Assistive and adaptive equipment is any kind of tool or device that can help simplify caregiving or make the environment safer for an ill, disabled, or elderly person. Here are some of the more common types of assistive equipment to consider for the home:
Bathroom grab bars
Raised toilet seats
Shower seats
Bathtub mats
Beds with special features that make it easier to get in and out of bed
Assistive telephones (for hearing-impaired and sight-impaired people)
Stovetop burners (for sight-impaired people)
Doorbell signaler (for hearing-impaired people)
Walkers and canes
Wheelchairs
Entry ramps
Home modifications (roll-in showers, stair lifts, pull-down kitchen shelves, movable cabinets under the sink)
Smoke detectors throughout the home
Alarm system in the home
Handrails for stairs
Nightlights where needed
There are many ways to get assistive equipment for the home. Always seek professional help. Talk with your healthcare provider about your particular needs and the best way to decide which assistive equipment will be right for you. Your healthcare provider will be able to help you with resources in your community. To learn more:
Family Caregiver Alliance
American Physical Therapy Association
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association