Helen Hayes Hospital, located in West Haverstraw, NY and known for its specialty rehabilitation facilities, also provides various assistive technology services to their patients as well as individuals outside of its inpatient department with a doctor’s prescription. These services include assessments & intervention  for  seating and wheeled mobility,  augmentative/alternative communication , electronic aids to daily living , computer and tablet access and, of course, special apparatus services – if there is no solution available for someone, they will build it for you! A list of such custom built solutions can be found here. 

Helen Hayes also offers assessment in their state of the art Smart Apartment which has been fitted
with various assistive technologies that can be used by a individuals with disabilities to control their surroundings.  At first glance, Smart Apartment looks like any other regular apartment but as one walks around in the apartment, they will notice assistive technology devices pretty much in every nook and corner. A blink of an eye can allow a user to write a message on a computer,  turn lights on or start a video chat with someone. Voice controlled televisions, thermostat and shades can be great for people who are in wheelchairs or are bedridden. The integrated assistive technology solutions around the apartment provide ease, comfort and independence not only in the rooms but also in the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry areas. The smart apartment is located on the hospital campus and provides great insights for patients, family and therapists on how a fully  connected house can make everyday living much easier for people with disabilities.

The hospital also recently acquired three new equipment to be used in the hospital’s rehabilitation programs. These devices—which incorporate some of the latest innovations in balance, antigravity and virtual reality technology—are available to patients at the hospital recovering from numerous conditions including joint replacements, multiple sclerosis, stroke, brain injury, neurological disorders and more. 

Using innovative, patented NASA technology, the AlterG Antigravity Treadmill can reduce a user’s weight to as low as 20% of its total. The resulting, unweighted treadmill experience—described by users as “walking on air”—allows users to regain mobility, develop strength and fitness, and increase range of motion while minimizing stress on existing injuries. The AlterG’s fall-safe, weight-reduced environment is also ideal for therapy use by individuals with Parkinson’s Disease, traumatic brain injury, stroke, and other neurological conditions, as well as older individuals.

The Bertec Balance Advantage is a highly-effective tool for assessing and treating balance deficits in individuals affected by dizziness, vertigo, vestibular disorders, Parkinson’s Disease, stroke, traumatic brain injury, neuro-degenerative diseases, lower limb amputation and more. Offering the latest in Computerized Dynamic Posturography, the device utilizes an immersive virtual reality screen, safety harness, and dual force balance plate to objectively quantify and differentiate among a variety of factors influencing an individual’s static and dynamic balance. Under the supervision of a certified therapist, the individual can then safely work on the Bertec Balance Advantage to reach his or her balance goals, tracking their progress along the way.

The BalanceWear BW300 is a custom fitted vest which holds strategically placed light weights on its inner shell to compensate for balance impairments. After an assessment by a trained therapist, patients utilize this device during therapy with the goal of acquiring a vest for home use if appropriate. The goal of the vest is to correct for multi-directional balance deficits and aide in improved mobility for patients affected by Parkinson’s Disease, multiple sclerosis, stroke, traumatic brain injury, osteoporosis, ataxia, cerebral palsy, dizziness and advanced age.

These state-of-the-art rehab devices—and many others—are available to HHH patients as part of a full range of multi-disciplinary rehabilitative services dedicated to enabling them to resume active, independent lives.

Visit Helen Hayes Hospital’s website to learn more about all their services and solutions related to physical rehabilitation.