sure you will agree, many wheelchair users posture is less than perfect in their wheelchair; even if the chair brand is a good one.  You can have the best of equipment but if it isn't configured properly it is only contributing to the problems you are facing.

How Can I Improve My Posture & Function? 

/As a professional, when I am asked this question, I suggest they see their physician or their physical/occupational therapist.
Their medical professionals may have insight on why they sit the way that they do. It is good practice for any wheelchair user to use a team of people to help solve these issues. 

Assuming their physician clears the user with no physical limitations, we can work to improve posture and positioning.  This may require only an adjustment; or it could require new seating and positioning equipment or an entirely new device.

The goal is aways to start at the pelvis. The human pelvis is where everything is attached, and requires the greatest attention in sitting. The goal is to place the pelvis in as close to neutral position as possible. Of course for some individuals having the pelvis anteriorally tilted or posteriorally tilted will be necessary. A stable pelvis is the route of function, which equates to mobility and quality of life. The seating supports are also very critical in the positioning and stabilization of the pelvis.

The position of the lower extremities (legs/feet) are important to consider, as they are tied to the pelvis and require support and positioning.  The angles at the feet/ankles,  the angles at the knee and the angle of the hips are very important for positioning as well as for function and mobility.

What DO I  Need to Know ?

If you are are a wheelchair user, you need to understand that how you are positioned in your wheelchair frame, the orientation, and the seating supports will improve your posture, improve your stability, improve your function and improve your health.  Failure to consider this early, when he body is flexible can result in contracture and deformity that can increase life complications. 

Who Can Help Me?

There is a seating and mobility specialist in nearly every community. This may be a physician, therapist or RESNA or NRRTS. These organizations maintain a list of practicing experts who can assist you with all your equipment needs. You should find and align yourself with a team who can monitor and make recommendations as your body changes or when you are confronted with an obstacle.

This article was written by Carey J. Britton, ATP/SMS, CRTS to offer general but important information on wheelchair configuration and seating.  Carey is the resident Seating and Mobility Specialist for Active Mobility Center. He can be reached at cbritton@wheelchairguys.com or (800) 326-4463.

Is a Wheelchair is a Medical Failure ?

I was appalled when I first heard that a Wheelchair is a Medical Failure. Apparently in the Medical Model, it is taught that when resorting to long term use of wheelchairs and other mobility devices, that you have given up.

It is not surprising then, that the community perspective is that a person in a wheelchair is lame, an invalid, or handicapped....all negatively describing a person's DISABILITIES. This is also why that Prosthetics are much more acceptable, even when they are not as functional.

It may come at a surprise, but mobility equipment is provided not for mobility or independence but to reduce the medical costs associated with an individual stuck in bed. It is clear that a bed bound individual will cost the Health care system more than what it costs to get them out of bed.  Cushioning and Positioning is not for the comfort of a wheelchair user, but to reduce injury, reduce skin breakdown and to reduce contracture and deformity.  We look at this equipment to increase function, independence and quality of life, but the funding sources (all based on Medicare's policy) does not.

Therapy services for individuals with long term mobility challenging conditions are limited. It seems that the Medical Model if there is not documented gain in function then therapy services are not needed. After spending over 20 years in this industry, the question should be without therapy services how much loss will occur. 

Medicare who creates Medical and Equipment Standards, approves equipment based on use within the home and has little flexibility about looking at equipment for recreation and vocation. 

In my 20+ year career, I have seen huge change.  I am concerned with the changing policies that more equipment users need to voice their challenges and their victories.  Not unlike the Women's Rights Movement, where women didn't have a voice, and where they were stuck in the home; equipment users deserve the same. 

If this article has moved you, I encourage you to look at www.usersfirst.org, or www.ncart.us and get involved, share your story, and be heard.  You can reach Carey Britton, Seating and Mobility Specialist at Active Mobility Center at 954-946-5793 or cbritton@wheelchairguys.com .

Event Management at Active Mobility Center

Sitting here looking at the date of December 1st, 2013, I am scratching my head wondering where this year has went.  Reflecting over the last 11 months, one of the best changes we have made is managing tasks and events...and not time.

We all have the same 24 hours in a day, and some people are able to accomplish much more within these hours...why?  At Active Mobility Center we use task management instead of time management. We cannot slow down time, but we can manage our tasks better to improve our efficiency and accomplish more.

Making a Plan

Any time we want to change something, we cannot leave it to our memory, but must write it down.  We must make it a commitment and arrange our day to ensure we carve out a space to work on this.  Without a plan any goals or dreams you have cannot ever be accomplished. 

It is effective to write down what your desired destination is in five years. If your destination is too large, it make feel unattainable.  Taking that 5 year goal, and breaking it into five year pieces, you can break it down to where you need to be each year to get there, and then breaking that down to quarters of the year will make it seem attainable.

Writing It Down

Whether it is a to-do list, a 5 year plan, or 90 day goals; it needs to be written down so you can review it on a regular basis to see where you are and what you need to do next. Many people find it helpful to have a  on-going list of tasks to complete, and taking that list and picking 2-3 items each day to complete. This way each day there is a feeling of winning, instead of looking at your final destination and giving up.

Not Just about Business

These ideas can be used by anyone to improve their efficiency, and to accomplish more of what we set out to do.  Once you put this in motion, it develops into a habit and your life is changed forever.
 

The thoughts and ideas listed are that of Carey Britton, with Active Mobility Center. Carey can be reached at (954) 946-5793 or cbritton@wheelchairguys.com .