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August 27, 2023 (2-3:30pm PT) - "Gadget/Equipment and Techniques/Tricks" Meeting (virtual)
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Brain Support Network (supportgroup@brainsupportnetwork.org) and
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Stanford University Parkinson's Community Outreach (rriddle@stanford.edu)
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Meeting host: Candy Welch, volunteer with Brain Support Network
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Meeting note-taker: Mindy Lumm, volunteer with Brain Support Network
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PersonRecommended ItemURL
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Category - Mealtime
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Carrie V. "It's a spoon that stabilizes itself against tremor, allowing the part that goes into your mouth to stay still while your hand is shaking." $200liftware.com/steady
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Category - smartphone apps and Apple devices
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Tamara S. Voice Analyst: Pitch and Volume (includes recording feature to share w/clinicians). Free app for Apple and Googlehttps://speechtools.co/voice-analyst
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Tamara S. Decibel X (includes recording feature and has a really good user interface). Free app for Apple and Google.https://skypaw.com/decibel10.html
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Denise D. and other commentersApple watch and other watches that detect falls. Apple "Workouts" may be those the watch is recording data for.Apple: Settings, SOS, Fall Detection (always on, or only during workouts)
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Doug D. Showing photos from an iPad or iphone on a (smart) TV for vision-impaired people. Connect via Apple AirPlay and Lightning cable. Same technique available for Android phones. Get a long cable.
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Doug D. Sends stuff wirelessly from PC to TV. (Connect to "wireless display") Showing photos or emails for vision-impaired.
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Doug D. "Snug Safety" - free app
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Michelle P. TD Pilot: eye-controlled communication device for iPadhttps://us.tobiidynavox.com/pages/tdpilot
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Kathy S.Safewander bed alarm system. Requires wifi. Connects to phone. Kathy says: " I hesitated because literature said clothing must be tight fitting but this hasn’t been true." $199 sensor + transponder. ($79 sensor only) https://www.safewander.com/
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Category - Safety
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Nicole S. Stainless steel grab bars. Nicole uses different sizes all over the house, in places where falls are likely. Her father uses them like monkey bars.One brand is Moen: https://www.amazon.com/Moen-R8918P-18-Inch-Bathroom-Peened/dp/B001EHVERG
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Rose M.Motion sensor night light. (Light only comes on when motion. Stays on 30sec) inexpensive; plug-in (battery-operated available too)One brand is Auvon:
https://www.amazon.com/AUVON-Nightlight-Adjustable-Brightness-Bathroom/dp/B07MLS6H2S/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?
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Gailanti-blue night light (if you are sensitive to light)
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Michelle P. Swivel tub transfer seat. This brand is $300. Doug D. says to consider getting an extender (if you have a deep shower); works great.https://www.platinumhealthllc.com/products/carousel-sliding-transfer-bench-with-swivel-seat-free-online-bonus-offer-1
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Category - Pressure sore prevention
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Michelle P. Low air loss mattress. Helps prevent pressure ulcers and improve wound healing. Covered by Medicare. (Robin R seconded)https://www.joerns.com/products/dermafloat-apl/
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Michelle P. Prevalon heel protector boot. Cushioned Boot for Heel Pressure Relief for Bed-Bound Individuals. Covered by Medicare. (Candy seconded)https://www.amazon.com/Sage-Products-Prevalon-Heel-Protector/dp/B01MRE4WOW?th=1
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Michelle P. Adding soft pillows under elbows and at knees. Candy seconds.
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Michelle P. ROHO wheelchair seat cushion. Adjustable for weight and shape (button control), contoured surface. (RobinR seconds) (Cheryl, an OT, says to be careful. Need to follow directions for the air pump.)https://www.permobil.com/en-us/products/seating-positioning/cushioning-products/roho/select-series/roho-quadtro-select-cushion
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Category - Mobility
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Robin R.Undercushion sofa grab bars ("chair stand assist" or "sofa stand assist") - mentioned last time but there a some brands that don't have the bars at foot-level (which might be safer)Kind with bars at foot-level: https://www.easycomforts.com/buy-universal-stand-assist-351312

https://ablelifesolutions.com/product/universal-stand-assist/

Kind w/o bars at foot-level: (Vive - a brand)
https://www.vitalitymedical.com/vive-stand-assist-aluminum-handrail.html
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Nicole S. Remove bed frame to make the bed lower. Nicole's father can more easily get in/out of bed. Joan seconds. Doug uses bed w/6" legs. Denise suggests....
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Candy W.Risers at head of bed
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Nicole S. Purchase a sturdy oak kitchen chair w/arms to have around in case of falls (so the faller can use it to get off the floor). Nicole got one for $20 at Goodwill.
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Robin R.Portable "chair lifts." One brand - Carex Upeasy Seat Assist Pluscarex.com
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DagComodita Tipo All Terrain Rollator Walker. Highly collapsible. Comes with a suitcase-like carry case. Very stable and collapsible. $330https://www.comoditausa.com/rollators/tipo-all-terrain
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DagLet's Fly Rollator, Euro Style Walker. Very lightweight. (Trust Care brand) $590.https://stander.com/product/lets-fly/
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DagKarman foldable wheelchair for travel. 24.5 lbs.https://www.karmanhealthcare.com/product/lt-980-ultra-lightweight-wheelchair/
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DagVive Rollator Travel Bag and Transport Chairs - for Folding Walker, Compact Wheelchair (35” x 26” x 9.5”)https://www.amazon.com/Vive-Rollator-Travel-Bag-Black/dp/B07G5LDDN4/ref=sr_1_3?
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Dag and Joan (w/comment by Mark)Stander security pole w/curved grab bar. (repeat from last webinar w/some new info)

Joan - Medicare paid for part of it w/an MD's RX.

Mark O - here's a review by an OT of this pole: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qPLsQNHKItA
Device from last webinar:
https://www.amazon.com/Standers-Security-Pole-Curve-Grab/dp/B000OR3SYE
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Michelle P. Car Transfer Mobile Floor Lift. Person to be transferred hangs in a sling from a frame that folds small enough to fit in the trunk of a sedan, although probably easier to slide into an SUV or minivanhttps://www.bestcarellc.com/pl350ct/
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Michelle P. Mini compact sit-to-stand lifthttps://www.bestcarellc.com/sa400h-he-mini-sit-to-stand-lift/
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Michelle P. Seconded by JudithOffset hinges. Widen doorways for wheelchair or lift access. Judith: did widen their doors.https://www.amazon.com/Offset-3-Pack-Radius-Brushed-Nickel/dp/B08XMXF6ZL/ref=sr_1_7?
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Michelle P. Hospital bed - Drive Medical is one brand. Lighter than many hospital beds, 9v battery backup. Covered by Medicare.https://www.drivemedical.com/us/en/products/beds/homecare-beds/semi-electric-beds/delta-ultra--light-1000-semi-electric-bed/p/794-1
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Category - Clothing/Shoes
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Alison R. (seconded by Jane; another product mentioned by Kaly)another brand of hands-free shoes: Skechers Slip-Ins. "variety of designs - extra arch support, memory foam inserts, etc. brother appreciates being able to put them on/remove them w/o help. super comfortable, brother says."

Kaly: kizik brand (covered at last webinar)
https://www.skechers.com/skechers-slip-ins-ultra-flex-3.0---smooth-step/232450.html

kizik.com
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DagIkea Kallax storage display case (w/drawers)
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Category - Incontinence and Hygiene
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Joyce McPCut a piece of under rug anti-slide mesh and puts it under bed pads to keep them from sliding
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Nicole S.One brand of portable "spill proof" urinals (models for men and women) - Oocome
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Nicole S.We'll try to share a photo of how Nicole attaches part of the Oocome urinal to the toilet.need to post photo!
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Rose M. (seconded by Kaly)Puppy pads (Costco Kirkland brand $22 for 100 extra large size; puppy pads cheaper than human pads!)
Also available at Target and other sources, but more $ and not as large.

Kaly: adds pads above and below fitted sheet and uses double stick tape at the corners to keep in place
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Dag Waterproof Reusable Washable Elderly Incontinence Care Protection Underwear. Uses them with folded washcloths instead of the inserts -- easier to rinse and dry for small quantities of urine. Update 8/23: Dag finds these inconvenient now; leakage when rolling onto one's side.https://www.amazon.com/dp/B098L6Z756
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Dag LivDry brand (now prefers) - holds 20oz of urine. Some leakage when getting out of bed.
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Michelle P. (Seconded by Judith)Bidet toilet seat. (Different brand from last webinar.) Judith: had a plumber install but one could install oneself; need an outlet handy; paid $299.https://biobidet.com/collections/bidet-seats/products/uspa-6800u?
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KalyAbena incontinence brand (multiple options)- pull ups hold 40oz, briefs hold nearly 1gal.; reduces fall risk walking to the toilet and having to change sheets at nighthttps://www.abena.com/healthcare/incontinence-products/abena-pants/product/abena-pants-m3
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Category - Medication Mgmt
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Nicole S. (Seconded by Mindy)pharmacies can put your pills in a unique pouch, based on the time you need to take the pills. Mindy: if meds change, the pharmacy will take it back and re-do the pak.pillpack.com - Amazon (takes insurance)

Other pharmacies offer the same service
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Category - Writing Tools
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Christine Hirabayashi, PhD Create a weighted pencil by putting (lug) nuts around the pencil and securing the lug nuts with electrical tape or rubber bands
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Category - Low Vision/ Dementia Tools
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Sheila. Seconded by Joan.7" digital calendar clock with alarmshttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B07C2LL3XF?th=1
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Robin to try to find "meal clock"
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Note: Michelle P. recommendations are from Jan '23 MSA Coalition blog post, "You Don't Know What You Don't Know - Equipment for MSA" - https://www.multiplesystematrophy.org/blog/you-dont-know-what-you-dont-know-equipment-for-msa/
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June 27, 2021 - "Gadget" Meeting (virtual)
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Brain Support Network (supportgroup@brainsupportnetwork.org) and
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Stanford University Parkinson's Community Outreach (rriddle@stanford.edu)
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Meeting host was Candy Welch, volunteer with Brain Support Network
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Meeting note-taker was Mindy Lumm, volunteer with Brain Support Network
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Recommended ItemURL for More Information
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Category - Mobility
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UStep walkerustep.com (largely reimbursed by Medicare Part B)

Marnie used: https://www.thewrightstuff.com/in-step-mobility-products.html
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Pivot disk [Marnie showed]https://www.amazon.com/Drive-Medical-Lifestyle-Transfer-Disc/dp/B005AK41W8
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Gait belt (72" fabric) There are many other kinds.https://www.amazon.com/Essential-Medical-Supply-Metal-Buckle/dp/B00366DTLW
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Category - Safety
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Raizer remote-controlled lift for getting someone off floorraizer.com; costs $2K; from Norway
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Gurney for picking up someone from the floor. (Takes 4-5 people to lift.)https://www.amazon.com/LINE2design-Emergency-Transport-Stretcher-Gray-Handles-1500/dp/B01A9A0OBU