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Types of Adaptive Equipment

A person with a disability or injury may find it difficult to accomplish various activities of daily life, including taking a bath, going to the restroom, grooming and dressing. The frequency of assistance required to perform such activities are different for every person. It also depends on the health status and functional abilities of the person. However, with the use of adaptive equipment, disabled and injured persons are assisted in performing these activities.

  1. Shower Chair and Hand-held Shower

    • For an injured or disabled person to take a bath safely, a shower chair is provided with added motion features, such as reclining and tilting. The shower chair is kept in place while washing and applying soap on the body. The hand-held shower is a hose attached to a shower head that can be used to spray water directly on the head of the user for better control of the water direction.

    Adapted Utensils

    • Feeding is made easier with the use of adapted utensils. These are knives, spoons, and forks with modified features, such as weighted handles for stability. Angled silverware provides a better grasp.

    Bed Ladder

    • A bed ladder is placed beside the bed to allow an injured or disabled person to get on and off the bed easier. It can be made out of wood or metal. The bed ladder also can be securely attached to the side of the bed for better mobility.

    Grab Bars

    • These are long wooden or steel bars that are mounted on the walls to assist in mobility and transfers. Grab bars can help an injured or disabled person retain balance while moving about the house. Those in wheelchairs or crutches can reach their destination faster.

    Mouthstick

    • For people with disabled limbs, a mouthstick can be used to turn light switches on and off. This is particularly useful when there is no one else inside the house.

    Raised Toilet Seat

    • The raised toilet seat can be mounted on the current toilet to allow users to easily transfer from a wheelchair or with crutches. The additional height makes it easier for a disabled person to get on and off.

    Elastic Shoe Laces

    • Putting on shoes and tying shoe laces can be difficult for someone with a spine injury or limited arm movement. Elastic shoe laces are stretchable and allow shoes to slip on or off without the need to tie or loosen them. They can be permanently attached to all shoes of the user.

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