Start with current abilities
DMD affects people differently, so diagnosis alone cannot determine equipment choice. Review sitting balance, head control, hip movement, fatigue and discomfort. Include the person’s experience of everyday transfers, especially movements that have become harder to repeat.
Understand Ally’s seated-transfer requirements
Ally uses a split seat and hydraulic height adjustment. Its manual requires independent upright sitting and a slight hip lift while the seat halves are positioned. This differs from assuming every transfer requires a standing pivot.
Recognise when sling support may help
When seat positioning demands more movement than the person can comfortably manage, a sling-supported approach may deserve assessment. EasyLift provides electric lifting without standing first, but suitability still depends on the person and the selected sling.
Check posture and sling fit
A sling is not automatically suitable because it fits the lift. Assess body size, comfort, head and trunk support, and the intended task. Significant postural needs may require a different sling or another lifting system.
Check the space and care routine
Equipment must work where daily care happens. Check doorways, turning space, bed access and toilet compatibility. Separate transfer needs from shower needs: Ally supports suitable shower use, while EasyLift should remain protected from water exposure.
Demonstrate, assess and review
Arrange a demonstration around the person’s actual transfer needs. Confirm caregiver training, the assistance required and equipment compatibility. Review the plan when transfers become more tiring, uncomfortable or difficult, rather than waiting for the routine to fail.
For families supporting someone with DMD, equipment decisions often begin with a practical concern: the usual transfer is becoming harder. The useful comparison is between the assistance each device provides and the movements the person can still manage comfortably.
Describe the difficult part. Is the challenge getting upright, lifting the hips, maintaining posture, or moving between surfaces? Explain the exact difficulty during assessment rather than simply saying that transfers are difficult.
Separate standing from seated participation. Someone who cannot stand may still participate in a seated transfer. Conversely, being able to sit briefly does not establish that every stage of a split-seat transfer is manageable.
Consider the whole routine. Compare morning, evening and toileting transfers. A method that works once during a demonstration may still be demanding when repeated throughout the day.
Look beyond the lifting mechanism. Powered lifting addresses one part of the task. Positioning, clothing management, destination seating and the person’s comfort still need attention.
Bring useful details to the assessment. Share body measurements, relevant postural needs, furniture heights and photographs of the transfer spaces. Include the main caregiver so the proposed routine reflects everyday care.
Plan for changing needs. Discuss how the equipment and care plan will be reviewed if participation decreases. Avoid assuming that one purchase will suit every future stage.
Ask Morecare to demonstrate the relevant options alongside your rehabilitation professional’s assessment. The goal is a repeatable, comfortable transfer routine that fits the person, their caregivers and their home.
