Orthotics for Extremities (Body Parts)
Ankle Foot Orthoses (AFO’s )
Ankle Foot Orthoses (AFO’s )
Ankle Foot Orthoses (AFO’s )
(AFOs) are braces that support and control the movement of the ankle and foot. They're like a special shoe that helps people walk better if they have trouble moving their ankles and feet. Therapist will start with ace wrap first to ensure an AFO is appropriate.
Knee Orthoses
Ankle Foot Orthoses (AFO’s )
Ankle Foot Orthoses (AFO’s )
Knee orthoses can be used after brain injuries to help with balance and stability during walking. Sometimes, brain injuries can affect a person's coordination and balance, so knee braces provide extra support to help them walk more safely and confidently.
Hand Wrist Splints
Hand Wrist Splints
Hand Wrist Splints
Hand wrist splints are used after brain injuries to help support and stabilize the hand and wrist. Brain injuries can sometimes affect muscle control and coordination, so splints are used to keep the hand and wrist in a proper position, aiding in functional use and preventing further injury.
Elbow Splints
Hand Wrist Splints
Hand Wrist Splints
Elbow splints are used after brain injuries to provide support and stability to the elbow joint. Brain injuries can affect muscle control and coordination, so splints are used to keep the elbow in the right position and prevent it from getting injured further.
Helmets
Helmets are used after part of the brain is removed to provide extra protection to the remaining brain tissue. Since the skull is no longer fully intact, the helmet helps cushion and shield the brain from injury, reducing the risk of further damage due to bumps or accidents. It's essential for ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals who have undergone brain surgery.
Spinal Orthoses (Spinal Braces)
Cervical Collar
Thoracolumbosacral Orthoses (TLSO)
Thoracolumbosacral Orthoses (TLSO)
A cervical collar, also known as a neck brace, is a medical device used to support and immobilize the neck after an injury or surgery. It helps restrict movement and provides stability to the neck, allowing it to heal properly and reducing the risk of further injury.
Primarily used for patients with spinal cord injuries, however can be used to assist with positioning for brain injuries.
Thoracolumbosacral Orthoses (TLSO)
Thoracolumbosacral Orthoses (TLSO)
Thoracolumbosacral Orthoses (TLSO)
(TLSO) are special braces that help support and keep the spine stable in the middle and lower back regions. They're used for conditions like spine fractures or to help with healing after surgery by preventing too much movement.
Primarily used for patients with spinal cord injuries, however can be used to assist with positioning for brain injuries.
Positioning Equipment
Positioning Pillows
Positioning Pillows
Positioning Pillows
Positioning pillows are special pillows used in rehab and hospitals to help patients maintain a comfortable and safe position while they recover from injury or surgery. They are designed to support specific body parts, such as the head, neck, back, or limbs, to prevent pressure sores, reduce pain, and promote proper alignment during rest or therapy.
Wedges
Positioning Pillows
Positioning Pillows
Wedges are angled support devices commonly used in rehab and hospitals to help position patients comfortably during therapy or rest. They can be placed under various body parts, such as the back, legs, or arms, to provide support, alignment, and stability, aiding in rehabilitation and recovery.
Foam Blocks
Foam Blocks
Foam Blocks
Foam blocks are sturdy, lightweight objects used in rehab and hospitals to support different parts of the body during therapy or rest. They come in various shapes and sizes and are often used to elevate limbs, provide stability, or assist in maintaining proper alignment for patients during rehabilitation exercises.
Tilt Tables
Foam Blocks
Foam Blocks
Tilt tables are medical devices used in rehab and hospitals to help patients gradually transition from lying down to standing up. They have a surface that tilts upward, allowing patients to be positioned at different angles, which helps improve circulation, muscle strength, and overall mobility.
Respiratory Equipment
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)
(CPAP) is a treatment for sleep apnea that uses a machine to keep your airways open while you sleep. It delivers a continuous flow of air through a mask that you wear over your nose or nose and mouth, preventing pauses in breathing and improving sleep quality.
BiLevel Positive Airway Pressure (BiPap)
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)
(BiPAP) is a type of therapy used to help people with breathing problems, such as sleep apnea or respiratory failure. It delivers two different air pressure levels: a higher pressure when you breathe in and a lower pressure when you breathe out, making it easier to breathe and maintain proper oxygen levels.
Tracheotomy
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)
Tracheotomy
A tracheotomy is a surgical procedure where a small incision is made in the front of the neck, and a tube is inserted into the windpipe (trachea). This tube is called a tracheostomy tube, and it allows air to flow directly into the lungs, bypassing the nose and mouth. This procedure is performed when someone has difficulty breathing on their own or needs help with breathing for an extended period.
Monitoring Devices
Vital Sign Monitors: (heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation levels)
Vital sign monitors are tools used by doctors and nurses to check important body functions like heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, and oxygen levels. They help keep track of how healthy a person is and if there are any problems that need attention.
Mobility Aides
Wheelchairs
Wheelchairs
Wheelchairs
A wheelchair is a mobility aid device designed to assist people who have difficulty walking or are unable to walk due to various reasons, such as disability, injury, or illness. It typically consists of a chair mounted on wheels, which allows individuals to move around independently or with the assistance of a caregiver.
Walkers
Wheelchairs
Wheelchairs
A walker is a mobility aid device with a metal frame and four legs that provides support and stability for individuals who have difficulty walking independently. Users grasp the handles of the walker and move it forward as they walk, helping to improve balance and reduce the risk of falls.
Canes
Tilt and Space Wheelchair
Tilt and Space Wheelchair
A cane is a simple mobility aid consisting of a single shaft with a handle at one end and a rubber tip at the other. It provides support and stability to individuals who have difficulty walking.
Tilt and Space Wheelchair
Tilt and Space Wheelchair
Tilt and Space Wheelchair
A tilt and space wheelchair is a type of wheelchair designed to provide better positioning and comfort for individuals with specific mobility needs. Tilt and space wheelchairs assists individuals with impaired trunk control, limited mobility, and blood pressure managment.
Hoyer Lifts
Hoyer Lifts
Hoyer Lifts
Hoyer Lifts
A Hoyer lift is a mechanical device used to assist caregivers in transferring patients who have limited mobility or are unable to move independently. It typically consists of a metal frame with a sling attached to a lift mechanism. The sling is placed under the patient, who is then lifted and moved using the lift system, reducing strain on caregivers and minimizing the risk of injury to both the patient and the caregiver during transfers. Hoyer lifts are commonly used in hospitals, nursing homes, and home care settings to safely move individuals between beds, wheelchairs, and other surfaces.
Sabina Lift
Hoyer Lifts
Hoyer Lifts
This could also be known as a “sit-to-stand lift,” which is a piece of equipment used to help people who have difficulty standing up from a sitting position. It typically consists of a frame with a seat and handles. The person sits on the seat, and then the lift assists them in moving from a sitting to a standing position. It's like a supportive chair that helps someone stand up safely, especially if they have weak muscles or limited mobility.
Camera’s and Translators
Ava Sure
Translator
Translator
Not all hospitals will have an Ava Sure, but some may. An Ava Sure is for “telesitting” which is real-time and continuous video surveillance from a remote location that allows for immediate intervention to prevent harm or injury to patients/staff, For example, if a patient attempts to get up by themselves, the trained monitor can intervene and say, “Please do not get up by yourself, I am going to get someone to help you.” Staff will then be alerted to assist the patient.
Translator
Translator
Translator
Dependent on the hospital you are in, translators can vary. Some hospitals may have trained staff to translate, some may ask family to help translate if needed, and some may have “translators on wheels.” Some hospitals will use video remote interpretation, this means the staff will use medically trained interpreters to assist with interpreting medical needs and rehab services.
Adaptive Equipment: Toileting
Raised Toilet Seat
Raised Toilet Seat
Raised Toilet Seat
This can come with or without side rails to assist with standing from the toilet. This has a clasp to secure the raised toilet seat.
3-in-1 Commode
Raised Toilet Seat
Raised Toilet Seat
This is also a raised toilet seat, allows for patients to have assistance with standing from the toilet.
Adaptive Equipment: Showering & Bathing
Grab bars
Removable shower heads
Removable shower heads
These will be permanently installed in the walls for toilet and shower/tub transfers. Allows for the patients to be able to securely hold onto a sturdy bar to assist with transfers and standing.
Removable shower heads
Removable shower heads
Removable shower heads
A shower head that is hooked to a cord and can be taken down by the individual while showering. Useful for people who need to bathe/shower while they are sitting.
Shower chairs
Removable shower heads
Shower chairs
Shower chairs are generally best for people who have walk-in showers and minimizes the risk for falls when a person is bathing. Best for people who have poor standing balance and may not be able to stand for long periods of times.
Tub Benches
Tilt Mobile Shower Commode Chair
Shower chairs
Tub benches are best for people who have shower/tub combos. Tub benches are draped over the edge of the tub to allow for the person to slide into the shower without doing too much work to lift their legs over.
Tilt Mobile Shower Commode Chair
Tilt Mobile Shower Commode Chair
Tilt Mobile Shower Commode Chair
A Tilt Mobile Shower Commode Chair is a chair with wheels that can be rolled into the shower and used as a toilet. It can be tilted backward to make it easier for someone to sit down or get up or to help regulate blood pressure. This is a customized equipment, comparable to the cost of a power wheelchair. You would also need a curb-less shower stall.
Adaptive Equipment: Self Feeding
Universal Cuff
Built-Up Silverware/utensils
Built-Up Silverware/utensils
This is a hand strap that secures feeding and hygiene products for people who may lack the grasp strength and fine motor coordination.
Built-Up Silverware/utensils
Built-Up Silverware/utensils
Built-Up Silverware/utensils
This is thick-handled silverware or slide-on handles to assist with people who do not have the best grasp strength
Weighted Silverware
Long Handled Silverware
Long Handled Silverware
This is heavy-handled silverware for people who have tremor-like hand movements.
Long Handled Silverware
Long Handled Silverware
Long Handled Silverware
Extended silverware to assist with individuals who have limited range of motion.
Rehabilitation and Support Aids
Feeding Tube
Abdominal Binder
Abdominal Binder
A feeding tube is a flexible tube that is inserted through the nose or directly into the stomach to provide nutrition and fluids to someone who cannot eat or drink normally. It's used when a person's digestive system needs support.
Abdominal Binder
Abdominal Binder
Abdominal Binder
An abdominal binder main purpose is to help manage blood pressure. It can also be used for the purpose of protecting a loved one from pulling at feeding tubes by providing a secure and comfortable support around the abdomen. The binder helps keep the feeding tube in place and prevents the individual from accidentally dislodging or pulling at it. It can also provide a barrier between the feeding tube and the individual's hands, reducing the likelihood of tampering or interference.
Ted Stockings
Abdominal Binder
Ted Stockings
TED stockings are special compression stockings that are worn on the legs to improve blood flow and prevent blood clots, especially during periods of immobility, such as after surgery or during bed rest. Can also be used for the purpose of managing edema in the legs.
Arm Trough
Elevated Arm Trough
Ted Stockings
An arm traft is a device that supports and positions the arm, often used after surgery or to prevent contractures (tightening of muscles) in the arm. It helps keep the arm in a comfortable and functional position.
Elevated Arm Trough
Elevated Arm Trough
Elevated Arm Trough
An elevated arm traft is similar to an arm traft but is designed to keep the arm elevated above the heart level. This helps reduce swelling and improve circulation in the arm.
Isotoner Glove
Elevated Arm Trough
Elevated Arm Trough
An isometric glove can be used for the purpose of managing edema, which is swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in the body's tissues. The glove is designed to provide gentle compression to the hand and fingers, helping to reduce swelling and improve circulation.
Restraints and Safety For Brain Injuries
Restraints in a medical setting are tools used to keep patients safe. They're used to prevent patients from hurting themselves or others, stopping them from getting up when it's not safe, or trying to leave when they're confused. Doctors have to check and approve their use every day. Patients who need restraints often have difficulty with thinking and judgment.
Using restraints needs proof from doctors that they're necessary. They're only used when nothing else works, and staff check them regularly to see if they can be reduced. The goal is always to find other ways to manage behavior without using restraints, like changing the environment or daily routine.
Restraints and Safety for Brain Injury
Hand Mitts
Rear Closing Seatbelts
Rear Closing Seatbelts
Hands mitts are used to prevent a patient from pulling tubes/lines, IVs, foleys, G-tubes, trachs. They can also be used to prevent patients from scratching excessively, especially at incisions.
Rear Closing Seatbelts
Rear Closing Seatbelts
Rear Closing Seatbelts
A rear closing seatbelt is used to allow a patient to safely sit out of bed and move around the environment in their wheelchair. The rear closing seatbelt prevents them from standing up by themselves.
Pelvic Posey
Rear Closing Seatbelts
Secured Lap Tray
The pelvis posey is also used to allow a patient to safely sit out of bed and move around the environment in their wheelchair. It prevents them from standing up by themselves. The difference between the pelvic posey and the rear closing seatbelt is that the pelvis posey also offers an element of positioning if the patient has a tendency to slide forward in the wheelchair.
Secured Lap Tray
Secured Lap Tray
Secured Lap Tray
A secured lap tray allows the patient to safely sit out of bed and move around the environment in the wheelchair. It also provides upper extremity support and minimal postural support.
High Side-Board
Secured Lap Tray
High Side-Board
A high side board is used to help prevent a patient from climbing over the side rails of the bed and getting up on their own. One side of the bed is usually placed against the wall and the high side board is placed on the other side.
Secure Sleeve
Secured Lap Tray
High Side-Board
These are used to limit arm movements and protect people from touching medical equipment. Used as a safety measure to ensure individuals are safe.
Skin Sleeve Protectors
Skin Sleeve Protectors
Skin Sleeve Protectors
These are also used to protect individuals from touching medical equipment such as IV sites or dressings that are on their arms.
Net Bed
Skin Sleeve Protectors
Skin Sleeve Protectors
A net bed is used to allow the patient to freely move in the bed as needed while maintaining safety as it prevents them from getting up and/or falling out due to restlessness.
Restraints Alternatives
Bed Alarm
Wheelchair Alarm
Wheelchair Alarm
Bed alarms have sensors underneath the sheets on the mattress, they are used to alert staff to respond quickly and help a patient if they are trying to stand on their own. Bed alarm’s help prevent falls.
Wheelchair Alarm
Wheelchair Alarm
Wheelchair Alarm
Just like bed alarms, wheelchair alarms set off an alarm that alert staff to respond quickly and help a patient if they are trying to stand on their own. Wheelchair alarms are typically velcro seat belts, if they are messed with or undone an alarm will sound.
1 on 1
1 on 1
1 on 1
1 on 1 are workers that look after and observe patients to ensure that they are safe, report to nursing about possible changes in behavior, and redirect patients if needed. This could also be an Ava Sure, which is mentioned above under “Camera’s and Translators”
Low Bed
1 on 1
1 on 1
A low bed is a bed that either goes all the way down to the floor or close to it. A mat is placed next to the bed on the floor for safety. A low bed is not considered a restraint because the patient is able to roll out onto the mat.