We routinely provide control of beds/chairs from environmental control systems. The two main issues to consider for viability are;

i) is the controller simple analogue or digital i.e. is the handset performing simple, volt-free, switch-closing actions to operate the functions. If this is the case, then the bed can be interfaced to relatively easily

ii) Does the manufacturer/supplier of the control system (not the bed manufacturer/supplier) have a standard interface for the controller, or do any of the environmental control system manufacturers produce a customised unit themselves.

Our very strong experience is that the bed manufacturers/suppliers have very little knowledge of what’s under the beds, buying control systems in as preconfigured units to suit their beds. We always have our conversations directly with actuator manufacturers. And you do need to have these conversations. For example Okin handsets tend to have relays in them, meaning an intermediary switching box is required, whereas their sister company Dewert’s handsets do not. Connecting an alternative switching method in parallel with the existing one causes no issues for the viability of the bed, but how that alternative control is provided, i.e. what safety and fall back criteria are set for how it is operated, does. Each bed has to be inspected/judged individually, as 2 seemingly identical beds can have very different control systems attached. The information that you need is the make/model of the controller (usually the box that the handset plugs into) and the model No of the handset.

The bottom line is that this is often very doable, but probably needs specialist input to achieve. As a footnote, we try discuss these issues with patients/clinical staff early on, to try and make sure that a compatible bed is purchased.

Hope this info is useful?

Jeremy

Jeremy Linskell CEng, CSci, MIPEM

Principal Clinical Scientist

Electronic Assistive Technology Service

Ninewells Hospital

Dundee

Scotland

tel: 01382-496286

fax:01382-496322

Editorial Board Member of Journal of Assistive Technologies

http://pierprofessional.metapress.com/content/121393

From: xxxxxx@alsa.simplelists.com [mailto:xxxxxx@alsa.simplelists.com] On Behalf Of xxxxxx@improveability.com
Sent: Tuesday, September 08, 2015 7:07 PM
To: xxxxxx@alsa.simplelists.com
Subject: RE: FW: adaptive equipment

First idea would be to see if the person could use their feet to operate the bed controls? Could the pendant be mounted in such a way to allow for foot control? If they are membrane switches and not large toggle buttons, you can make them easier to press by using clear bumpers (the things you put on a coaster to stop them from moving).

There are a couple commercial products out there, but they are all very expensive - well over $1000 (up to $6-7000 depending on the product) and very dependent on the bed type. If it is a fancy bed with controls on the handrail, then a custom solution would need to be done. If it is a more home care style bed, then there are commercial products that would work.

I do know of some people who can make custom mods, if they want to go that route.

These are my suggestions. I wish it were a simpler answer, but the bed manufacturers do not make it easy for liability reasons (I am sure).

Sincerely,

Antoinette Verdone, MSBME, ATP

Owner, Rehabilitation Engineer

ImproveAbility, LLC

Office: 512-522-1705

Cell: 512-497-6026

Email: xxxxxx@improveability.com

Web: www.improveability.com

Fax: 888-501-1009

NEW ADDRESS: 3310 W Braker Lane, Suite 300-424, Austin TX 78758

DARS Provider# 1-274278960-0-000

"One cannot consent to creep when one has the impulse to soar" -- Helen Keller

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: FW: adaptive equipment
From: Alisa Brownlee <xxxxxx@alsa-national.org>
Date: Tue, September 08, 2015 10:07 am
To: National ALS Association AT Listserv <xxxxxx@alsa.simplelists.com>

Passing this along to inquire if anyone has any ideas.

Thanks,

Alisa Brownlee, ATP, CAPS

Manager, Assistive Technology Services

ALS Association National Office and Greater Philadelphia Chapter

Cell: 610-812-0361

Follow me on Twitter: alsassistivetec

or

Facebook: Alisa Brownlee ALS

From: Suchomelly, Amanda [mailto:xxxxxx@GenesisHCC.com]
Sent: Monday, September 7, 2015 7:01 AM
To: Alisa Brownlee <xxxxxx@alsa-national.org>
Subject: adaptive equipment

Hello,

I am an Occupational Therapist who works at a SNF in PA. We currently have a patient who was diagnosed with ALS a few months back. Upon admission to our facility, she had very limited use of both arms/hands and therefore requires assist for all aspects of self cares and feeding. She recently requested an adapted bed controller for her hospital bed as she is not able to adjust the head of the bed. Due to lack of ability to grasp/hold items or elevate arms, I am at a loss as to how to adapt her controller. I was hoping to find any suggestions you may have or resources to which I can utilize. Thank you so much!

Amanda Suchomelly, OTRL

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