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           The BENEFIT OF TECHNOLOGY

 

Assistive Technology Impacts Persons With Disabilities, Their Families, Caregivers

Thanks to funding from the Enrichment Foundation, Medicaid, and Disabled Persons and Family Support, a ceiling track lift system was purchased for the Gildea twins. IT provides safety for the sisters, the mom, and caregivers during daily living activities.
In July of 2005 Lisa and Jennifer Gildea of Omaha moved into their own residence. The 25-year-old twin sisters experience multiple disabilities. Jennifer uses a wheelchair, is legally blind, and receives g-tube feedings. Lisa can walk with assistance, but is also legally blind.
Penny Gildea, mother of the twins, describes, “My daughters require round the clock care for their hygiene, feeding, sensory stimulation, and recreational activities. Because of Lisa and Jennifer’s limited mobility, family members and caregivers are needed to do lifting and positioning. Lisa had not been able to take a bath (one of her favorite activities) since they moved because of the difficulty encountered in lifting her. I was also concerned for the safety of my daughters and wanted to prevent any injuries to them or their caregivers.”
Linda Aadland, Developmental Disabilities Service Coordinator encouraged Penny to explore the possibilities of what solutions and funding might be available. Penny contacted ATP.
During a home assessment Angela Perkins, ATP Technology Specialist, determined a ceiling track lift system would be a powerful tool. Angela explains, “I examined the needs of the consumers, the layout of their home, and the role of the caregivers. It became apparent a portable floor lift would not be the best solution. More than one person would be needed to operate the lift and additional time would be required to locate and move the equipment. The lift would also require moving the furniture in order to have adequate room to maneuver. I recommended a ceil-

Above: (Left to right) Penny and Jennifer Gildea and Theresa Harris, Caregiver Supervisor, demonstrate the ceiling track lift system for Linda Aadland, Developmental Disabilities Service Coordinator. Bellow: The Gildea Family (left to right) Lisa, Jennifer, AND Penny.

ing track lift for several reasons. No time is wasted locating and moving the equipment and zero floor space is required. A single caregiver is able to position Jennifer and Lisa in the sling. The system has the capacity to lift Lisa and Jennifer from the floor, tub, or bed and lower them to a sitting or laying down position. It also can be used

for transfer between rooms.”
Once a solution and the cost had been determined, securing funding was the next step. Cathy Hayes, ATP’s Funding Coordinator, explains the process. “After learning that the Gildea’s health insurance would not cover the cost of the ceiling track lift system, I determined Jennifer and Lisa would be eligible to receive assistance from two Health and Human Services Programs. Medicaid and the Disabled Persons and Family Support, were able to provide $8,000; however, the project needed an additional $5,000. The Partnership’s grant from the Enrichment Foundation was able to fill the gap and make the project possible for Lisa and Jennifer.”
Connie O’Neil of Omaha established the Enrichment Foundation after the death of her father. Connie says, “The goal of the foundation is to assist individuals with disabilities (in Douglas and Sarpy County) by providing support and respite to family members and caregivers. My experience with my sister, who experiences Cerebral Palsy, increased my awareness about the need for funding to bridge the gap and help families live life as normally as possible. The Enrichment Foundation is pleased to have assisted in the purchase of equipment that is impacting this family.”
Penny shared how “The lift system has truly been a blessing. The caregivers are learning the system and are confident in the safety it provides for
them and Lisa and Jennifer. The whole
process has been exciting and benefi-

Continued on page 9.
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