When Timing Determines the Value of Assistive Technology

Delays in providing assistive technology (AT) can have profound consequences for people with progressive illnesses or severe mobility limitations. The article describes two recent cases in which individuals were assessed as needing safer bathroom access solutions, but both died before they could trial the recommended equipment due to prolonged funding approval processes. These cases highlight that, for some patients, timely access to AT is not merely an administrative issue but a critical component of clinical care. Conditions such as motor neurone disease (MND/ALS), multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, and age-related mobility decline can progress rapidly, meaning a person's functional abilities may deteriorate before appropriate equipment becomes available. Consequently, the key question is not only whether a patient requires assistive technology, but whether they will receive it while they can still benefit from its use. Bathroom transfer devices and shower chairs provide more than physical support—they improve safety, preserve independence and dignity, reduce caregiver burden, and help individuals remain in their own homes. The article emphasizes that the true value of assistive technology lies in the quality of life it enables rather than the equipment itself. While funding decisions require thorough clinical assessment, minimizing unnecessary delays is equally important because timely intervention can significantly influence patient outcomes and overall wellbeing.

Redican, B. (2026, June 9). When assistive technology arrives too late. LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/when-assistive-technology-arrives-too-late-barry-redican-vldne/