1. When You Gotta Go
Toileting is a basic human need where many people need assistance. Problems such as poor balance, weak legs and upper body limitations force many to find solutions. Fortunately, there are many options available including raised toilet seats (assist with standing), commode seats with handles and/or side rails (to help with standing). Also, consider toilet back rests (to provide support for poor muscle tone), bidets, sitz baths and toilet paper reachers (to facilitate with hygiene), extra wide commode chairs (for larger individuals) and bedside commodes (that make a toilet readily available nearly anywhere in the home).
2. You Gotta Move
Having the ability to maneuver safely throughout the home is a necessity for independent living. Home mobility options include lift chairs/stander poles (to help with standing), walkers and canes (for improved stability when walking), power and regular wheelchairs/stair lifts (to provide safe access to all home levels), bed hoists/rails/trapeze (to assist with bed mobility) and transfer boards/gait belts/lifts (to help caregivers with transfers).
3. ADL (Activities of Daily Living)
Dressing oneself consists of bending the body in positions that may be impossible for elderly or disabled individuals. However, the following adaptive aids may offer help: reachers (retrieve items without bending or stooping), sock aid/long handled shoehorn (to slip on shoes and socks without bending over) and dressing sticks (to help put on and take off clothing). Other usual items are clips (hold pants and enable the person to pull them up when standing), button hooks/zipper pulls (assist clients with weak grasp), Velcro and elastic shoelaces (to eliminate tying).
4. Crystal Clean
There are many adaptive equipment options available to assist with showers, bathing and bathroom mobility. Such equipment includes walk-in showers (to facilitate transfers), shower chairs (for individuals who have problems standing), detachable shower nozzles (for easy water access), long-handled sponges (for those hard-to-reach places), non-skid mats (for safe transfers) and wall rails (for holding/stability during transfers). In addition, make sure the bathroom is free of clutter and offers a clear path for walkers and/or wheel chairs.
5. Feed the Face
Dining can be a frustrating experience for those with upper body limitations such as poor strength and coordination. Options to assist with feeding include sure grip/flexible/rocker/universal utensils (for wrist and fine motor deficits), specialized openers (for one-handed opening options) and dycem (non-skid material to keep plates stable). Also, think about scoop plates/bowls/dishes (to provide a sturdy and easy way to scoop food), weighted utensils (to ease tremors), sippy cups/straws/nosey cups (to assist with drinking) and electric feeders (that provide hand-free mechanical assistance).
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