Screen capture of Brandon Daveler from the advocacy video.
The American Association for Homecare (AAHomecare) has introduced a video campaign that highlights the critical need to protect access to home medical equipment (HME).
On March 31, the organization released an advocacy toolkit that includes two videos, both starring Brandon Daveler, Ph.D., a biomedical engineer for the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Daveler, who sustained a spinal cord injury in a motocross accident in 2005, earned a master’s degree in rehabilitation science and technology and a Ph.D. in rehabilitation science, both from the University of Pittsburgh. According to Pittsburgh’s Human Engineering Research Laboratories, Daveler’s dissertation — Development and Evaluation of Pneumatic Powered Mobility Devices — led to a United States patent. Daveler currently works on prosthetic devices, robotics, wheelchair technology, and transfer technology for people with disabilities.
Daveler, a quadriplegic, said he uses a wide range of HME and Complex Rehab Technology (CRT), including a power wheelchair, a hospital bed with an alternating pressure air mattress, a cough-assist device, urological supplies, and a ventilator/sip-and-puff system. “The list goes on and on,” he added.
His story, AAHomecare added, “is a testament to the freedom, independence, and purpose that HME makes possible.”
Two videos for different audiences
AAHomecare’s first video, nearly five minutes in length, is “a compelling story for communities, customers (end users/caregivers), and the public, designed for social media and outreach to illustrate how HME transforms lives,” the organization said.
A shorter version of the video, “a concise, policy-driven message,” can be shared at payer and legislator meetings, AAHomecare added. Both videos also feature commentary from the HME provider who’s worked with Daveler for the last 20 years, and from Daveler’s caregiver, who’s also a nurse.
“Without home-based care, I don’t know where he’d be,” Jeanette, Daveler’s caregiver, said.
The videos are the centerpieces of a new Value of Homecare Toolkit, now available on AAHomecare’s website.
The toolkit also includes a pdf of talking points, a Value of Homecare brochure, and social media graphics with the association’s #WhyHomecareMatters hashtag.
“Our industry is more than equipment,” said Tom Ryan, AAHomecare’s president/CEO. “We improve independence, provide dignity, and maximize health outcomes where people prefer to live: home. These videos are a testament to the incredible role our industry plays in the health-care continuum and why policies must support continued access to care.”
The association urged industry members to share the longer “mini documentary” video on social media, and to use the shorter video with legislators and policymakers.
“The HME industry has an incredible story to tell,” said Ashley Plauché, AAHomecare’s senior director of brand marketing. “HME changes lives every day, and this campaign provides additional tools we can use to ensure our role and impact is recognized, valued, and protected.”
