AADL? What does that mean?

AADL? What does that mean?

By Ryan Cochrane on December 17, 2020 in Health & Care, Health Treatments, Post Surgery

Alberta Aids for daily living

Many Albertans are not aware of the extra coverage that the Alberta government offers. We are very fortunate to have over and above funding for certain medical devices. One of the most common government bodies is Alberta Aids to Daily Living (AADL) 

Alberta Aids to Daily Living, more commonly known as AADL, is used to help fund medical equipment and supplies to Albertans who qualify. This helps individuals live more independent lives. Listed below are 6 of the most common questions, I will try to answer about AADL:

1. Who is Eligible?
2. How to Use AADL Benefits?
3. What is Covered?
4. Cost Share
5. Approved Vendors
6. Forms

Who is Eligible?

  • Must be an Alberta resident with a valid Alberta Health Care Number
  • Must require assistance for 6 months or more with chronic, long-term, or terminal illness or disability
  • You can not have comparable coverage through any other funder

HOW TO USE AADL BENEFITS?

  • You must be seen by a health care professional and be provided with a prescription for the device
  • The health care professional should give you three approved facilities to go to
  • Choose which approved vendor you wish to use and make an appointment to be assessed for the device or benefit needed.
  • The approved vendor will submit your claim directly and will only bill you for your patient portion if there is one.

What is covered?

COST SHARE

  • AADL will cover 75% of device or supply
  • Patients under the age of 65 years of age will cover 25% of the cost up to $500
  • Patients who are receiving custom footwear are responsible for 25% of the cost no matter their age
  • Patients with lower income can qualify for Cost-share Exemption

APPROVED VENDORS

  • As stated above you must go to an approved vendor to be eligible for coverage. 

FORMS

If you are uncertain whether you qualify, please take your health care card to an approved vendor and they can look it up in the AADL system. It’s always best practice to ask a lot of questions so that you can be certain you are receiving the best service possible.

Should Pregnant Women Wear Compression Stockings?

Should Pregnant Women Wear Compression Stockings?

By Ryan Cochrane on September 8, 2020 in Health & Care, Health Treatments

Pregnancy

Becoming a mother is a very exciting chapter in a women’s life. The expectant glow, feeling the first kicks, and thicker hair are all exciting aspects of pregnancy. Growing your new addition can be very strenuous, especially on the veins in the legs. Hormone changes are one factor but blood volume increases roughly 45%. During pregnancy, women can experience swollen, achy, and tired feet and legs during which increases the risk of thrombosis (blood clots) and venous deficiencies. Furthermore, sitting for long periods, standing, pre-existing venous conditions, and multiple pregnancies can increase the risk of venous disorders. In a study published by the Journal of Vascular Surgery, they found that women who have a history of pregnancy have an 82% increased risk of varicose veins.

The Answer is yes!

With each new pregnancy, the risk of venous disorders increases drastically. So the short answer is yes, women should wear compression during pregnancy. It is ideal that you wear full-length compression as varicose veins can develop in the upper legs during pregnancy. Wearing compression during pregnancy prevents swelling and the overall feeling of heaviness. Compression socks are one of the leading preventions for venous disorders. Graduated compression socks work by helping move blood flow back to the heart instead of pooling in the legs. Keep in mind, it’s important that you are measured early on in your pregnancy so that you can keep your legs from swelling.

Healthy Legs today and tomorrow

Pay attention to your legs and not only in pregnancy. If you or someone you love is complaining of leg pain daily, talk to them about compression. We have lots of options available on our website but if you need medial grade (20 mmHg or higher) compression stockings, please book an appointment with our certified fitter in order to get you your correct size.

The Benefits of Compression Stockings

The Benefits of Compression Stockings

By Ryan Cochrane on April 15, 2020 in Health & Care, Health Treatments

How they work?

Compression stockings apply graduated pressure that promotes blood flow from your legs back towards your heart. From there the oxygenated blood is re-circulated throughout the body.

Why use them?

Compression stockings have changed a lot over the year and are not the plain beige socks that your grandma use to wear. It’s unbelievable how many colors, textures, lengths they come in so you can wear them with any outfit or activity. Most of the time you hear people wearing them due to medical reasons but they provide benefit with daily use as well. Especially, if your job requires you to sit or stand for long periods of day. When your calf is not moving, blood can pool in your legs which is why the use of stockings becomes so important.

Benefits

  • Decreases swelling
  • Decreases lactic acid build-up in exercise
  • Can help with shin splints
  • Prevent and maintain varicose veins
  • Decreases tiredness and achy legs
  • Prevents ulcers
  • Prevents DVT’s (deep vein thrombosis)
  • Decreases risk of venous insufficiency

Contraindications

Whether you are active, inactive, have a physically demanding job, most people could benefit from compression. The only contraindications to wearing them is arterial deficiency, meaning your blood has a hard time getting to your extremeties. Your doctor will check if  prior to prescribing you compression stockings, if they have any reason for concern. Remember, it is always best to check with your health care provider prior to using medical grade compression stockings.

Insurance Coverage

Many insurance companies will cover compression stockings but it is always best to check prior as the stockings can be quite expensive. In addition, the amount that insurance will cover depends on compression level.

Compression Levels

15-20mmHg compression is considered non medical and can be purchased without a prescription, but be mindful as they sometimes do not fit as well as the medical-grade. https://adaptive-technologies-inc.shoplightspeed.com/compression/

20-30mmHg compression is considered medical and should be measured by a certified fitter.

30mmHg and above is strongly recommended that you seek medical advice before wearing that level of compression.

The Takeaway

Compression stockings can be very beneficial for multiple reasons when used properly. Follow instructions provided by your certified fitter on how to put them on and off as well as skin should be checked frequently for irritations.

Compression stockings are an aid that help you improve your well-being in life. Try a pair today and see how they can help change your life for the better!

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