Patients with stroke, spinal cord injury, brain injury, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, cerebellar atrophy, and other neurological rehabilitation diseases often need to seek medical attention due to the onset of their illnesses. However, they often face real care challenges only after they return home from hospitalization, which can be confusing to both patients and caregivers. In order to overcome the obstacles that arise after illness, patients often need to use assistive devices to help them maintain their daily lives. For this reason, the Medical Department of Rehabilitation, Sinwu Branch, Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, invited the Southern Assistive Technology Resources Center of Eden Foundation that entrusted by Taoyuan City Government to take over the professional team to Taoyuan General Hospital, and organized the "Assistive Devices Experiential Activity of Rehabilitation Service User Alliance " for neurological rehabilitation patients at Hsinya Branch on 21st of September, in the hope of helping patients to gradually regain the ability to take care of themselves, and further improve the quality of their lives.

“Assistive Devices Experiential Activity of Rehabilitation Service User Alliance” helps neurological patients to return home without barriers.

Grandpa Huang, an 83-year-old patient living on the third floor of an old apartment, suffered a stroke two months ago. He used to be a keen walker, but the disease has affected his mobility and he has to use a wheelchair to get around, which has made it difficult for him to go to the doctor after he was discharged from the hospital, since he is hardly able to leave his home. Through this assistive device experience, Grandpa Huang learned how to operate the wheelchair correctly, and also learned to make good use of the folding function of the armrests and footrests to help him move more conveniently when transferring; through the experience of the walking stairs chair and the rental of the supplemental instructions, the family members understand the safety of the use of the walking stairs chair, and to solve the needs of Grandpa Huang in the vertical mobility. With the help of the assistive device, Grandpa Huang was able to leave his home and enjoy meals and conversations with his friends and family.

If there are problems with vertical mobility in the old apartment, the walking stairs chair can help the patient get out of the home and get back to the happy life.

Mr. Luo Huiyu, Chief Director, Medical Department of Rehabilitation Sinwu Branch, said that the biggest goal of rehabilitation is to enable patients to return to their families and integrate into society. In order to help patients and their caregivers understand common problems after returning home, the hospital has not only provided training in the rehabilitation treatment room, but has also been promoting the concept of "hospitalization well, discharge and get back home with ease" recently. In the past, we often encountered patients' families who bought aids recommended by acquaintances but not suitable for them, and they did not know that they could apply for subsidies for the purchase of aids. Therefore, today, through the experiential activity, we introduced patients to mobility aids, living aids, stress reduction aids, and transfer aids, then at the same time, we provided information to help patients prepare for their discharge from the hospital with ease, and to alleviate the burden on their caregivers.

Ms. Mei-Chi Lin, Director, Southern Assistive Technology Resources Center of Taoyuan City, said, "In fact, everyone needs aids at some point, just like the need for glasses when one is nearsighted. our Assistive Technology Resources Center has long been helping the public to lower their doubts, prejudices, and barriers to the use of assistive devices through experience, tryout, and consulting services, so that those who need aids can "use them, want to use them, and use them consistently", and at the same time, teach patients to make good use of the subsidies to ease their burdens. Through the cooperation of the multi-professional team, we are able to explain to the patients about the assistive devices they encounter in their daily lives and the problems of accessibility at home. We hope to raise patients' awareness of assistive devices, so that when patients or caregivers need assistance, they can seek help from the Assistive Technology Resources Center at any time.

Through experience, tryout and consultation services, we can enhance patients' understanding of assistive devices and reduce the burden of caregivers.

Physical therapist Dr. Yi-Chen Yu, who is in charge of this activity, also mentioned that she looks forward to the introduction and promotion of assistive devices, so that in the future, persons with disabilities in the Taoyuan area will be able to have a friendly and accessible space, and will be able to use appropriate assistive devices to help them maintain their existing abilities, so that patients will not be limited in their original circle of life due to their disabilities, and will be able to regain a happy life.