DME Providers: Wright and Filippis Says Good Bye to Rehab Equipment for Southwest Michigan

Today we were informed that Wright and Filippis, will no longer be providing rehab equipment such as walkers, wheelchairs, bath chairs etc. to southwest Michigan (for full list of counties see bottom of post.)
Wright and Filippis states they are changing direction, they will continue to fulfill contracts in the Grand Rapids area.


When asked why the change of direction the Wright and Filippis representative did not have much information.  I would imagine poor Medicaid reimbursement may be the reason for Writght and Filipis' 'change in direction.'  Southwest Michigan has a heavy concentration of Medicaid and Medicare neither of which reimburses vendors much above their costs.


Poor Medicaid and Medicare reimbursement has forced several DME companies out of business over the last 5 years.  Maybe Wright and Filippis' decision is based on self preservation.  Please continue to contact your senators and state representatives to let them know Medicaid and Medicare are important to the elderly, and handicapped of our state and by cutting reimbursement costs not only are people going without necessary medical equipment but we are further cutting the throats of businesses and corporations in our state which we need for commerce and for jobs. 

Increasing Feeding Tube Awareness- February is Feeding Tube Awareness Month

Feeding Tube Awareness Week
by Traci Nagy

It started with Sesame Street.  My two and a half year old son, Lucas, and I watch Sesame Street most mornings.  Lucas has a rare chromosomal microdeletion that has caused him to have complete gastroparesis (paralysis of the stomach), among other GI disorders and developmental delays.  He has been on a feeding tube nearly his entire life. 


Lucas at 8 months of age with Elmo


CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO READ MORE:
http://articles.complexchild.com/feb2011/00273.html

Wheel chair for High/Low Tone

A vendor came in today and mentioned a type of wheelchair that I have never seen before. The features of the chair allow a child with high or low tone movement.  

 I was wondering if any one reading this has seen this chair in action and can tell me if they like it or not?


Click "read more" to learn about features for this chair and others like it...

One Handed Kitchen Container

As someone with cerebral palsy on the left side of my body, I have found that the tasks that prove the most challenging for me are in the kitchen.  One simple product I found that made cooking less frustrating for me was the OXO "POP Container"

This way I do not have to struggle at all to open a container for my sugar, flour, or anything.  The frustration it saves me is well worth the price.  I am excited to get more for Christmas!

Features & Benefits

• Airtight seal with the press of a button
• Modular stacking system for optimal countertop and pantry organization
• Set includes: 1 4.0-quart Container, ideal for a 5 lb bag of flour or sugar. 1 2.5-quart Container, ideal size for rice, pasta, breadsticks. 1 2.4-quart Container, ideal for cookies, crackers. 1 2.1-quart Container, ideal for spaghetti, linguini, lasagna. 2 0.9-quart Containers, ideal for brown sugar, nuts. 2 0.5-quart Containers, ideal for tea bags, candy, sugar cubes. 2 0.3-quart Containers, ideal for spices, dried chilies, bouillon.
• Square shapes maximize space-efficiency
• Container corners allow for easy pouring
• Pop-up button serves as handle to lift off lid
• Also great for use in the garage, sewing room, play room and more
• Silicone gasket is dishwasher safe, hand wash other parts
• BPA-free

  

Standing Wheelchair

A standing wheelchair

Yesterday we put a very energetic young man with severe cognitive and physical developmental disabilities in a standing wheelchair.  As soon as the breaking mechanisms were loosed, this young gentleman sprung to his feet – literally!  A big smile spread across his face with the realization that he could stand up himself for the first time!

How does the standing wheelchair work?
Click "read more" to find out

8 Reasons to Use a Ceiling Lift

1. Positioning much easier with ceiling lift than floor mounted lift.
2. Floor mounted lifts have troubles with carpets and fitting under a bed frame.
3. Ceiling lifts do not have these two major concerns.
4. If you are planning to use a portable ceiling lift then the weight of the lifting unit will be a key point in selecting the correct lift.
5. Manual ceiling lifts are used where a care giver slides client along rail.
6. Motorized ceiling lifts allows independent transfers by end user.
7. Ceiling lifts can be used with walking sling.
8. Track can go through doorway by suspending track below header or by cutting into door header to accommodate track.

information found at: http://www.silvercross.com/ceilinglifts.html