The previous posts of this series have featured adaptive items that you can wear, including clothes and footwear. In this email, we’re shifting focus to adaptive living tools.
This is a much larger topic, as the term refers to any type of product that can help with the activities of daily living (ADLs). ADLs include tasks like bathing, dressing, mobility and self-cleaning.
As you can probably guess, this means that there are thousands of different products out there, each with their own functions. There are far too many items for us to cover in detail within this email. Instead, we’re focusing on the general types of items, along with some that are particularly useful.
Extending Range of Movement
Many seniors have a limited range of movement. This could include being unable to make fine movements with their fingers, or struggling to reach far. In other cases, movement may be possible but frustrating. For example, seniors who find it difficult to sit down and get back up often benefit from products that reduce the need to do so.
The following items are particularly important products that can help in this area.
- Reachers. These tools work as the name suggests. They make it easy to pick and grab things in comfort. Many are easy to use and include an ergonomic handle. The RMS 19-inch is one example. It is ideal for people who don’t need to reach across large distances. Other sizes are available too, all the way up to a 32-inch version. You can find other styles too, like a Suction Cup Reacher.
- Dressing sticks. This type of stick makes it easier to get clothing on and off, without extra assistance.
- Sock aid kit. Kits like this one are designed specifically to help put socks and stockings on. The idea may be particularly relevant to anyone using compression socks/stockings.
- Washing tools. Can be useful as well, such as a bendable sponge to make showering easier. A similar tool could be used for cleaning or getting to hard-to-reach areas.
Dining Aids
As you can probably guess, dining aids help seniors when they are eating. This field just focuses on the eating field itself, rather than food prep. These aids don’t need to be complicated either. Even just simple items can make a dramatic difference to a person’s ability to care for themselves.
- Adaptive utensils. These come in many different styles, depending on the need. Some are weighted and have larger handles, while others are bendable. There are even products that self-stabilize, perfect for people with shaky hands.
- Grips. Alternatively, you can use universal grips to make your own cutlery easier to use. This set of five is an example.
- Plates. Some plates can make eating easier than others. For example, those with an inner edge reduce the chance of food spillage. Some also have a textured bottom, making the food less likely to slide. Suction plates can also be effective. Many are designed to make scooping food much easier.
- Mugs. Some cups and mugs are useful too. For example, the Dignity Mug has two large handles to make it more stable and easier to use.
Around the Home
There are many other places where you’ll find adaptive aids too. Some are designed for very specific uses, while others are more general purpose. The variation is important – as people can face very different sets of physical needs. The selection below are some of the other types of items you might find, but they’re just examples. There are plenty more out there as well.
- Button hook. This nifty tool is simply designed to make buttoning and unbuttoning clothing much easier. There are also zipper pullers that have similar advantages for zippers.
- Doorknob extension. This simple handle fits around a doorknob, providing extra leverage.
- Toilet seat riser. Products like this increase the height of the toilet seat, while also providing bars to make getting up and down much easier.
How to Find the Best Adaptive Living Tools
With so many products out there, this whole field might sound confusing. Many people do find it tough to know where to begin. To complicate matters further, each person and situation is going to have a different set of needs. This means that the most effective items are going to vary.
What does this mean for caregivers?
Well, for one, it means you need to think about the types of tools that will be the most relevant. Possible areas to consider include the following:
- Which areas does your family member find the most difficult?
- What tasks could be made easier with relatively little effort?
- What types of changes would promote greater independence?
Another angle is to take a look at sites that offer a range of adaptive aids. Many such sites group their products based on need. This makes it easier to glance at the various categories and subcategories to determine what would be most relevant.
Wright Stuff
One site that we highly recommend is called Wright Stuff. The company is entirely focused on adaptive aids and includes categories like: Around House, In The Kitchen, Getting Ready, On The Move and For Comfort. Each area is then split into subcategories, which contain various items.
By navigating through these categories you can easily get a sense of the types of products available. A glance at the images and descriptions will help you work out which ones apply to your situations.
Elder Depot
A second site is Elder Depot. The company’s website looks a little old-fashioned, but they do provide quality products for seniors and caregiving. They split their products into various categories, making it easy to see the options that are out there.
Amazon
Once you have worked out the types of products, finding the right item is also important. Focusing on reliable suppliers, like Wright Stuff or Elder Depot is a good approach. You can also search for products on Amazon.
Amazon works well as customers can leave reviews. Those reviews give you a sense of how well the product works. This makes it easier to find the best items without too much trial and error.
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