INTENDED PURPOSE AND USE: Liftware uses computer technology to stabilize and level utensils to make eating easier for people who have hand tremors or limited hand and arm mobility. “Liftware’s selection of stabilizing and leveling handles and attachments are designed to help people...retain dignity, confidence, and independence.” (www.liftware.com, 2019)

LIFTWARE STEADY:

The Liftware Steady “stabilizing handle contains sensors that detect hand motion and a small onboard computer that distinguishes unwanted tremor from the intended movement of the hand. To stabilize the utensil, the computer directs two motors in the handle to move the utensil attachment in the opposite direction of any detected tremor.” (www.liftware.com, 2019)

BODY FUNCTIONS AND STRUCTURES REQUIRED FOR SUCCESSFUL USE OF LIFTWARE STEADY:

·       At least one intact upper extremity (UE)/hand

·       Sufficient range of motion (ROM) and strength in the intact hand to grasp device

·       Sufficient active range of motion (ROM) in the intact UE to bring hand to mouth

·       Ability to motor plan

DEFICITS LIFTWARE STEADY COMPENSATES FOR:

·       Difficulty bringing food to the mouth on a spoon or fork due to arm or hand tremors

·       Difficulty controlling upper extremity (UE) voluntary movement resulting in food spillage off of spoon or fork before getting to the mouth

·       Involuntary upper extremity (UE) movements resulting in food spillage off of spoon or fork before getting to the mouth

·       Decreased upper extremity (UE) coordination resulting in food spillage off of spoon or fork before getting to the mouth

·       Deficits in upper extremity (UE) gross motor coordination resulting in food spillage off of spoon or fork before getting to the mouth

·       Upper extremity (UE) ataxia resulting in food spillage off of spoon or fork before getting to the mouth

DIAGNOSES THE LIFTWARE STEADY IS COMMONLY USED FOR:

·       Parkinson’s Disease

·       Essential Tremors

·       Huntington’s Disease

·       Multiple Sclerosis

·       Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA)/Stroke

·       Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

·       Tremors resulting from alcohol abuse or alcohol withdrawal

·       Dystonia

·       Tics

LIFTWARE LEVEL:

Liftware Level has “a computerized handle that keeps its attachments level for those with    

limited hand or arm mobility to help them eat more easily. People who can move a utensil from

the plate to their mouth, but have difficulty controlling the angle of a spoon may find Liftware

Level helps with eating.”

NOTE: “The leveling handle and utensil attachments contain small magnets similar in

strength to ordinary household magnets. If you have a cardiac pacemaker or other 

implantable medical electronic device, follow your device’s directions for use regarding

magnets. The standard recommendation is to keep your implantable device at least 6 inches

from Level because it contains small magnets. If you have concerns about your

implantable device, consult your healthcare provider.” (www.liftware.com, 2019). 

BODY FUNCTIONS AND STRUCTURES REQUIRED FOR SUCCESSFUL USE OF LIFTWARE LEVEL:

·       At least one intact upper extremity (UE)/hand

·       Sufficient range of motion (ROM) and strength in the intact hand to grasp device

·       Sufficient active range of motion (ROM) in the intact UE to bring hand to mouth

·       Ability to motor plan

DEFICITS LIFTWARE LEVEL COMPENSATES FOR:

·       Upper extremity active range of motion (AROM) deficits hindering the ability to bring the hand to the mouth for eating, such as:

Þ    Decreased elbow flexion

Þ    Decreased forearm supination

Þ    Decreased wrist flexion

·       Decreased hand grasp (built up handle allows for easier grasp)

DIAGNOSES THE LIFTWARE LEVEL IS COMMONLY USED FOR:

·       Cerebral Palsy (CP)

·       Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA)/Stroke

·       Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

·       Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

·       Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)

·       Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)/Lou Gehrig’s Disease

·       Dementia

SUGGESTED STRATEGIES FOR LIFTWARE STEADY AND LIFTWARE LEVEL:

·       Keep Liftware Steady or Liftware Level charged and bring it with you when dining out to decrease food spillage, maintain dignity and enjoy meals with family and friends.

·       Buffalo, New York is fortunate to have the UB Center for Assistive Technology, where people can try adaptive equipment before investing in a purchase. Learn more: http://sphhp.buffalo.edu/cat.html

·       Liftware offers financing options. Learn more: https://www.liftware.com/

The Liftware FAQ section of the Liftware website has information on insurance reimbursement: https://www.liftware.com/faqs/general/