Other ways to pay for it

How a VA job actually runs

Gainesville Prosthetics has been through changes to staffing and procedures. The overall process is the same as it always was.

1. Prosthetics is notified of the issue.
2. They send a 1090 to a vendor, which is what allows the vendor to submit a quote for the repairs needed.
3. The VA weighs the cost of the repair against the cost of a new unit and decides whether to repair or replace. That metric exists to keep the overall cost of the program down.
4. Once a purchase order reaches us, we move forward with what was requested — a scooter delivery, a repair, or a vehicle modification.
5. Major services need authorization from the appropriate department first. Even items ordered for a veteran and drop-shipped to our location need authorization before we can release them.

Resources you may not know exist

None of these are ours and we cannot speak for them. Names, programs and contact details change, so check before you rely on any of them.

Local non-profits

• ALS Association
• ALS Foundation
• Muscular Dystrophy Association

Going to a special needs shelter

A special needs shelter should be used as a place of last refuge. You may not receive the same level of care you receive at home, and conditions in a shelter may be stressful.

The shelter expects a caregiver to come with you and to stay with you throughout your stay. A caregiver may be a relative, a household member, a guardian, a friend, a neighbor, an employee or a volunteer.

What to bring

This is a suggested list. Check with your assigned shelter to confirm what you need to bring and what they cannot accommodate.

• Identification and current address
• A copy of your plan of care, if you have one
• A medication listing, including the dose, frequency, route, time of day and any special considerations for administration
• An equipment and supplies list, including the phone, beeper and emergency numbers for your physician, your pharmacy and, if applicable, your oxygen supplier
• Necessary medical equipment and supplies
• Do Not Resuscitate Order (DNRO), if applicable
• Bed sheets, blankets, pillow, folding lawn chair, air mattress
• Prescription and non-prescription medications for at least 5 to 7 days, and oxygen for 5 to 7 days if needed and shelter space allows
• Special diet items, non-perishable food for 5 to 7 days, and 1 gallon of water per person per day
• Glasses, hearing aids and batteries, prosthetics and any other assistive devices
• Personal hygiene items for 5 to 7 days, including adult diapers, colostomy supplies and the like
• Extra clothing for 5 to 7 days
• Flashlight and batteries
• Self-entertainment and recreation items such as books, magazines and quiet games
• A labeled shoe box or other small closed container to hold most of the smaller items above, so they store easily and stay to hand

What everyone using a shelter needs to know

• The space allotted to you includes the space for your caregiver. A special needs shelter can accommodate only one caregiver at a time. Any other family members, friends and so on should go to a regular shelter.
• The caregiver must provide his or her own bedding.
• Caregivers who regularly assist you at home are expected to continue providing the same care in the shelter.
• Service dogs are allowed in the shelter. Check with the local Emergency Management office to see whether other pets are permitted.
• Bring food items as listed above. It is possible only sparse meals will be provided.
• Smoking is not allowed in the shelter.