Frequently asked questions

FlexEquip assistive technology aids and items of equipment are part of an equipment library of over 2100 items. These items may be new if newly purchased by FlexEquip for stock but are often used and reissued.

Assistive technology safety and cleaning

All assistive technology is checked and cleaned by FlexEquip staff, according to the FlexEquip Safety and Cleaning Protocol, prior to being reissued.

Disposal

FlexEquip staff conduct a stocktake every two years to identify any items that do not meet current workplace health and safety standards or equipment that no longer meets the needs of people living with rapidly progressive neurological disorders.

Clients must not dispose of FlexEquip equipment unless authorised by FlexEquip.

It is important that you care for FlexEquip assistive technology loaned or rented to you. You may not make modifications or customise FlexEquip assistive technology.

FlexEquip is responsible for all major maintenance and general repairs of FlexEquip assistive technology. If a FlexEquip aid or equipment item needs repair, contact FlexEquip.

If you have an equipment breakdown outside of FlexEquip working hours and can no longer get the care you need at home please contact your local hospital.

FlexEquip works closely with suppliers and equipment repair services. Only maintenance and repairs authorised by FlexEquip and carrying a FlexEquip order number will be paid for by FlexEquip. Damage to items resulting from misuse, modification or other environmental insult such as smoking will be billed to the client or their representative. 

It is not possible for FlexEquip to provide custom-made assistive technology. People who would like specific items not held as FlexEquip stock items may need to:

• purchase their own equipment

• apply for equipment through EnableNSW, the NSW Government Equipment Service, or the ACT Government Equipment Service..

EnableNSW may be able to help you access custom-made equipment as recommended by a relevant health professional. However, there may be a prolonged waiting period and you may also apply for a short to medium term loan of 'standard' item from FlexEquip whilst the EnableNSW application is being processed.

High-level residential care facilities (nursing homes) should provide for most of the assistive technology needs of their residents. However, FlexEquip does provide some personal communication devices and, in some instances, a power or manual tilt wheelchairs set up with pressure cushions, raiser recliner armchairs and Headmaster collars, to people with motor neurone disease in high-level residential care.

The director of the high-level residential care facility will be required to complete the FlexEquip High-Level Residential Care Form agreeing not to use the assistive technology item for other residents and that the facility is responsible for repair or replacement or costs if the item is damaged by their staff or goes missing at their facility. Delivery of the item cannot take place until the signed form is returned to FlexEquip.

FlexEquip is a service provided by the Motor Neurone Disease Association of NSW (MND NSW). Each item of FlexEquip assistive technology has a white adhesive sticker fixed to it in a clearly visible place. The sticker includes MND NSW contact details and the item's unique identification number.

FlexEquip assistive technology aids and items of equipment are allocated a unique identification number and this number is used to track the service/repair history of the item.

The identification sticker assists FlexEquip staff, clients, carers and health professionals easily identify the aid or item. It helps prevent items being returned to the wrong provider.