A Ceiling Lift Means Independence and Much More 

By, Erin Lauridsen

In the early 1980’s, Robert Horschel was working as a well respected commercial pilot, flying between Alaska and the continental United States. In his free time, Bob enjoyed boating in Puget Sound on his beloved 42 foot Krogen Trawler.

When Bob began to experience serious problems with movement, he initially ignored the symptoms.  But, after a particularly bad episode that left him paralyzed from the waist down, Bob was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, a degenerative neuromuscular disease.  With medical treatment, he was able to continue flying for another six years.  When he could no longer fly, Bob worked as a flight simulator trainer, but after several more years, his MS progressed to the point that he had no choice but to quit work.  Climbing into a flight simulator cabin and sitting for long periods of time became impossible – and the fatigue that some MS patients experience was taking a higher and higher toll on his time and energy. 

Moving from a six figure salary to Social Security Disability proved to be a challenge.  With substantial expenses and a significantly reduced income, Bob could not believe how quickly his savings were used up.  In 1995, he was fortunate to find an apartment in a Seattle Housing Authority building in downtown Seattle.  With a view of Lake Union and conveniently located near restaurants, shops, grocery stores and bus service, he could not have been happier.  Having lived there for 10 years, Bob has made many good friends and this is truly his home. 

Although Bob qualified for both Social Security and Medicare, he found there were limits to what those programs could do for him. The MS sometimes caused him to fall when transferring in and out of his wheelchair. Unable to get up, Bob had no choice but to call 911 and have the paramedics come to his apartment to help him off the floor -- a process he found humiliating.  He began to investigate his options and was delighted when he discovered the SureHands ceiling lift in a catalogue.  This lift is remote controlled and can be independently operated by an individual with limited mobility.  It is suspended from – and travels -- on railings installed in the ceiling.  It looked as though the lift could be used to help him up when he fell and also to assist with transfers in and out of his bed and the shower.  Bob spoke to a local dealer, and became convinced that the SureHands lift was indeed the tool he needed to regain his independence.

Convincing others of his need was much more difficult.  Medicare would pay the thousands of dollars it would take for Bob to move to an assisted living facility, but would not cover the $10,000 (plus) cost of the lift that would allow him to stay in his apartment.  It was at this point that Bob found the Washington Assistive Technology Foundation.  He applied for and was approved for a loan to pay for the lift – meaning that he would not have to move and did not need to spend years advocating for this equipment through Medicare.

Bob’s next challenge was to convince the Seattle Housing Authority to remodel the apartment to accommodate the lift and his wheelchair. After Bob and his friends advocated for his needs and his right to stay in the building, the Housing Authority agreed to remodel the apartment. In addition to widening entry ways and trimming doors to accommodate the ceiling tracks, the SHA also lowered his kitchen counters and made other access modifications that have enabled Bob to continue to live comfortably and independently at home. 

Now, there’s no more need to call 911 if Bob falls (which he has done on 13 or 14 occasions in the past year).  He simply uses the infrared remote control to call the lift.  The SureHands supports Bob under the arms and legs, lifts him and makes it possible to move where he needs or wants to go.  Bob also uses the lift routinely to transfer from his bed to his wheelchair.  He’s even found a small waterproof case, designed to carry a cell phone, so that he can have the remote with him at all times, even in the shower.

Bob knows that there are many people with disabilities who have been encouraged to move into medical settings but believes that, given the right tools, people with disabilities can maintain their independence.  Currently, Bob is in the process of advocating for himself once again -- this time for a new, more compact power wheelchair that will enable him to move more easily about his small apartment.  It also will include many new features (including the ability to lift and tilt) which his aging, six year old chair lacks.   

The wheelchair will cost nearly $25,000.  As a Medicare recipient, Bob’s share will be $6000.  If he is unable to find another funding source, Bob knows that he will be able to come back to WATF for a second loan.  In the meantime, he continues to advocate for his right to live where and how he chooses – with his first loan from WATF playing an integral role in making that right a reality.