Back in 2008, when it was time for me to graduate from scooter to wheelchair, I stumbled upon the iBOT, and because of its advanced technology, I felt better about the transition. Now that I need assistance in eating, I found some cool devices to lessen the blow as well.
Liftware Level
I bought one of these spoons, and it’s amazing. Check out the video, below, or click here.
Obi
I bought one of these, and it reminds me of the iBOT. While making my life better, it serves as a conversation piece and a crowd pleaser, not simply a piece of medical equipment. It is battery-powered and mobile enough to take with me to most places where I might dine. Check out the video, below, or click here.
Obi it is expensive – $6000. I filed a medical insurance claim, and it was rejected. Apparently, being able to eat is not a medical necessity. I am filing an appeal, but I’m not sending my Obi back, no matter what.
Thanks go out to my occupational therapist, Maren, for introducing me to both products and helping me integrate them into my life.
Closing Thoughts
Losing the ability to take care of myself is frightening, but technology keeps offering solutions, and I love technology. I am aware, however, that many disabled people can’t afford these expensive devices. We need to find ways to make these adaptations available to everyone.
I've seen it in action,it's amazing,Mitch you need all the help there is out there.
This is some cool stuff!
Please keep sharing. Knowledge is power! Kathy
Thanks for the post, Mitch. Glad you found these devices to help you keep on keeping on.
It's a disgrace, though, that they aren't covered by Medicare. Guess all that stuff about "Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness" only applies to the more fortunate among us…
They find that it is focused generally on figuring out how to feel when they were ravenous and feel when they were full.