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Transfer devices are designed to help you move safely from one location to another. They will also help ensure that your caregiver does not get hurt moving you.
Below you will find the most common transfer devices for people with ALS. |
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Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance do not cover all equipment, which means you may have to pay out of pocket for some devices. But before spending any of your own money, always ask your local ALS organization if you can borrow specific devices from their loan closet at no cost.
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Manual patient lift (hoyer lift)
a hydraulic, hand-pumped device that lifts you in a chair-like sling for transferring between wheelchair, bed, toilet, etc. Covered by insurance |
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Divided (split-leg) sling
a nylon or mesh hanging chair that attaches to manual and power lifts to support you Covered by insurance |
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Gait (transfer) belt
a belt that assists with transferring you between wheelchairs, beds, sofas, toilets, cars, etc. Not covered by insurance |
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Pivot (or transfer) disc
a disc that helps you slowly rotate in a new direction while standing in place; often used for getting in and out of a wheelchair from a bed, chair, car, etc. Not covered by insurance |
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Bed rail (bed cane)
a rail that slips between the mattress and box spring to assist you getting in and out of bed; it can also help you from rolling off the bed Not covered by insurance |
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Transfer board
a board that helps bridge the gap between a wheelchair and a bed, toilet, car, etc. Not covered by insurance |
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Power patient lift (hoyer lift)
a battery-powered, remote-controlled device that lifts you in a chair-like sling for transferring between wheelchair, bed, toilet, etc. Not covered by insurance |
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Transfer pole
a security pole running from floor to ceiling that can help you stand up from your bed, couch or toilet independently Not covered by insurance |
About Insurance Coverage
Medicare will cover 80% of durable medical equipment (DME) that it considers long-lasting, medically necessary, and intended for home use. Medicaid and private insurance usually follow Medicare's guidelines and can pick up the remaining 20%. In order to get a piece of equipment covered, it must be properly documented by your doctor.
Equipment Safety
Consult your physical or occupational therapist before buying or using any medical equipment. Also ask your local ALS organization to assess your equipment needs.
To avoid unnecessary injuries, you and your caregiver(s) should receive training from your physical or occupational therapist on how to safely and properly use each piece of equipment.
To avoid unnecessary injuries, you and your caregiver(s) should receive training from your physical or occupational therapist on how to safely and properly use each piece of equipment.
