Medical assistive devices or technologies, are specialized tools, equipment, or devices to assist people with health conditions, disabilities, or physical limitations.
Tips & Links
Medical assistive devices can range from simple tools such hearing aids, to more complex equipment like insulin pumps, feeding tubes, central lines, heart pacemakers, and communication aids.
Learn More
- In most cases, an individual is required to seek the out a source for the medical assistive device required.
- In some cases government funds are available if, “the least expensive, appropriate medical equipment and devices may be provided to specific recipients to assist with a medically essential need. There must be no other resources available to the client to provide the medical equipment requested” as outlined by the Government of BC.
- Assistive devices are tools or equipment designed to help individuals with special health needs and/or disabilities perform daily activities more independently and effectively – learn more from Healthlink BC.
- Learn about programs that provide funding or support for assistive devices for seniors and people with disabilities offered by the Government of BC.
- Learn if any of the different Pharmacare plans are available to you and if they cover part or all of the costs of the equipment of supplies you need.
- To receive government funding, follow the steps outlined. Have a current prescription or physician letter for the item required, check funding eligibility requirements, and submit your application.
- Know that some non-profit organizations are helpful in seeking funds to support disease-specific equipment such as insulin pumps, glucose monitoring devices, feeding pumps and others.
Things You Can Do
- Learn as much as you can about your medical assistive device as they require special skills on how to use and care for them. In an emergency or when you need care, you may be the only one who knows how the device works.
- Inform others that you have a medical device, including first responders, care providers, and hospital staff.
- Ensure your health advocate and caregivers are also familiar with how the device works.
- Keep a copy of your medical device information package in your Mywell Health planner (next to your fridge).
- Have an emergency plan in case your device stops working or during a power failure if you rely on power.
- Seek out health benefits coverage for these devices. Choose people from your care partners list who have strong advocacy skills to help you navigate the system.
- Explore resources for assistive technology on the BC211 Service Directory website.
- If you are already a recipient of BC income assistance, hardship assistance, or disability assistance, you may qualify for some coverage of the medical device you need. Learn more about assistive technology and financial support from the Government of BC.
Talk with your family and care partners and complete the activities Changes in My Personal Needs and Getting a Home Care or Safety–Assessment. Keep all your invoices and product information in your Mywell Health planner.