Medical Equipment for ALS

When you are first diagnosed with ALS, you may not need any assistance. But as the disease progresses and daily activities become difficult, there are many devices that can help you stay safe, conserve energy, be more independent, and improve your overall quality of life.

Most medical equipment for ALS is covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance. Devices that are not covered may be available to borrow at no cost from the equipment loan closet at your local ALS organization. Your ALS clinic team of specialists should recommend specific devices when—and even before—you need them.

Assistive devices for ALS generally fall into the following categories.

Braces

Also called orthoses, braces may help you continue to do certain daily activities safely and independently. Ankle foot orthosis (AFOs) can help you walk with greater stability and efficiency. Neck braces can help support your neck and head if your muscles are weakened. Hand and wrist braces and splints may provide the extra support you need to continue doing fine motor activities.

Talk with the physical and occupational therapists at your ALS clinic about which braces might work best for you.

Home & Daily Living

If you are having difficulty with everyday activities, home and daily living devices may help. Transfer Devices can help you move safely between your bed, wheelchair, bathroom, and other places in your home. Activities of daily living (ADL) devices can help you remain more independent while doing day-to-day activities. And hospital beds can be very helpful at home if you have trouble sitting up or moving on your own.

Talk with the physical and occupational therapists at your ALS clinic about which home and daily living devices might work best for you.

Bathroom

If you are having difficulty bathing or using the toilet, bathroom equipment may help. Tub and shower devices such as shower chairs, tub transfer benches, and grab bars are designed to help you bathe and shower more safely and comfortably. Toileting devices such as commode chairs, raised seats, safety frames, and portable urinals can help you be more comfortable and independent.

Talk with the physical and occupational therapists at your ALS clinic about which bathroom devices might work best for you.

Mobility

If you are having difficulty walking, mobility devices can help you move more safely around your home and community. Walking aids such as canes and four-wheeled walkers can assist with balance and stability. Self-propelled manual wheelchairs can fold to fit into most cars. Power mobility devices such as scooters and tilt-and-recline wheelchairs can provide greater freedom of movement if you have significantly limited physical mobility.

Talk with the physical and occupational therapists at your ALS clinic about which mobility devices might work best for you.

Respiratory

If your breathing muscles are affected, respiratory devices can help you breathe more easily, sleep better, and improve your overall quality of life. A bilevel (BiPAP) machine can assist with inhaling and exhaling, primarily during sleep. A portable ventilator can help you breathe either noninvasively (via a mask) or invasively (via a trach). A cough assist machine clears phlegm and fluid-like secretions from your lungs, and a suction machine can remove any excess mucus and saliva from your mouth. The multi-function ventilator combines all of these devices into one machine.

Talk with the respiratory therapist at your ALS clinic about which respiratory devices might work best for you.

Communication

If you are beginning to experience speech or swallowing difficulties, it is best to learn about communication strategies and devices sooner rather than later. Communication devices range from low-tech solutions like alphabet boards and voice amplifiers to high-tech and more expensive solutions like speech-generating devices. If you can still speak clearly, you can record your own voice and specific messages ahead of time that can be integrated into your speech-generating device.