Possibly the most overlooked and arguably essential element for a complete communication system is a call chime.  Typically this is most critical for those who can’t walk or are in danger of falls.  A person should never be left without a way to “call out” to others.  Everyone must have the ability to signal to those in another room, in the same room and even ideally across town.

Let’s look at a few call chime options for around the house.  Some don’t even require any hand movement.

Wireless Doorbell

A very simple and inexpensive solution for people who can still easily press a button and move an arm is a wireless doorbell.  These can be found at any hardware store.

Battery-operated wireless doorbell

Plug-in wireless doorbell

The pALS simply presses a button on the transmitter, placed within easy reach, and a doorbell rings in the house.  The transmitter can be attached with Velcro to an article of clothing, a bedside table, or the arm of a wheelchair, or worn around the neck.   Sticky Velcro can be used on a variety of surfaces so the doorbell transmitter can be easily moved to accommodate use in a variety of rooms and in different seating positions.   A caregiver can either carry the receiver with him or place it in a central location where he is sure to hear it.  These are doorbells so the sound is loud enough to be heard in multiple rooms.

One word of caution – Be sure to replace the battery in both the transmitter and receiver frequently and check it prior to each use.  The only thing worse than not having a call chime, is relying on one which is actually out of commission.

Switch Adapted Call Chimes   (for people who can’t press a button)

An option for people with arm weakness is an adapted call chime.  This is simply a wireless doorbell modified so that it can be activated by an adaptive switch.

Switch-adapted call chime from Enabling Devices

Switch-adapted call chime from RJ Cooper

Adaptive switches are sensors which replace the need to press the doorbell button with a finger.   People who have only minute movement in any part of the body can typically activate some kind of switch, including:

• Switches activated by eyebrow raising    (Options:  Piezo-Switch (formerly known as P-Switch), Impulse Switch, SCATIR Switch)
  

  Eyebrow Switch

• Switches activated by minute body movements (Options:  MicroLight Switch. Spec Switch, Ultimate Switch, etc.)
  

  Switch activated by finger

• Switches activated by foot movement (Options:  Smart Nav Single Foot Switch, Ultimate Switch [good when in bed])
  

  Foot Switch

• Switches activated by head movement (Options:  Pillow Switch, MicroLight Switch, Ultimate)
  

  Switch activated by head movement

• Switch mounting arms to position switches for easier access (Options:  Slim Armstrong, Ultimate Switch, Universal mounting arm)
  

  Switch mount

Switches come in a variety of shapes and sizes depending on the action used to activate them.   You may already be using a switch to control your wheelchair, speech generating device or computer.  If you don’t have one, specialists who assists you with communication or wheelchair control may be able to help you find the right switch to enable you to activate a call chime.

Surprisingly even though call chimes are essential for most pALS with mobility issues, they are not funded through Medicare.  Your local ALS Association, Muscular Dystrophy Association or ALS Clinic may provide lending programs that offer these items.  Otherwise payment is out of pocket.   A simple wireless door bell is usually less than $30.00.  Adapted call chimes can be purchased at the websites mentioned above for around $60.00.  Switches range from $30 up.

Call chimes are essential for keeping pALS and caregivers connected.  They also have the added benefit of giving caregivers a bit more freedom to move about and even sleep more deeply.  This improved communication significantly reduces anxiety for both pALS and caregivers.  If you don’t have an effective call chime, please begin getting yours set up today.