Assistive Devices

An assistive device is any service or tool that helps people do activities they have always done but must now do differently.  These tools are also called "assistive technology" or AT, for short.  There are more than twenty thousand assistive devices on the market today!

EXAMPLES OF ASSISTIVE DEVICES

HEARING LOSS:  Hearing aids; amplified telephones; text telephones; closed-captioned TV

VISION LOSS:  Magnifiers; special bright light bulbs; large print books; electronic readers (like Kindle)

MOBILITY:  Canes, crutches; walkers and wheelchairs

MEAL TIME:  Thick or long-handled silverware; rocker knives; cup holders; dishes with suction cups

BATHROOM:  Grab bars; shower chairs; bedside commodes; bedpans; long-handled toothbrushes

DRESSING:  Elastic shoelaces; long-handled shoehorns; zipper pulls; Velcro clothing; grabber devices

TIPS FOR HELPING CLIENTS WITH ASSISTIVE DEVICES

• If your clients like to carry personal items with them, but have trouble holding them, suggest that they wear an apron with large pockets.
• Remember that a cane should always be held on the client’s strong side—unless otherwise directed by a physical therapist.  The handle of the cane should be at the person’s hip joint.
• Discourage your clients from picking up their walkers and carrying them.  (If you see a client doing this, let your supervisor know.  Maybe the client no longer needs a walker!)
• Keep an eye on each client’s range of motion.  If a client has limited movement in certain joints, there are many assistive devices that can help make life easier.
• Remember that some people need time to adjust to a new physical limitation.  If you try to rush your clients to use an assistive device before they have dealt with the emotional impact of their disability, they may reject the device.
• Thorough documentation can be very important for reimbursement of assistive devices.  For example, an insurance company may not pay for Mrs. Parker’s walker if her aide documents that she walks okay by herself—but the therapist documents that the client needs assistance.  Be sure to document the facts about your clients clearly and completely!