Accessories and Aids for People with Physical Limitations

There are many items on the market that can help someone with limitations, from circular car seat pads to help you turn to get out, to jar openers.  Whether you have painful arthritis, have had a stroke, or are in a wheelchair, someone has come up with the right item to make your life easier. 

If you have a physical therapist or home health agency, they are probably your best source of information for the newest items that can help you do what you need to do.  If you are on your own, you can search online for your problem, for the name of the item, or just general terms, such as "handicapped accessories." 

One caution:  Don't stop looking with the first item you find.  Prices vary greatly, as does quality.  More important, some merchants use terms like Handicapped, Diabetic, Arthritis, or even Babies or Children, to add big bucks to cost of an item.  For example, you can find generic "baby powder" in both the baby aisle and the beauty aisle, but 90% of the time, the one in the baby aisle costs more. 

If you find an item you like, be sure to shop around for price, but also once you know exactly what the item is called, look it up separately to see if it is offered for less.

I found some items that are interesting.  Whether I placed them in the Sounds-Good Category or the Not-So-Hot list is merely my personal opinion.  You will have to make the right decision for what works for you.

 

The Sounds-Good Category....

Light Switch extender.  http://www.dynamic-living.com/product/light-switch-extender 
This clear extender is good for someone in a wheelchair or could even be used by a service dog.

No Rinse Shampoo Cap http://www.dynamic-living.com/product/no-rinse-shampoo-cap#name_tabsHref
I intend to try this one for my mother.  You put on the "shower cap" (you can even warm it in the microwave) then massage to shampoo and condition.  Great for someone in a wheelchair, with poor balance, or who just can't physically get to a sink. 

Bottom Buddy  http://www.dynamic-living.com/product/bottom-buddy-toilet-tissue-holder
I'll let you read this description for yourself.  It sounds a little strange at first, but I can see for some injuries and handicapped, it could provide a good measure of independence in the bathroom.

Umbrella with one-hand opening    http://www.seniorssuperstores.com/cart/html/Products/TRAVEL-PRODUCTS/Senior-Friendly-Umb-177.html
Surprisingly, this auto-open, auto-close umbrella advertised for seniors and the handicapped is actually more affordable than other similar umbrellas I found online. 

The Not-So-Hot Category...........

Pop-top Can Opener http://www.dynamic-living.com/product/can-pop-for-pull-tab-lids
There are simpler ones, for less money than this $4.50 plus shipping (check the dollar stores in your area or even some grocery stores).  But according to the therapist helping me after hand and arm surgery, the easiest, cheapest way to open a pop-top can is with the bowl end of a spoon.

Headlight for a walker http://www.dencities.com/denmall/walker-access1.html
I'm not sure about this one.  If you live alone and use a walker, you can turn on the lights without disturbing anyone, and if you have someone in the house with you, you probably wouldn't need to wander around in the dark by yourself.

Car Seat Belt Adjuster http://www.dynamic-living.com/product/seat-belt-adjuster/
Good idea but expensive with shipping.  You can get several different models at most auto supply shops, like Auto Zone.

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Have fun looking for items that can help you in daily life.  Doing general searches online can turn up helpful items you didn't even know existed that could solve a problem you thought impossible. 

Take care of yourself and those you love,

Kathy