This Free Equipment Will Help With SMA Care
Caring for a child with SMA is not only taxing on a family emotionally and physically, but it can also be quite taxing on your finances. Even if you have great health insurance (which let’s be honest, is rare), having a full-time caregiver can be incredibly expensive—whether that’s an outside support worker or a parent who’s left their job (and income) behind.
Luckily, there are some great organizations that help with all aspects of caring for a child with SMA. From support groups to providing the necessary tools for daily care, these groups do it all. Here are seven pieces of equipment you can get from Cure SMA, free of charge.
Adaptive Strollers
An adaptive stroller is a regular stroller that’s been built with extra functionality to support children with special needs. They typically offer additional features that allow a child to be placed in a comfortable position, along with extra carriers for any necessary medical equipment.
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Bath Chairs
Bath chairs are exactly what you think they are. They’re made of a water-resistant material and are adjustable for comfortable (and safe) bathing of children and small adults with special needs.
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Car Beds
Most children with SMA are not able to travel in a typical carseat, so a car bed allows you to transport your child safely. It allows the child to lie flat, which is the safest position for traveling. (Babies with SMA can experience apnea and oxygen desaturation in a standard car seat.)
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E-Z-ON Modified Vests
Like a car bed, E-Z-ON modified vests allow a child to travel safely in a vehicle. They’re meant to be used once a child has outgrown a car bed, and will secure them in a flat vertical position in the back seat of a car.
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Feeder Seats
Soft foam feeder seats come in a variety of sizes, and are quite easy to use since they don’t require complicated adjustments. They’re great to have to give your child an alternative to their wheelchair or stander.
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Standers
Standers help children with SMA stand up, which helps to improve their breathing, circulation and digestion. It also helps strengthen their bones as it’s one of the few ways they can bear weight on their legs.
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Wheelchairs
Cure SMA provides manual wheelchairs free of charge, to help children with SMA maintain their mobility. Unfortunately, electric wheelchairs need to be customized and are incredibly expensive, so they are not offered through the program.
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SMA News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
