Hi Erin-

Two other options-

1. Check and see if the local ALS Association or MDA has a loan library.

2. Another option (if it turns out the family has to pay out of pocket) is
to use communication software on a small laptop or netbook.  There is
communication software that she can use, even if she loses the ability to
type.

Margaret Cotts

-----Original Message-----
From: xxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:xxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Molly Doyle
Sent: Thursday, April 01, 2010 3:06 PM
To: xxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: Re: Device suggestions for ALS patient on Hospice and in Skilled

Eric
Try the Calif AT Exchange (CATE) its part of the AT Network.  One of the
participating agencies may have a DynaWrite or LightWRITER to loan to the
family

https://exchange.atnet.org/welcome.aspx

Molly Doyle MS CCC
CART-Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center
Downey CA 90242
www.rancho.org/cart

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>>> "Erin Singleton" <xxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> 04/01/10 1:36 PM >>>
Hello everyone!

I am new to the list serve and I'm hoping someone may be able to help with
some suggestions for a patient of mine.

I have an ALS patient who in just 2 short weeks has declined significantly
and her speech is no longer functional. She was in assisted living and this
weekend was placed on hospice in skilled nursing. Her family really wants
her to have some type of SGD but I know that the SNF/hospice is a problem
for getting devices funded. I have not yet built up a loaner closet or else
I would loan a device to her. I have provided them with ideas for low tech
but they really want to try a device. At our last visit with each other she
was able to use the Lightwriter and Dynawrite with her left hand with some
success. I know a type-&-talk device is the direction she is leaning. Her
daughter is asking to rent or borrow so that while she is on hospice she has
some way to communicate.

If anyone has any suggestions I would so appreciate it!  Thanks.

Erin Singleton M.A., CCC-SLP
Neuroscience Outpatient Rehabilitation Center
2335 East Kashian Lane, Suite 301
Fresno, California 93701
Office: (559) 459-6056
Cell: (559) 250-1949
Fax: (559) 459-2957
Email: xxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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