Hi Alisa,
This is the response from our OT who I sent your question to:

Hmmm, interesting. We would need to know what he is currently using (rolling shower chair vs. standard shower chair, how much assist does he require for transfer and showering, does he have adequate trunk strength, what are his actual manual muscle testing scores and AROM ability on his BUE and BLE, what is he currently using for a shower valve, etc.). If his BLE are presenting with full strength then there are foot pedal shower valves available at Home Depot. If his BUE have full strength, yet hand grip is weak, there are adaptive handled shower valves available. I would be happy to talk with the patient if that would help! There are many options depending on his current function and home set up. His home health OT would be a wonderful resource as well.



Best,



Brooke Nystrom, MOT, OTR/L

Forbes Norris ALS/MDA Research & Treatment Center

1100 Van Ness Avenue, 6TH Floor

San Francisco, CA 94109

Phone: 415-600-0531

Fax: 415-375-4827

Email: xxxxxx@sutterhealth.org









Sincerely,

Amy Roman, MS, CCC-SLP
Augmentative Communication Specialist


Forbes Norris ALS Research and Treatment Center
& ALSA Golden West AAC Evaluation Center and Lending Library

1100 Van Ness Ave.
6th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94109

Cell (415)518-0592
Fax (415)375-4827

AmyandpALS.Com
Pinterest.com/AmyandpALS

On Thursday, August 15, 2019, 1:51:28 PM PDT, Alisa Brownlee <xxxxxx@alsa-national.org> wrote:

He seems to be declining quickly on his arms so I’m thinking foot operation would be best — even his wife reports this disease is moving fast 

On Aug 15, 2019, at 4:49 PM, Amy Roman <xxxxxx@sbcglobal.net> wrote:

Hi Alisa,
Our OT and PT say there are many solutions but they need more info on the abilities he does have. They need active range of motion and strength of his bilateral upper extremities. Is he able to sponge himself? Are you looking for foot operated?






Sincerely,

Amy Roman, MS, CCC-SLP
Augmentative Communication Specialist


Forbes Norris ALS Research and Treatment Center
& ALSA Golden West AAC Evaluation Center and Lending Library

1100 Van Ness Ave.
6th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94109

Cell (415)518-0592
Fax (415)375-4827

AmyandpALS.Com
Pinterest.com/AmyandpALS

On Thursday, August 15, 2019, 1:33:07 PM PDT, Alisa Brownlee <xxxxxx@alsa-national.org> wrote:

Hi all,

I have a person with ALS that has very limited arm function - the disease is affecting his arms first.

He wants to remain as independent as possible when showering.  We discussed using a shower chair for safety and he is inquiring if there is a better shower valve (knob) to use for someone in his condition?  (obvious he needs temp control valve too but that a different issue)

Thanks,

Alisa