Innovation truly is a beautiful thing when it sprinkles its magical fairy dust on our home medical equipment industry. Motorized wheelchairs have gone from being heavy, chair-like machines to lightweight devices powered by space-efficient lithium batteries. Smart home technologies have progressed from yesterday’s “clap on, clap off” curiosity to voice-activated assistants like Alexa and Siri we know so well, we’re on a first-name basis. Even something as simple and mainstream as an iPad has elevated life for individuals with disabilities, allowing them to watch a movie, sports game or the latest news anytime and anywhere.
Another innovation that recently caught our attention at Kootenay Columbia Home Medical Equipment (KCHME) is the Switch-It Vigo Head Control – a wireless proportional head control device that power wheelchair drivers can use to navigate their environment by making intuitive head movements. Riders can utilize whatever range of head motions they can comfortably perform to drive their power wheelchair and change positions for a variety of daily activities.
More than just your everyday wheelchair control device, however, Vigo also doubles as a wireless head mouse, allowing users to connect with their computer, tablet or phone to work, socialize, play games and more. Developed as a simple and lightweight headpiece with no wires, cables or design features that get in the way, drivers can enjoy a clean and clear view of friends and co-workers, make eye contact and see facial expressions.
“We have already sold a handful of these Vigo head controls, and the reaction and feedback we have received has been very positive,” says Ron Spenst, an RRTS® certified Rehab Specialist with KCHME. “The look of complete joy and amazement on someone’s face when they are trying the Vigo out in our store and moving their wheelchair around with basic head movements is simply incredible. I’m grinning from ear to ear right now just thinking about it.”
The beauty of the Vigo is its degree of customization to the individual user. “It’s fully programmable,” Ron adds. “We can finetune the device based on each driver’s range of motion, and they can even finetune some of the movements themselves; they can simply puff their cheeks out to select through a range of pre-set profiles. In our experience, there is a bit of a learning curve involved when drivers first start using the device, so some patience is required, but once they get past the curve it becomes a lot easier.”
Each driver’s settings can be personalized down to the smallest details, with each head movement configured independently to accommodate the driver’s range of motion. As a highly personalized device, each Vigo purchased through KCHME is set up, finetuned and tested in-store or at the user’s residence to ensure complete satisfaction. On request, we will also gladly assist with any future adjustments as required.
Benefits of Vigo vs. Head Array, Sip-n-Puff and Chin Assistive Control Systems
The Vigo offers numerous benefits over other more popular, traditional drive-control devices:
- Wireless technology – Operates with subtle and intuitive head movements, with no bulky headrest or external control required.
- Versatile – More than a wheelchair controller, the user can also use their Vigo to answer the phone and operate their computer.
- Easier to use – The intuitive operation ensures a lower learning curve and less precision for day-to-day tasks.
- Easier to maintain – Fewer moving parts mean less wear and tear on physical components.
- Greater peace of mind – Given that there is less physical contact overall, the Vigo offers improved hygiene and reduced fatigue through operation versus competing systems.
Vigo also offers enhanced independence for a greater number of MS and ALS patients because the system requires minimal physical effort, helping to manage fatigue and weakness. And because the system can be recalibrated over time, Vigo can be adapted to better accommodate changes in tremors and hand/arm function.
“We have one client who has been living with MS for thirteen years, and he can’t easily operate a joystick anymore. He switched to Vigo and it’s been a complete game-changer. There’s so much more he can do now on his own. A family member simply turns his chair on in the morning and he can go outside, enjoy a walk with his wife and kids, and use his phone and computer. The potential for the Vigo system to help more individuals with mobility issues is profound.”
KCHME sells the Vigo Head Control system fully installed for under $8,000 – and the difference it can make in expanding one’s self-esteem and independence is priceless. There are provincial funding options available to help offset the investment. Contact us today to book a consultation session and even try out Vigo yourself at one of our store locations.