Adaption list - very long

[Guest guest]

Hi all

For those who can, please look this list over and let me know if there

are any additions or need for clarification. I will then post it on

the website.

laurie

ADAPTIONS TO MAKE LIFE EASIER

IN HOME HINTS

Reachers – a must and best if there is one in each room you use.

Open doors of sink, so feet can go inside and you can get closer to

sink while sitting.

Recliner (or similar favorite place to sit) nest – easy to carry

container with phone, snacks, book, remote, craft, paper/pencil or

PDA, etc.) to limit times you need to get up.

Lift chair if unable to rise without difficulty

Appliances you use on a counter instead of in a cupboard, so they

don't have to be lifted.

Freezer at bottom of refrigerator with pull out door.

Dish washer that is easy to reach and has easy to push buttons

Stove, Washer and Dryer with front controls if using wheelchair or scooter.

Washer and Dryer raised if needed for easy access.

Ramps into home, even if still walking or using a walking assistive device.

Kitchen storage for as many items as possible so everything is handy –

pull out shelf units for cupboards.

Main level laundry

Plastic dishes, which are lighter and don't break when dropped

Swifer duster mop or something similar – they are light and easy to maneuver

Ergonomic utensils for kitchen such as OXO

Hand rails for bed to assist in getting up. Raised bed to assist with

getting up. Bed at same level as wheelchair or scooter seat if

transferring

Non-skid mat made for lining cupboards and drawers to keep things from

sliding on various surfaces.

Cutting boards at strategic spots that are left out.

Cordless phone that can be carried with you or phones in every room.

(necessary for those who fall)

Panic button device that calls police or neighbors.

Smoke detectors that you can hear, even while asleep. Special smoke

detectors which jiggle or lights flash for those with hearing

problems.

Wheelchair garden tools or those designed for children.

Light weight cart or wheelbarrow that can be pulled in yard if doing yard work.

Low sturdy step stool if using one. It needs to have a wide base. Best

not to use a stool if possible to prevent falls.

Foods packaged in individual portions that can warmed in microwave.

Microwave with touch pad and individual buttons for things like warming.

Stool to sit on at stove or sink (avoid ones with wheels unless they

can be easily locked)

Chairs available throughout house at short intervals for resting or working

Cooler or small refrigerator in room you spend most of your time to

hold water and medication.

Counter top grill (like Forman) for easy food preparation.

Book holder that meets individual needs.

Daybed in office or family room for resting when space permits.

Watch television using a mirror if lying down.

Small CD or tape player for easy access to music.

Throws in all rooms if you tend to get cold.

Posters on ceiling if you spend a lot of time in bed.

Headphones for telephone so phone doesn't have to be held.

Cell phone if out and about or for caregiver when away from home.

Shopping by catalog or internet when possible.

PERSONAL CARE

Dry hair with arm supported by doorframe or something similar or dry

it while sitting with head down and arms supported on knees. Light

weight hairdryers and use of hairdryer stands.

Shower handrails and bath seat. Handrail clamped to tub if more

permanent handrails aren't an option.

Raised toilet – a toiletvator which is added below the toilet is saver

than a ring for the top of the toilet and is easily removed if the

house is sold to someone who doesn't want a high toilet. A raised ring

is good if you are going to some place other than home and will need

to use the toilet.

Organizers in bathroom to keep items easy to reach.

Portable potty next to bed.

HINTS FOR MOBILITY AIDS

" S " hooks (those used for hanging plants) to hang on scooter or

wheelchair – these are great for carrying plastic grocery bags while

shopping or a small purse.

Waste basket in a size that will sit on the footrests between your

knees if using a wheelchair for carrying things. One can also be used

on the floor space of a scooter. Draw or put stickers on it, so every

checkout person doesn't try to have you pay for it when using it for

shopping.

Bottle holder meant for a bike for either a scooter or wheelchair –

much cheaper than one designed for chairs.

Bags from bike, luggage, car or sporting goods departments – much

cheaper and more available than those meant for wheelchairs

Large key ring hooked to walker, wheelchair or scooter for hooking things on.

Clip like teens use on backpacks that look like those used for

mountain climbing for keys. These can be clipped to purse, back pack

purse, scooter or wheelchair. They are always handy and in sight.

Folding reacher to us with walker, scooter or wheelchair. Make a sling

to hold reacher on wheelchair, walker or scooter and attach with the

velcro cord holders

Bag under front of wheelchair between legs for those who can bend over

and get back up.

Hanging bag attached to wheelchair armrest – zippered areas are good.

This can be used for wallet, cell phone, grocery lists, PDA

Baby stroller net bag for back or wheelchair in place of backpack

Lap tray for wheelchair that is clear (can see what is down in front)

with raised edges (prevents items falling off)

OUT AND ABOUT

Small backpack purse for those who walk – especially good for those

who use a walker, cane or crutches. Can also be used around the house

to carry things like phone, tissues, snacks, book or project.

Bag handle that can carry several plastic grocery bags with comfortable handle.

Handicapped sticker or placard.

Computer Tips – track ball instead of mouse, screen that can be

adjusted, word recognition program, ergonomic keyboard, wrist rests

for keyboard and mouse, customizing various buttons to do complete

commands, desktop with short cut icons, e-mail program that opens when

computer is started.

MISC.

Velcro computer cord holders for attaching things in a handy place,

but are still removable.

Positioning is critical – have washer and dryer at height appropriate

for your means of using them. The elevators can be removed or added if

mobility needs change. Make sure you have a work surface that is the

proper height so arms are supported. This can be achieved by using a

table at the right height or adding a surface on legs to place on a

counter or table. Make sure feet are on floor, footrests or stool

PDA – good to have handy to add to grocery list or access phone

number. Carry it with you at all times. A pad of paper and pencil will

also work.

List of meds on the computer desktop that can be easily printed for a

doctor's appointment or trip to ER. Much easier than trying to

remember them. Keep a list (can be printed in small font) in wallet or

purse.

Cloth book carrier – can be made more easily than finding one to buy.

It is the size of a paperback if this is what you read. It is like any

book cover with handles added. This is especially good for those using

a walker, can or crutches.

Network of people you can call on for help.

Senior Services (not always a need to be a senior) for cleaning,

repairs, yard work, bath assistance)