Tools to Help You Live More Independently

Wake up, shower, get dressed, and make breakfast. As we age, it is normal for these daily tasks to present obstacles within themselves. If you have noticed that you or a loved one has had trouble completing some of these tasks independently, you might consider adaptive equipment.

What is Adaptive Equipment?

As noted by the United Disabilities Services Foundation, adaptive equipment is products, systems, and machines that help people with disabilities complete tasks. Put simply, adaptive devices help people live more independently. Any person with a physical, mental, or emotional disability may be able to benefit from the plethora of adaptive tools available today. These tools can be custom-made, modified, or bought new. In fact, adaptive equipment has been used by more than 6.8 million Americans to help them lead more self-sufficient lives. 

Common Examples of Adaptive Equipment:

When you hear “adaptive equipment”, you might think of some of the most widely-utilized examples: wheelchairs, canes, crutches, and hearing aids. However, here are a few more examples that you may not have heard:

• Commode Chairs

  • This is a portable chair with a built-in toilet chamber. The chair itself provides extra support for those whose movement is limited and are in of need handrails when lowering or raising themselves in a chair. 

• Shower Chairs

  • This is similar to a commode chair in which it is transportable and has a railing, but this chair has no toilet chamber. Its chair legs typically are covered in slip-resistant material in order to avoid falling accidents. 

• Portable Oxygen Equipment

  • Transportable oxygen tanks that can be carried with a user and are typically sold in the form of a rolling backpack carrier. 

• Prosthetic Devices 

  • These devices are designed to replace a missing body part or to make a part of the body work better. Arms, hands, legs, and joints are replaced commonly by prosthetic devices. In addition, false teeth can be categorized as dental prostheses as well.  

• Stairlifts and Ramps

  • A stairlift is a mechanical device in a seat that is made for moving a person upstairs. A ramp is typically a concrete or metal sheet that is at an incline to connect different walking levels.

• Adapted Writing and Eating Utensils

  • Adapted writing and eating utensils can be modified to fit a person’s needs, but can frequently be bought as something that contains both the needed usual utensil (e.g. pen, fork, or spoon) and a velcro universal strap that helps one to hold onto it.

Why Might These Tools Be Useful?

Along with the practical application of these tools, self-worth and self-esteem also play a role in why adaptive devices are commonly used. Self-worth and -esteem is typically tied with one’s ability to care for themselves. Being able to manage and accomplish tasks helps to stimulate a sense of independence. Many people who need assistance might refuse it at first because of the loss of independence and accompanying negative impact on their mindset. Until it becomes hard to perform tasks, like shampooing one’s hair or cutting food into smaller pieces, it is easy to take things for granted. The use of adaptive equipment may help you or a loved one to still engage in activities, stay safe, and maintain a sense of independence.

Where To Get Started?

If you are interested in adaptive equipment but not sure where to get started, the United Disabilities Services (UDS) Foundation offers a vast network of resources. The UDS provides sources of assistive products and systems for individuals with disabilities. For example, Mobility Express supplies mobility tools, like accessible vans, auto lifts, ramps, and wheelchairs. 

For more specific equipment based on diagnosis, some organizations have compiled lists of suggestions on how to get started. For example, the National Parkinson Foundation has a tip sheet that offers widely-used grooming, showering, and dressing devices that have been helpful for people with Parkinson’s disease. Furthermore, the Arthritis Foundation offers a list of tools that may help to make life with arthritis more comfortable. 

When it comes to having extra help or needing adaptive environments, everyone deserves to have a sense of independence. Explore options that best suit your needs and help to enhance your overall well-being.

— Lauren Goldberg