December 30th 2024
By Jordan McElwain
From bathroom safety to hearing aids, learn how adaptive equipment can help seniors live independently at home.
By Ari Parker
The effects of aging can begin as early as age 30, but become more noticeable in your 60s. You might notice a decrease in energy, aches, and pains in places you hadn’t noticed before, or difficulty with vision or hearing.
As older adults lose muscle mass, dexterity, and balance, activities of daily living (ADLs) become more challenging. Adaptive equipment, such as grab bars, modified communication devices, and dressing sticks, can help older adults feel more comfortable, independent, and secure.
In this guide, we will explore various types of adaptive equipment and how they can help older adults maintain their independence with confidence and comfort.
Adaptive equipment makes life easier for those experiencing difficulties with strength, flexibility, and coordination. If daily activities have become a struggle, it might be worth exploring adaptive devices. According to a study by The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, about 23% of older adults use adaptive equipment.
These devices not only help older adults avoid falls, dress, and groom independently but also:
Boost confidence: Completing routines without assistance helps older adults regain independence and feel more in control of their lives.
Improve the quality of life: In addition to mastering ADLs, adaptive equipment enables older adults to continue enjoying hobbies, such as walking, gardening, or baking, which positively impact their physical and mental health.
Increase comfort: Customized home and auto accessories including cushions, long straws, shower chairs, and other home modifications make everyday tasks more comfortable.
Adaptive equipment isn’t just for older adults. No matter your age, you may benefit from using adaptive equipment, especially if you suffer from disabilities such as cerebral palsy, a brain injury, multiple sclerosis, or others.
When talking about adaptive equipment, you’ll often hear people mention Activities of daily living (ADLs). ADLs refer to the tasks people perform daily to care for themselves, such as:
Eating
Bathing and showering
Getting dressed
Using the toilet
Sitting and standing
Walking
Most people begin to feel the need for adaptive equipment around age 60. However, there’s no specific age when this need arises. If you or someone you care for is having difficulty with daily tasks, no matter their age, investing in adaptive devices can help them live more comfortably, happily, and independently.
Many older adults don’t get adequate assistance and report staying at home or in bed, not getting dressed, or having bathroom accidents. Besides the inconvenience of these issues, they also often lead to loneliness and depression.
While similar, "adaptive" and "assistive" equipment have different focuses. When speaking with your insurance or Medicare provider, you’ll notice these terms are often used to categorize devices differently.
This category aims to make the user more comfortable by modifying their environment to suit their needs. It helps older adults perform tasks independently, such as dressing, showering, or eating. These devices are often customizable and designed to assist with everyday activities that may be challenging or dangerous.
These devices help a person maintain the ability to perform a task, like walking, by providing support. They’re typically mass-produced and may require post-purchase customization. For example, wheelchairs, scooters, and canes are commonly used assistive devices.
Although adaptive and assistive devices are distinct, many items can fall into both categories depending on the user’s abilities.
Adaptive equipment can significantly improve life for older adults with disabilities. The following items are some examples of devices that assist with vision, speech, balance, motor skills, and mobility:
Assistive listening devices (ALDs): Also called Hearing Assistive Technology (HATs), includes hearing aids, personal amplifiers, and remote microphones.
Large button electronics: Phones, remotes, and other devices can be modified with larger buttons for those with impaired vision. Some combine these with screen readers or Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC) devices, both of which are typically considered assistive devices.
Stocking and sock aids: These devices help users put on socks or stockings without the need to balance, reducing the risk of falling.
Shoe horn: To reduce strain on the back and joints and avoid bending over, a shoe horn helps older adults slide their feet into their shoes easily. A great accessory to use in addition to this tool are elastic shoelaces.
Dressing stick: This accessory helps adults avoid having to lift their arms when putting on or taking off clothing. Once dressed, you can also use it to adjust collars and sleeves.
Button hooks: For those with hand pain, due to arthritis or minimal dexterity, a button hook helps you easily fasten buttons on pants, shirts, and jackets.
Zipper pulls: Sometimes attached to the end of a dressing stick, zipper pulls attach to a zipper, usually with a hook, making it easier to zip up or down without extra hand strength or grip.
Adaptive utensils: Utensils with broad handles, weighted designs, or small cushions to make eating easier for those with reduced hand strength.
Plate guards: These clip-on guards attach to the edge of the plate and help prevent food from spilling over. Compartmentalized plates are also a great option for keeping food separate.
Long straws, clip-on straws, and cups with handles: For those who struggle to pick up or drink from traditional cups, these options make quenching thirst much easier.
Nosey cup: This cup features a cutout section on the opposite side of where the person drinks from so that the user doesn’t need to tilt their head backward.
Bed rails: Bed rails provide extra support for those with mobility issues and help reduce the risk of falling while entering or exiting the bed. They also ensure the user doesn’t roll out of bed while sleeping.
Adjustable beds: Similar to hospital beds, these types of beds can be moved and manipulated into various positions to improve comfort and circulation, and make getting in or out of bed easier.
Grab bars: For increased safety, install grab bars near the toilet, shower, or bathtub for support and stability.
Raised toilet seat: If you suffer from hip or knee pain, a raised toilet seat makes sitting and standing much easier.
Commodes: These movable chairs are equipped with a toilet seat and container underneath for those who cannot easily access a bathroom.
Non-slip mats: Falling is the leading injury for adults over 65. Placing non-slip mats in the bathroom reduces the risk of falling by providing a dry and grippy area to stand on.
Long-handled sponges: This adapted sponge is ideal for those with limited arm or shoulder movement. It makes it easier for older adults to wash their back or lower legs.
Shower chair: A shower chair or bench helps older adults avoid slipping in the shower.
Other mobility devices, like walkers, wheelchairs, and canes may be considered adaptive equipment, depending on the individual’s condition. However, they are generally considered assistive equipment, or Durable Medical Equipment (DME). Consult your insurance provider for further clarification. Learn more about assistive and adaptive equipment for seniors here.
Choosing the right adaptive equipment can significantly improve safety and comfort, but it can feel overwhelming. Consider these factors:
Identify your specific needs: Consider which ADLs are becoming difficult or unsafe.
Consult your healthcare provider: Speak with your doctor or occupational therapist to determine which tools would be most beneficial for your condition and abilities.
Prioritize safety: Some products can cause more harm than good if they’re not the proper size for your body. Make sure the equipment is comfortable and safe to use.
Consider the cost: Since some adaptive devices are made specifically for the user, they can greatly vary in price. Your comfort and safety are paramount, but there’s no reason to invest in devices that won’t suit your needs.
Want to understand what Medicare will and won't cover when it comes to assistive and adaptive equipment? Speak to a Chapter Medicare Advisor to understand all of your Medicare benefits. Contact an agent at 855-900-2427 or schedule a time to chat.
