Adaptive Equipment

Adaptive equipment is devices that are used to assist with completing activities of daily living such as dressing, bathing, grooming etc. Adaptive equipment allows people to live more independently. As people age or lose function due to health problems they may need to use adaptive equipment.

Some examples of Adaptive Equipment:
Eating and Dining
• Divided plates - keeps food separated and provides more surface for scooping of food. This plate is beneficial for someone who has decreased hand coordination.
• Scoop or high sided dishes - Ideal for persons with limited coordination or use of only one hand.
• Nose cut out tumblers- Enables drinking without tilting your head. Ideal for those who have neck motion limitations or have a neck brace. • Lidded cups - Ideal for those who have tremors to decrease spilling.
• Built up handle utensils - Ideal for those who have difficulty holding things in their hand. Useful for those with arthritis or limited movement of fingers.
• Rocker knife - Good for those who only have use of one hand allowing them to cut up their food.

Dressing
• Button and zipper aids - Ideal for those who have difficulty with manipulating small objects.
• Dressing sticks - Makes putting on pants and removing socks easier. It is essential for anyone who has difficulty bending or the use of only one arm.
• Reacher - Allows for items to be picked off floor and can assist with lower body dressing. Ideal for those with balance issues.
• Sock aid - Helps putting on/off of socks independently. For people who cannot reach their toes or are at risk of losing their balance when bending over.
• Elastic shoelaces - Regular laced shoes become “slip ons” with the use of elastic shoelaces eliminating the need for tying. Ideal for those who cannot reach their feet of are having difficulty tying their shoes.
• Long handled shoehorn - Eases ability to take on/off shoes while decreasing the need for bending. Good for those with arthritis or balance deficits.

Bathing
• Long handled bath sponge - allow people with limited reach or difficulty bending to wash feet and lower body.
• Foam tubing - can be fitted on brush, toothbrush, and razor to make it easier to hold for those who have arthritis or have difficulty with holding items.
• Extended tub bench - Allows for one to safely get in and out of tub without stepping over the tub. The bench extends outside of the tub.
• Nonskid bathmat - Prevents slipping in shower or tub.
• Toilet seat risers or toilet commode chairs - For those who find it difficult to go from sit to stand off toilet.

Kitchen
• Cutting board with pins - holds food in place while cutting; good for those with use of only one hand.
• Dycem bottle openers - to open jars or medicine containers for someone who has weak grip strength.
• Walker trays - A tray that slides over the top of your walker for transporting items around the house.

Please contact Next Step Rehab at Felician Village, 920-684-7171 extension 288,, 1635 South 21st Street, Manitowoc, WI 54220 for more information regarding these and many other adaptive equipment options. They will be happy to assess your needs, assist you in obtaining such items and provide training to ensure optimal effective use that will help maintain your ability to perform tasks independently and enhance your quality of life.