Availability and Use of Assistive and Adaptive Devices
Some individuals will have difficulty in walking, balancing, or performing some activities of daily living (such as dressing and bathing), even after rehabilitation. Special equipment called assisitve and adaptive devices may help.
What are assistive and adaptive devices?
They are any items, pieces of equipment, or products which have been modified and are used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.
Goals of Assistive and Adaptive Devices:
-Allow for independence
-Improve overall quality of life
-Accomplish daily living activities
-Improve physical and/or mental functioning
-Overcome disorder or impairment
-Strengthen weakness
-Place focus on what is possible-not what is not Assistive and adaptive devices can
help with communication, mobility, vision, and hearing deficits. They can be as simple
as raised grip handles on a toothbrush to as technologically complex as computer switches
which are activated by the blinking of an eye.
Examples of Assistive and Adaptive Devices
| Eating devices: Rocker knifes |
Toileting aids: Elevated toilet seat Grab Bars |
| Scoop dishes Dressing aids: Velcro fasteners Long-handled shoe horn |
Bedside commode or urinal Communication Aids: Homemade letter boards |
| Bathing and Grooming devices: Long-handled sponge Long-handled brush |
Shower chair Transfer devices: Plastic or wooden transfer board Gait belt Hydraulic lifts Non skid flooring strips |
| Mobility devices: Canes Walkers Wheelchairs Motorized scooter Ankle-foot orthotic devices (braces) |
In order for the device to be successful, it must be a good match for the limitation
being faced. Together the stroke survivor, caregiver, and healthcare professionals
should decide what special equipment is needed. Medicare or health insurance may assist
in paying for some types of assistive and adaptive devices such as ankle-foot braces.
Other types may be purchased inexpensively at local department stores such as Walmart
or Target. Ask your local pharmacist where these devices can be purchased in your
area.
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Additional Information: The following are some websites to provide you with more information to help you in
understanding the vast availability and use of assistive and adaptive devices. |
References:
Gillen, G., & Burkhardt, A. (1998). Stroke rehabilitation: A function-based approach. New York: Mosby.
Gould, RD., & Barnes S. (2009, February). Post stroke rehabilitation. Gaithersburg, MD: Aspen.
National Stroke Association. (2009). Stroke facts: Recovery after stroke: Managing life at home. Retrieved from www.stroke.org
Developed in 2001 by Tammy Allison, BS at the University of Toledo for the Caring~Web©
Revised 2010, 2012