Combined Strength: a special custom solution for Herman

Herman, a 71-year-old man from Twente, has a rich history in the wood industry, where he worked for many years with great joy. His career began at the age of fourteen, sanding chair legs, and over time he grew into a passionate craftsman in the woodturning department. There he could fully express his creativity, making many products, including shuffleboard pucks and chair and table legs.

Challenges and achievements: living with MS

At the age of 42, Herman was diagnosed with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), which he refers to as the “happy” form of MS. Despite this challenge, he was able to function independently for many years. Unfortunately, at 45 he had to say goodbye to his beloved work in the woodturning workshop.

Transition to the EVO Lectus

In May 2018, Herman exchanged his beloved Twente for Zandvoort, where he moved into Nieuw Unicum, a specialized care center for people with MS. The progression of the disease had a major impact on his mobility. What began with the loss of leg function gradually developed into a loss of sensation in both his arms and legs, making the use of a manual wheelchair impossible.

Client-Centered approach

Around that time, Life & Mobility came into the picture. We visited Herman in Zandvoort to gain insight into his needs, following our Client-Centered method. This approach always starts from the client’s abilities and wishes. We look carefully at what someone can still do and what they would still like to do.

Based on the Client-Centered method, which is derived from the ICF framework, we developed a personal user profile for Herman. From there, we were able to translate his functional requirements into a suitable product solution. The EVO Lectus proved to be the right match, significantly improving his mobility for several years. However, as his physical condition changed, new challenges eventually arose.

To meet these changing needs, we collaborated with mo-vis, a manufacturer of control systems for power wheelchairs, to create a solution that aligns perfectly with Herman’s individual requirements.

A custom solution developed with mo-vis

At our Specialty Center in Kerkrade, where we focus on high-quality individual customization, we carefully translated Herman’s therapist’s request into a practical solution: an electrically retractable chin control with a joystick. This innovative combination of the mo-vis All-round joystick (light) and the Multiswing 2G allows Herman to use the joystick in a familiar way while operating it with his chin on a motorized swing arm.

Thanks to this mechanism, Herman can easily move the chin control toward him or retract it with a simple button placed next to his head. This enables him to eat comfortably and play computer games without interference from the control system. The customized setup is compatible with all our electric wheelchairs.

Independence and freedom for Herman

Three months ago, the moment finally arrived: Herman received his custom-made chin control on the EVO Lectus. This innovative adaptation now allows him to operate his wheelchair completely independently, something that was no longer possible with a standard joystick due to his limited hand and arm function.

Since then, Herman has been fully enjoying life in Nieuw Unicum and the beautiful dunes of Zandvoort. The chin control has given him not only improved mobility but also renewed control over his daily life. With his EVO Lectus and custom chin control, Herman once again experiences true freedom and joy as he moves through his days in this beautiful environment.