Medical Equipment and Specialized Needs

Provides funding for people with muscular dystrophy so they can obtain wheelchairs, scooters, orthotics, hospital beds, and other essential equipment. The following categories of assistive equipment are eligible for funding:

• Access equipment (door openers, ramps, lifts)
• Bathroom aids
• Beds and mattresses
• Breathing aids (ventilators, CPAP/BiPAP machines)
• Lifts (hydraulic lifting device and swing/chair lifts)
• Miscellaneous (Repairs or modifications, batteries)
• Mobility aids (power or manual wheelchair, scooters)

Visit the program's website for a full list of eligible equipment.

Note: Must receive approval from MDC prior to purchasing the item.

Provides medical and respiratory equipment for individuals who are diagnosed with ALS. May include:

• Hospital beds
• Wheelchairs
• Ceiling lift tracks
• Specialized seating cushions
• Bath benches and commodes
• BiPap machines
• Cough assist units
• Communication program for iPad or tablet

The assistance of an equipment technician will also be provided. Equipment provided is subject to availability.

Provides a map that represents places with AEDs for public use throughout Epekwitk / PEI that have been registered with the Department of Health and Wellness. Individuals, organizations, and communities can register their AEDs through the online registry on the website.

Provides free dog guides and associated training of the dog for individuals who are diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes with hypoglycemic unawareness. The dog guides are trained to detect sudden drops in their handler's blood sugar and alert them. The dogs can go get help within the home or activate an alert system if needed.

Note: Currently, only reapplications from successor clients who have previously received a Dog Guide from the organization are being accepted.

Cardiac Rehabilitation: Provides a professionally supervised program to help individuals recover from heart attacks, heart failure and procedures such as angioplasty, stenting and heart surgery. Cardiac rehab may include:

• A detailed initial assessment of all aspects of participants and their health
• Exercise training supervised by a physiotherapist, registered nurse, and respiratory therapist
• Education on heart disease and how to manage it
• Strategies to reduce risk factors for cardiovascular disease
• Nutritional counseling by a registered dietitian
• Other counseling and/or group support

Note: Cardiac Rehab does not replace medical therapy. It is used with medical therapy to enhance recovery and reduce the risk of a future cardiac event.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation: Helps improve individuals well-being if they have chronic (ongoing) breathing problems. Pulmonary Rehab may include:

• A detailed initial assessment of all aspects of you and your health
• Exercise training supervised by a physiotherapist, registered nurse, and respiratory therapist
• Education on lung diseases and how to manage it
• Energy conservation techniques
• Breathing strategies
• Nutritional counseling by a registered dietitian
• Other counseling and/or group support

Note: Pulmonary Rehab does not replace medical therapy. It is used with medical therapy to reduce the symptoms of ongoing lung condition and improve overall quality of life.

​