OccupationalTherapy.com Phone: 866-782-9924


Durable Medical Equipment

Durable Medical Equipment
Michelle Lange, OTR/L, ABDA, ATP/SMS
August 24, 2015
Share:

Learning Objectives

Our learning objectives for this course include:

  •   The participant will be able to list three types of bath and shower equipment with clinical indicators for each;
  •   The participant will be able to describe three categories of patient lifts with pros and cons for each; and
  •   The participant will be able to describe when an adapted car seat is indicated.

​Clinical Role

Clinicians play a key part in the evaluation team whenever DME is being selected.  DME equipment is used to complete activities of daily living, and each of our clients has very specific requirements that must be met by specific product features.  Most of this equipment is ordered through a durable medical equipment supplier.  Their job is to collect documentation and submit that for funding approval.  They then order equipment and deliver it to the client.  Our job in the evaluation process is matching client needs to product features, putting together that specific order request, documenting the need for funding sources, and then once that equipment is obtained by the client, we may also be involved in training the client and caregivers in appropriate use of that equipment. 

Bath/Shower Equipment

There is an array of bath and shower equipment that is available to meet our client's particular needs.  There are many purposes for this equipment.  First, we want to provide postural support to the client during the task of bathing or showering.  By providing adequate support, we can prevent the client from slipping, subsequent injury, and even in extreme cases, drowning.  The client needs to be safe within this environment.  Taking a bath or shower is really one of the most dangerous activities that many of our clients engage in.  We are dealing with water, slippery surfaces, and a lack of shoes or other clothing because we are trying to get clean.  That combination can lead quickly to injury.  We want the client to be as independent as possible in the task of bathing and/or showering.  We also want to ease the difficulty of this task for the caregivers working with the client.  The caregivers involved in showering the client are also at risk of injury.  It is one of the more difficult transfers to get someone in an out of a tub, particularly with lack of appropriate equipment.  There is a lot of rotation involved, and again we are trying to transfer a wet, unclothed person and that is quite dangerous for the client and the caregiver.  


michelle lange

Michelle Lange, OTR/L, ABDA, ATP/SMS

Michelle Lange is an occupational therapist with over 35 years of experience and has been in private practice, Access to Independence, for over 15 years. She is a well-respected lecturer, both nationally and internationally, and has authored numerous texts, chapters, and articles. She is the co-editor of Seating and Wheeled Mobility: a clinical resource guide. She is the former NRRTS Continuing Education Curriculum Coordinator and Clinical Editor of NRRTS Directions magazine. Michelle is a RESNA Fellow and member of the Clinician Task Force. Michelle is a RESNA-certified ATP and SMS.



Related Courses

Continued Conversations, The CE Podcast: The Top Ten Mistakes Clinicians Make During Seating and Mobility Evaluations
Presented by Michelle Lange, OTR/L, ABDA, ATP/SMS
Audio
Course: #4610Level: Introductory1 Hour
This podcast will be a conversation about common mistakes made during wheelchair seating and mobility evaluations. The discussion will give you new ideas to improve the evaluation process!

Wheelchair Mobility: Power Wheelchair Alternative Driving Methods
Presented by Michelle Lange, OTR/L, ABDA, ATP/SMS
Video
Course: #4363Level: Advanced2 Hours
While some clients require a power wheelchair to achieve independent mobility, not all will be able to use a standard joystick. Clients with paralysis, muscle weakness, increased muscle tone, and uncontrolled movements can often drive a power wheelchair successfully when matched to the most appropriate alternative driving method. This course will systematically explore various alternative driving methods, including specific features, to match these complex client needs. Case studies will be used throughout.

The Seating and Mobility Specialist (SMS) Certification: An Overview
Presented by Michelle Lange, OTR/L, ABDA, ATP/SMS
Video
Course: #4201Level: Advanced1 Hour
The Seating and Mobility Specialist (SMS) certification recognizes competence in assessment and intervention. This course will cover what this certification is, who the SMS is designed for, why it was developed, why the SMS may be beneficial to a clinician and how to acquire this certification.

Wheelchair Seating: Considerations for the Hands-Free Sitter
Presented by Michelle Lange, OTR/L, ABDA, ATP/SMS
Video
Course: #4202Level: Advanced1 Hour
Wheelchair seating is designed to provide postural support and alignment, stability for function and mitigate pressure issues. This course will address assessment and intervention when working with a client who can sit without the support of their hands, referred to as the ‘hands-free’ sitter.

Wheelchair Mobility: Optimizing Driving in Power Wheelchairs
Presented by Michelle Lange, OTR/L, ABDA, ATP/SMS
Video
Course: #4462Level: Advanced1 Hour
Power wheelchair evaluation determines appropriateness for power wheelchair use and then determines the optimal power wheelchair base, power seating, driving method and other needed components. Optimizing power wheelchair driving is critical to improve outcomes and includes choosing the best drive wheel configuration, utilizing tracking technologies, and programming.

Our site uses cookies to improve your experience. By using our site, you agree to our Privacy Policy.