OTA 206 - Adaptive Equipment and Adaptations

Sometimes the OTP needs to design

• special device

• method

• splint

• and/or the environment

Many assistive devices/adaptive equipment are available through

• rehab equipment companies

• Walmart

• Walgreens

• Amazon

As a general rule, AE is used to compensate for a deficit/limitation

• Limited ROM and strength

• Problems with incoordination

• Hemiplegia or use of only one UE

work with the client to determine their

• strengths and limitations

• perceptions of the equipment

Be cautious not to

• overwhelm the client

• recommend too many pieces of AE

Needs to be the

• ‘just right’ fit

• appropriate for client

client may be resistive to using AE

• aesthetics

• resistance to change

• difficulty with use (cognitive)

Dressing Activities

• Front-opening shirts, larger in size (stretch is good)

• Dressing Stick Demo

• Reacher & Long handled shoe horn

• Use larger buttons or zipper with loop: loops onto pants

• Velcro® (FM)

• Elastic shoe laces

• Sock aids

• Compression socks

• Leg straps

• Leg lifter

• Button Hook

• Perform in seated

• position; take breaks

Bathing

• Tub bench

  • With or without back

  • Over-the-edge

  • Transfer board

• Shower chair/stool

• Hand-held shower

• Long-handled sponge

• Bathing mitt (some have a soap holder)

• Grab bars

• Thermometer

• Attach to cord/string

• Non-skid mats

Vertical Grab Bars

getting into bath/shower

Vertical Grab Bars

in bath

Vertical Grab Bars

in bath

Eating

• Built-up handles

• Universal cuff

• Rimmed plates or bowls (guard)

• Nosey cup

• Non-skid surfaces (dycem, suction cups)

• Mobile arm support

• Adapted utensils

• Long straws

Grooming & Hygiene

• Universal cuff

• Position-adjustable hair dryer

• Built-up handles

• Long-handled brush

• Secure (ie. suction cups) equipment: nails, dentures

• Long-handled mirror

• Magnifier

• Spray deodorant/hair spray or roll-on

• Electric toothbrush/razor

Toileting

• Bedside commode

• Raised toilet seat

• Perineal toilet aid

• Bedpans/Urinals

• Sanitary pads versus tampons

• Clothing management:

  • Reacher

  • Dressing stick

  • Grab bars/mobility device (ie. walker)

Home Management

• Store frequently used items lower

• Sit whenever possible

• Utility cart

• Crockpots, slow cookers, microwave, air fryer

• Electric jar openers and mixers

• Adaptive knives, electric scissors

• Adaptive cutting board

• Use extended handles and reachers

• Non-slip mats, dycem

• Use dust mitts or socks for dusting

• Light-weight vacuum or Roomba

• Front-load washer/dryer, all-in-one detergent

• Childcare:

  • Elevate diaper table or use bathinette/tub in kitchen sink or sit during tasks

Dysfunction of UE can result from:

• Fractures

• burns

• peripheral neuropathy

• stroke

  • (entire side of body is affected as well as sensory, cognitive and perceptual impairments)

Adaptive clothing may be necessary:

Buttons -> zippers, seams sown flat, finger/wrist loops, cut outs

As a general rule, place the affected UE in

• first while dressing/donning

• remove last when undressing/doffing

  • *Seated when balance is a concern. If standing to donn clothing, make sure that the client is wearing grip socks or shoes to reduce fall risk.

What it is used for - scoop plate

• Used to make scooping food with a utensil easier.

• The tall edge of the plate allows for the utensil to push food to the edge and be able to more easily push food onto the utensil.

who would benefit from this item - scoop plate

Clients who have decreased fine motor skills or strength of the UE.

what it is used for - pan holder

It is attached to a stove-top and is used to hold pans to increase stability of the pan so that the client can more easily engage in one-handed stirring.

who would benefit from this item - pan holder

Clients with decreased grip strength.

what it is used for - no-tip weighted cup

It is a heavy cup that can be used by clients to prevent spills from happening.

who would benefit from this item - no-tip weighted cup

Clients with decreased grip strength.

what it is used for - reacher

• Used for reaching objects that are too far from the reach of the client

• Used to move or adjust items and clothes that are out of reach of the client.

who would benefit from this item - reacher

Clients with hip precautions and decreased stability.

what it is used for - sock aide

Used to put socks on more easily and independently without the need of having to bend over to put socks on.

who would benefit from this item - sock aide

Clients who have hip precautions.

what it is used for - dressing stick

Used for donning and doffing clothes.

who would benefit from this item - dressing stick

Clients with hip precautions, decreased fine motor skills, and decreased ROM.

what it is used for - Dycem

Used as a anti-slip tool to reduce accidents when performing different activities.

who would benefit from this item - Dycem

Clients with decreased balance and strength in the LE and UE.

what it is used for - long handled shoehorn

Used for donning and doffing shoes without needing to bend over

who would benefit from this item - long handled shoehorn

Clients with hip precautions and LROM

what it is used for - drinking straw holder

• Used for more easier use of a straw.

• Used to keep straw in the same position.

who would benefit from this item - drinking straw holder

Clients with decreased fine motor skills, coordination, and strength in the UE

what it is used for - skin inspection mirror

Used for inspecting hard to see areas, such as the feet and posterior side of the body.

who would benefit from this item - skin inspection mirror

Clients with hip precautions or LROM