Much of occupational therapy's value has been dependent on knowledge about adaptive equipment that is readily available to the general public now. The general public does not know when the purchase of a piece of equipment is valuable or a waste of money. The following guidelines suggest when the use of a piece of equipment should be explored.
Adapted Bathing
Demonstrations are required to learn how to:
- Sequence themselves through safe transfers to a bath or shower chair.
- Use unusual passive aids (elevated toilet sets, toilet supports).
- Apply a wash mitt to the affected hand (if minimally involved) and demonstrate a modification of their familiar action; otherwise someone else will need to provide maximum assistance to clean their hand.
- Use of a suction hand brush to wash the unaffected hand.
- Self-clean their fingernails with a suction brush.
- Self-file nails of their unaffected hand.
- Use an extended handle foot brush.
Being able to use neuromuscular adjustment in ACL 5.0, results in easier variation of pressure. Being able to perceive surface appearance results in their ability to see stains and greasy residue in their hair. Spatial fit, which enters the scale in ACL 5.4, results in the ability to understand to wash in tight spaces like between the toes and under the nails.
Adapted Toileting
Both genders may learn to use portable urinals, adapted tissue aids (if highly valued) and remember safety precautions by providing a demonstration. Minimal assistance is required to point out consequences of tilting a full urinal.
Adapted Oral Hygiene
Demonstrate how to clean their dentures if a denture brush is unfamiliar. Demonstrate modifications of familiar actions like how to use a suction denture brush for one-handed use.
One-handed tooth brushing requires assistance with set up and demonstration on how to use a toothpaste dispenser (positioning brush, pressing long lever down, dispensing correct amount).
Adapted Grooming
Provide the person with adapted brushes / combs / make-up tools / toothbrush handle as needed.
Demonstrate how to use adapted dispenser handles (simple levers) for deodorant and shaving cream, with supervision to alter amounts, stabilize containers with jar and bottle opener for one handed use.
If shaving with an electric razor is unfamiliar, but shaving is a valued activity, adapt an electric razor with a universal holder for weak grasp.
Adapted Dressing
Sock-aids require neuromuscular adjustments which the person can more easily manage in ACL 5 Low. They can more easily use a pre-adjusted, static hand splint, while matching one feature at a time. The person is apt to recognize an obvious error in splint adjustment and ask for help.
They might be able to learn to apply and adjust lower extremity splints.
If unsteady, they will spontaneously change body position smoothly to prevent losing balance.
Adapted Feeding / Taking Medication
Within ACL 5 Low, the person is able to make continuous motor adjustments to smoothly adjust the pressure. Their ability to adjust their grasp makes the use of adapted utensils more effective. Demonstrate use of new and unfamiliar equipment. They can remain focused on the adapted feeding task satisfactory.