Fact Sheet: Consumer Products and Assistive
Equipment
Introduction
Family caregivers face an array of challenges in providing daily
care for a loved one. During the course of a day, there are dozens of tasks,
grooming regimes, and health and safety strategies that must be employed in
the home to nurture and protect the care recipient. Whether your loved one has
a cognitive impairment, is in frail health, takes multiple prescriptions, or
uses a wheel chair, impacts what your responsibilities are as caregiver. The
strain of coping with unfamiliar situations or adapting as a person's condition
worsens can be alleviated with help. By evaluating the impaired person's limitations,
caregiver needs, and costs, the right therapeutic products and devices can help
both the care recipient and the caregiver get through the day.
This fact sheet lists products which are likely to be beneficial to family caregivers and persons with physical and/or cognitive impairments. Because Family Caregiver Alliance does not have the ability to screen and test products, the items and manufacturers named are not to be considered endorsements. Since products and prices are subject to change, you should contact the supplier for price information or to request a catalog or brochure. Please shop carefully and inquire about product warranties and refunds before you buy.
Walking Aids
Canes and walkers are available from most medical supply stores.
The type of cane should be discussed with a doctor, physical therapist, or occupational
therapist, to accommodate special needs. In a pinch (if a cane is misplaced
or forgotten) a replacement cane can sometimes be obtained at a large drug store.
Walkers should be tested to make sure they are sturdy, light-weight, and can
be moved or rolled easily. The ability to fold the walker flat when not in use
is also helpful. Some walkers have a seat as well. You may wish to attach a
basket or cloth pouch on the front to help the person carry something while
walking. Walking aids, if ordered by a physician, may be covered by the person's
insurance or by Medicare.
These mail order sources have a variety of canes, walkers, and pouches:
Other notable suppliers include:
Wheel Chairs
Wheel chairs come in many different varieties (both manual and electric). Manual
chairs require the person to use some arm strength and dexterity to move—unless
there is someone to push. In may be convenient to find a manual chair which
is collapsible for loading into a car. Removable foot rests can be an asset
as well. Shop around at medical supply stores to get a sense of the difference
in comfort, weight, ease of movement, and price. In some communities, used wheel
chairs may be available. Check with your local Easter Seals Society chapter
or independent living center or the following mail order sources:
Individuals who are able to get in and out of the chair, may benefit from a three-wheeled "scooter." These are popular among individuals with Multiple Sclerosis or those who can walk very short distances only, but who can navigate by themselves. Information can be obtained from the following sources:
Lifts/Hoists
Home hoists which allow non-ambulatory persons to be lifted out of bed, into
a wheel chair, or in and out of the bathtub, are sold by:
Medication Aids
People with chronic illnesses often take several prescription or non-prescription
medications daily. You can help ensure that correct dosages of medications are
taken each day with a daily or weekly pill organizer. If remembering medications
is a problem, timers and specialized mini-alarms can remind you when the next
dose is due. Medication dispensers, pill boxes, timers and alarms are available
from these mail order sources:
Independent Living Aids
There are dozens of products and appliances which can help people perform basic
activities such as eating, food preparation or dressing. Contact the following
mail order sources:
Bathing Equipment
Security chairs for the bathtub or shower are available from Guardian Products
(800) 333-4000, Sears Home Health Care (800) 326-1750, or from Adaptability
(800) 288-9941.
Full-length bathtub mat is sold by S&S Opportunities (800) 266-8856.
Hand-held showerheads are sold by Sears Home Health Care (800) 326-1750 and Sammons Preston (800) 323-5547, which also stocks a large supply of bathing, shaving, and grooming accessories.
No-rinse shampoo and no rinse body bath are available from N/R Laboratories (800) 223-9348.
Incontinence Supplies and Commodes
Individuals who have problems with bladder or bowel control may require adult
protective undergarments. Fortunately, these are now widely available at drug
stores under brand names like Depends, Attends, and Dignity. In addition, items
such as antiseptic skin lotions and wipes, catheters, portable receptacles,
and a host of related products for incontinence can make the affected person
more comfortable and the minimize difficulties for the caregiver. Most incontinence
products are available by mail order:
A variety of portable commodes and toilet seat modifiers are available from:
The power toilet aid fits on to a standard toilet to lift someone up to standing height. Available from Home Care Products LLC (800) 727-8483.
Another product for facilitating clean-up after toileting is the Lubidet Personal Hygiene System, a modification for the home toilet which uses a spray of warm water to help with personal hygiene after using the toilet, available from Lubidet USA, Inc. at (800) 582-4338.
Home Modifications
Making a house safe and comfortable is vital to enabling a physically or cognitively impaired individual to remain at home. It may be necessary to hire a contractor to construct wheelchair ramps, widen doorways, or lower counters. However, there are simple modifications that can be accomplished with relatively less cost or assistance:
Portable wheel chair ramps can be purchased from:
Bathroom "grab bars" can be ordered from:
Car Modifications/Accessible Vans
Vehicle modifications can be simple or extensive. Simple wheelchair lifts can
be installed relatively easily in minivans or station wagons. More extensive
modifications include kneeling wheelchair ramps and driving hand controls. For
individuals who need only a little help getting in and out of the car passenger
seat, an "Easy In and Easy Out" swivel cushion is available from the
AAA Members' Marketplace (800) 631-4222.
Information about funding, as well as preparing for a vehicle conversion can be obtained from the national Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (800) 833-0427.
Independent Mobility Systems (800) IMS-VANS offers mini van conversion, powered ramp and side or rear door entry, and raised roof. Wheelchair accessible vans can be rented or purchased used from Access Wheels Inc./Wheelers Accessible Van Rentals (800) 456-1371.
Several of the major auto companies offer refunds for car conversions. Contact the following for more information:Chrysler (800) 255-9877, Ford (800) 952-2248, General Motors (800) 323-9935, or Saturn (800) 553-6000.
Personal Safety
Frail or functionally-impaired persons can have an added degree of security
by using a "personal emergency response system" (PERS). These systems
(typically a bracelet or belt attachment) are designed to alert emergency services
if an unattended person falls or requires other immediate assistance. Such devices
are intended for cognitively intact persons who can activate the signal. It
is a good idea to check if the device is waterproof, as well as who would respond,
and under what circumstances.
When someone is ambulatory (able to walk) yet unable to activate a PERS (e.g., someone with dementia), it may be helpful to wear a medical ID bracelet. An ID bracelet will state the person's diagnosis. A 24-hour hot-line number will give the caller emergency medical information. Such a bracelet can be helpful if the person is disoriented and gets lost. Available from Medic-Alert Foundation International, (800) 432-5378.
A spiral-bound InfoCenter binder with tab dividers helps organize legal, medical, financial, and other information for ready access, and is available from LifeMate (800) 562-4224.
Perimeter Alarms
If your loved one has a dementing illness and has the tendency to wander away
from home, it is advisable to invest in some type of system to prevent the person
from leaving the house, or, if lost, help so that he/she can be found and identified.
Do it yourself: a simple chain or sliding lock (purchased at any hardware store) can be installed on external doors either at floor level or high up out of reach. These may be enough to discourage your loved one from trying to leave the house alone. "Child-proof" door monitors, door closers, sliding door stopper, or bathroom door lock stoppers make it more difficult for a confused person to leave the house or to lock him/herself in the bathroom. These products are available from Perfectly Safe (800) 837-5437.
An electronic mobile tracker for people with Alz-heimer's disease uses a bracelet or belt unit with a transmitter worn by the impaired person. A separate receiver at home sends out a signal if the person wanders off the premises. Available from:
Similar alarm systems activate either when the impaired person gets out of bed or when a door in opened. Contact:
Activities/Memory Games/Videos for People
With Dementia
A growing number of products now provide therapeutic activities for
people with memory loss. Games are available which help older persons to "reminisce"
about events in their younger lives. Music from different generations also can
provoke happy memories. Other activities are designed to keep hands busy and
provide tactile stimulation and comfort. Hundreds of specialized products for
people with dementia are available from the following catalogs:
Videos, developed for severely cognitively impaired persons, show serene scenes to calm and entertain. Video Respite (800) 249-5600 has a catalog of selections. Additional 30-minute tapes or nature scenes with such titles as "Beautiful Wyoming" and "Primordial Forest" are available from Lake Solitude Video (888) 775-1010.
Wall Signs
Families caring for someone with dementia can benefit from memory
aids posted in the home. If the impaired person doesn't remember which door
is for the bathroom, you can hang a sign on the outside with a picture of a
toilet. This may be enough for individuals not severely demented to locate and
use the bathroom. Try doing it yourself: take a photo of the toilet and have
an 8 x 10 enlargement made.
Self-adhesive "stickers" with symbols and warnings are part of the free "caregiver support kit." To order call (703) 299-9300.
Recommended Readings
Selected Mail Order and Catalog Resources for Family Caregivers,
1997, available from Family Caregiver Alliance.
Dressing Tips and Clothing Resources for Making Life Easier, Shelly Peterman Schartz, 1995, 933 Chapel Hill Rd., Madison, WI 53711-2405, (608) 274-4380.
One-handed in a Two-Handed World, Tommye K. Mayer, 1997, Prince Gallison Press, P.O. Box 23, Hannover Sta., Boston, MA 02113-0001, (617) 367-5815.
The Resourceful Caregiver, 1997, National Family Caregivers Association, Mosby-Lifeline, 11830 Westline Industrial Dr., St. Louis, MO 63146.
Be Independent:A Guide for People with Parkinson's Disease, Josephine Clapcich, et al., 1993, American Parkinson Association, 1250 Highland Blvd., Staten Island, NY 10305, (800) 223-2732.
Homes That Help:Advice from Caregivers for Creating a Supportive Home, Richard V. Olsen, et al., 1993, The New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) ABS Group, 323 Martin Luther King Blvd., Newark, NJ 07102-1982, (201) 596-3097.
Adaptive Resources:A Guide to Products and Services, National Stroke Association, 96 Inverness Dr., East, Suite I, Englewood, CO 80112, (800) STROKES.
Resources
Alzheimer's Association
919 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 1000
Chicago, IL 60611-1676
(800) 272-3900
ABLEDATA
8455 Colesville Rd., Suite 935
Silver Spring, MD 20910-3319
(800) 227-0216
National Stroke Association
96 Inverness Dr., East, Suite I
Englewood, CO 80112 (800) STROKES
Productability
1010 Sinclair St.
Winnepeg, Manitoba
Canada R2V3H7
(204) 339-9268 ext. 238
Prepared by Family Caregiver Alliance in cooperation with California's Caregiver
Resource Centers, a statewide system of resource centers serving families and
caregivers of brain-impaired adults. Funded by the California Department of
Mental Health. Printed October 1997. ©All rights reserved.