Devices That Help People Function
Devices That Help People Function
Problem | Device |
|---|---|
Poor balance, weak legs, or dizziness | Canes, walkers, or wheelchairs Shower chairs Grab bars on the side and back of the bathtub or toilet Bathtub benches |
Weak grip | Built-up handles on eating utensils or shoehorns |
Limited reach or movement | Grabbers that can pick items off the floor or from a shelf |
Tremors | Weighted eating utensils Cups with lids Swivel spoons |
Coordination problems | Plates with rims and a textured rubber bottom to grip surfaces and prevent the plates sliding |
Hand problems | Tools with built-up handles or with spring-loaded or electronic controls |
Difficulty standing up because of back or hip problems or weak legs | Raised toilet seats Seat-lifting chairs Chair leg extenders (to make the seat higher) |
Paralysis (including quadriplegia) and other disorders that severely limit function | Computer or smartphone-assisted devices |
Impaired vision | Larger buttons or voice-control functionality on telephones Large-print or audio books |
Impaired hearing | Telephones with a flashing light to replace the ring Smart phones with real-time speech-to-text transcription |
Impaired memory | Automatic dialing telephones Drug organizers and reminders Pocket devices or smart-device apps that record and play back messages (reminders, instructions, and lists) at the appropriate time Wearable safety devices to track location |