Helpful Tips for People
Note: Brand names are indicated by quotes.
BATHROOM / HYGIENE
Hand towel near sink, stick a plastic hook on the wall, then put a round curtain ring (type that clips on curtain) on the towel & hang it on the hook.
Handicapped sink, small, no cabinet underneath, one knob control for water, cushioning around the pipes underneath to protect legs.
Toilet riser, "Toilevator," raises toilet about 3 1/2", easier to get on & off, installs between floor & commode.
Hand-held shower.
Liquid body soap, put it on sponge/washcloth (no slippery bar to drop). Also, remove the flip tops from shampoo bottles for easier access.
Cloth mesh bag with pockets to hang in shower, easy to reach.
"3M Cavilon No Sting Barrier Film" to use before applying external condom catheters, cuts down on irritation (contains no alcohol).
Put two clamps at end of catheter tubing, in case one comes open, there is a back-up, "Uri-Drain Reusable/Deluxe" leg bags come with a clothespin-type clamp that can be used on any bag's tubing.
Carry around an empty plastic soda bottle with cap, to drain catheter bag into if a bathroom is not accessible, very unobtrusive way to empty it, we've used it on airplanes.
"Celluvisc" eyedrops, to keep eyes moist, thicker than regular eyedrops, last longer.
Strips of soft cotton cloth (t-shirt material) in groin area, helps to absorb moisture, help prevent heat rash & irritation, along with powder.
Put a mirror above sink at wheelchair height.
Electric toothbrush.
After shower, lay on bed on beach towel, use hand towels to complete drying. Wipe between toes with tissue, then use hair dryer between toes (helps prevent athlete's foot) and in groin/perianal area (helps prevent heat rash).
KITCHEN
Adult bibs.
Plastic plates with lip/raised edge to help scoop up food.
Straws help to aid swallowing, also use plastic water bottles with built-in straws.
Put pills individually in small paper cups, easier to "drink" the pill, less dropping of pills.
Glasses with handles on them.
BEDROOM
Adjustable bed control attached to bungee/shock cord attached to wall/ceiling/pole, easier to reach.
TV remote control attached to cord, as above.
TV pole, goes from ceiling to floor, TV can be raised/lowered, swiveled.
"Super Pole" with trapeze over bed, helps to turn, raise up, slide up on bed. With or without trapeze, pole helps to transfer from bed to wheelchair.
Bed pads with liners, paper or cloth, help keep sheets clean.
Bungee/shock cord around the footboard of bed to hang night drainage bag from.
Quilt rack/rod or portable clothes hanging rod for towels, bed pads, blankets, clothing, helps keep room neat & items are close at hand.
Made a padded cover for the headboard in case someone falls back & hits it.
ANYWHERE
"Personal Pager," wear transmitter on cord around neck, caregiver carries receiver in pocket, works within 100' area. Also, portable doorbells, plug in receivers around the house, put transmitters near bed, toilet, etc.
Small plastic/cardboard baskets or boxes near bed, computer, & recliner to hold small items such as gum, mints, TV remote, glasses, tissues, etc. They can be easily grabbed & held.
CD shelves (but not for CDs!), by bed, kitchen table, computer, have small adjustable shelves with a solid back, they fit into almost any space & hold necessary items.
Offset door hinges allow doors to open wider to accommodate wheelchairs.
Kitchen timers, use to time PT, remind someone to have a drink, etc.
Hooks on walls for hats & jackets, at wheelchair height, also can be used to hang clothing on in bedroom.
Ball point pens, no pen top to drop.
Key to deadbolt on string hanging on hook at wheelchair height near door.
Small bottles of water with straw attached by rubber band, put in scooter bag, car, etc.
Reachers, put one in every room if possible, there is one made with rubber suction cups on the end ("ArcMate"), it can hold a computer disk & help put it into the drive slot.
Computer glasses, for the person who wears bifocal glasses, have a pair made just to use on computer, less neck strain (see your optometrist).
For ceiling fan/light with pull chain, attach longer chain for person in wheelchair to reach.
Get an address book to keep by computer, put in email addresses, passwords, tech support numbers, etc.
Cut out back of computer desk, underneath, put a stool/hassock in there to put feet up on.
Automatic door closer, difficult to close door behind you when in wheelchair.
WHEELCHAIR/SCOOTER
Scooter side bags on armrests & backpack on rear.
For wheelchair with power leg elevator, padded cushion attached to chair with velcro cushions calves. If footplate is metal with sharp edges, make a padded cover for it.
A horn, if not installed on scooter, attach a bicycle horn.
CLOTHING
T-shirts with collar & front pocket to carry small items (golf shirt type).
"Rolli-Moden" pants, for people who sit, cut higher in back, roomier in seat.
Replace snaps & hooks with velcro.
Attach small key ring to zipper pull, easier to find & grab.
Diabetic socks, roomier, non-binding, easier to put on & take off.
Shoes with velcro closings.
Sweat pants are the best!
To make a roomy caftan, buy an oversized robe, sew up the front, leave opening wide enough for head & put a velcro fastener under neck. Can also cut out the back of robe up to the waist, this makes it easy to get on & off for person in wheelchair without having to stand up.
Warm shoulder shawl with pockets in it.
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