Technology To The Rescue

Technology to the Rescue:

Business Week had a great article about high tech gadget to help seniors stay at home. That reminded me of a great article from Senior Helpers about low tech gadget we may not think about. Enjoy:

Focus on Adaptive Devices
If you or your loved one is living with a condition that limits your ability to perform the activities of daily living, are you taking advantage of the wide range of technologies that are now available to lend-almost literally-a helping hand?
Many conditions, such as arthritis, stroke, Parkinson's disease and injuries, can result in physical limitations. If you or your loved one is experiencing reduced range of motion, decreased strength, loss of hand function and lack of endurance, performing the tasks of daily living that most of us take for granted can prove challenging-and frustrating. Managing for oneself as much as possible when eating, grooming, bathing and in other personal care is so important to self-esteem and a sense of independence!
On the largest level, rehabilitation specialists help the person enhance mobility and upper body function with wheelchairs, walkers, canes, prosthetics, seating and positioning equipment, orthotics, etc. Another step is to adapt the home environment with modifications such as ramps, grab bars in the shower and built-up toilet seats.
Then there are the gadgets! Rehabilitation specialists have come up with devices to make the tasks of daily life easier. Here are some of the challenging activities we might face each day…and some clever implements to make it easier.
Mealtime
• Utensils with enlarged, long, and/or angled handles
• Non-skid plates, cups and place mats
• Tumbler with snap-on lid
• Long straws and straw holders
• Rocker knife, to allow a person to cut and pick up food with one hand
Dressing &Undressing
• Easy-to-put-on clothing, such as: front-fastening garments, Velcro fasteners, large buttons, slip-on shoes, elastic shoe laces, clip-on ties, belts with hooks instead of buckles
• Dressing stick
• Long-handled shoe horn and sock donning aid
• Elastic shoelaces
Bathing &Hygiene
• Long-handled sponge or back scrubbing brush
• Bath mitt
• Toothbrushes and hairbrush with built-up handles
• Large-handled nail clippers, tweezers
• Soap-on-a-rope
• Terry robe for drying
• Toilet tissue holder
Work &Leisure Activities
• Reachers
• Book holder/electric page turner
• Built-up pen, pencil
• Magnifier
• Typing stick
• Playing card holder
• Key extender
And don't forget that creative thinking can solve a challenge! Could you substitute one everyday item for another, or alter an item slightly? A pizza cutter may be easier to use than a knife, and a cup is more secure to hold when equipped with a terry cloth sleeve. High-tech or low-tech, there is often a solution.
This list is just a small sample of the ingenious devices that are available through your loved one's rehabilitation professionals, or from medical supply houses, or in many cases from your local pharmacy or variety store.
(c)2008 IlluminAge Communication Partners