Atsugi

Will you tell me what I need to do to apply for HHA??? Is it more paperwork?? I was able to have the neurologist get me a new scrip for the hospital bed. They were to fax it but we are having fax issues so I will need to drive 30 minutes to pick up scrip and then drive 45 minutes to get to the outpatient VA.
Cross your fingers that they will be nice to me about the bed. G

Ok, thank you.
G

I don't have experience with other beds. I just know we were happy with this one.

ok... do you have any preference of the Joerns VS Invacare???? Do you have any knowledge of the quality????
YES Advanced directives are in place and have been given to ALS clinic personnel. I also keep one copy in my ALS binder that goes with me at all times... trips, ALS clinic.. etc... I am a walking organized, crazy, going out of my mind, cheerful, wonderful WIFE!!!!! YIKES!!!!

Call the company is at (800) 966-6662. Owner's manual at http://www.joerns.com/pdfs_products/bedframes/ucxt/Joerns_Healthcare_UCXT_Series_manual.pdf and a beautiful brochure at http://www.joerns.com/pdfs_products/bedframes/ucxt/JHC_UCXT%20Spec.pdf.

You'll need a Hoyer Lift soon.

FYI: if you choose to go to the nearest ER for any bone fide emergency, the VA should pay for it all (no copay, no insurance involved) because he is over 50% SC for a single condition. Be SURE, however, to notify the DVA within 72 hours of admitting to the ER.

You have your Advanced Directives in place, yes?

Outstanding! Is he also P&T? (That's permanently and totally disabled due to a service connected condition?) If you haven't already, I expect you'll be receiving Special Monthly Compensation at the highest levels, perhaps Level O or R1. That's $7000 monthly. You are probably eligible for Aid & Attendance payment already. Your VSO at the PVA can help with paperwork and expedite claims through the VA Regional Office.

BED: . There's no doubt in my military mind that your PCP's script is adequate to make a contractor deliver a bed. Your doc can order the alternating pressure mattress.

Joerns XT is a FULL electric bed, with up-down, tilt-to-seated position, tilt-to-head up/feet down, and then the knees up and shoulders up positions. My PALS was very comfortable with the PressureGuard 80-inch Alternating Pressure Mattress made by SpanAmerica.

Hello.... Yes, husband is 1 year and 4 months officially with the ALS diagnosis. We saw symptoms in 2009. Born in 1942 spot on. HE is 100% service connected. The VA around 2-3 years ago began recognizing ALS as a service connected condition. Want to clear that right away with you. We no longer go to Hopkins; drive too long for PALS. We go to Salisbury (PRMC) 30 minutes away. I am translating here: PCP is PRIMARY CARE Person???? am I right. So, I just go to VA outpatient clinic in Pocomoke 15 minutes from home (where we have already seen the doc)and get the DOC to enter it into the system. I have in hand a script from a neurologist who is at PRMC.

Going through a dilemma here. Wheel chair salesman says he can get a bed for my husband but he only works with invacare. Not sure about that brand of bed, especially since there will be a co-pay through medicare; I am now going through the VA and would like to ask them about the Joerns Ultra Care. Our VA in our little town is not really up to "snuff". In fact, I had to actually tell them about ALS benefits because they had no clue. I also work with the PVA in Baltimore and she enlightened them SOOO.... Husband of course could have used the BED last week already. He is having difficulty turning himself in bed. So new to all of this..... the paperwork... (trees are dying here) the emotional aspect of this humbling disease and just everything.... I feel sometimes that I need to go overboard in research, and tell my self, 'Choose well, Ginger, because you are making irreversible decisions. Sorry to ramble.... I am new to this site also... not sure how this site works

So sorry for your loss,prayers are with you.--------------------------Ken

Hello this is retiredmus2010 here, aka Ginger.
First may I say I am so sorry for your recent loss.
I have lots of questions for you concerning the VA, brands of hospital beds and general ALS stuff.
If you are up to it emotionally to correspond please reply.
Ginger

Praying for you and your family during this time of such a great loss. Just know she is now in a better place, able to run, jump, and dance. She will watch over you and your children always. You are never alone, she is always with you. Hugs and positive thoughts coming your way.

Lindsey

Hi Mike, I am sorry I could not come to your wife's funeral--I know myself and would have been completely inappropriately emotional. But I was thinking of your family last night, and was there in spirit. When you are feeling better we will have a drink in her honor!
Barbie

My thoughts are with you today, and thank you for all you have done for this group. I don't post often since this is so new to me, but I have learned so much from both you and your wife. My prayers are with you and your family.

Thinking of you & the kids. HUGS

My prayers are with you and your family..so very sorry