Senior Helpers In Home Elder Care of Des Moines, Iowa,

Provides Lists of Adaptive Devices

Technology to the Rescue: 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, prosthetic devices, 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 drug store
or variety store.

(c)2008 IlluminAge Communication Partners

About Senior Helpers:

Senior Helpers provides many in-home, caregiving services for the elderly in the Des Moines, West Des
Moines, Clive, Urbandale, Waukee, Johnston and Ankeny areas.  We offer extensive in-home care
services for seniors who embrace their independence and the personal dignity that goes with it.  Our in-
home care services are provided by bonded and insured caregivers all of whom pass a national
background check.

If a senior family member needs in-home care services in Polk County IA and Dallas County IA, we are an
excellent choice with exemplary references.  In-home care is the compassionate choice for your elderly
loved ones' continued independent living. We promise we will do our best to make it a positive
experience for them and you.  For more information, please visit:
http:/seniorhelpers.com/location/1906.