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Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative

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Vol. 7, No. 2 Spring 1999

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Time Marches On, But These Tools Will Help You March With It

by Michael Meyreles, ATP, New Castle County ATRC

Dressing, grooming, cooking, and mobility are just some of the activities we all do every day. As we get older, these tasks can get more difficult to accomplish. This article will focus on some of the low-tech devices that can help with some of the tasks we encounter during the day.

Getting Dressed

Dressing aids should be sturdy and lightweight and will:

Sock donners, buttoners, and dressing sticks are some examples of dressing aids. Long-handled shoehorns can help you put your shoes on independently if you cannot reach your feet. Elastic shoelaces can help if you no longer have the fine motor ability to tie your shoes. Today, both shoes and sneakers are available with Velcro closures. Also, Velcro can be used to replace buttons and zippers and make fastening your clothes easier.

Bathing and Grooming

Before getting dressed in the morning, many people take a shower or a bath. With bathing, safety is your first consideration. Safety treads or rubber mats placed on the tub floor can prevent slipping. Grab bars firmly attached to the wall can help you enter and exit the bathtub or shower safely. Tub benches can help if you can no longer stand in the shower. Also in the bathroom, grooming aids are relatively inexpensive and can help you remain independent. Long handles or large grips added to combs, toothbrushes, and sponges can make all the difference in the world for some people.

Preparing Meals

Once awake, washed and dressed, the next thing we usually think about is food. There are a whole host of kitchen gadgets available to make life easier in the kitchen. If you have lost the use of one hand, there are cutting boards with protruding stainless steel nails to hold whatever you need to cut. Table-mounted or under-cabinet-mounted peelers, graters, and jar openers are great tools. Large handles can make it easier to get a firmer grip on utensils. Or, utensils can be equipped with cuffs for folks who cannot grip a spoon or fork at all. To prevent bowls or dishes from sliding, a non-slip mat such as Dycem can be helpful.

Getting Around

The ability to move freely within your home and in the community is valuable. If you are a person who has a problem with mobility, balance or coordination, there are devices available that can assist you. For persons with a weak or painful grip, or limited range of motion, a reacher or grabber might be the answer. Reacher/ grabbers are used to reach an item that is out of arm's length. There are many types but basically they consist of a pair of jaws controlled by a trigger mechanism. They can range in length from 2­3 feet long or fold for easy carrying.

As we age, mobility can be hindered by many factors such as pain and weakness in the legs, poor balance, or paralysis. Changes in the home environment, canes, walkers, and wheelchairs can enhance mobility to insure continued independence.

In the case of home modifications designed to enhance mobility and safety, several things can be done. For instance, installing grab bars at critical locations, removing area rugs, installing a low pile carpet or rearranging your furniture can all improve mobility and safety within the home. With regard to canes, walkers, and wheelchairs, there are many varieties available, but keeping safety in the forefront, you should consult a physical therapist for a proper assessment and device recommendation.

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