What is Adaptive Equipment? Adaptive Equipment (AE) refers to any device or tool that can be used to assist with daily tasks. The most common types of adaptive equipment are related to ADL’s, or Activities of Daily Living, such as personal hygiene and grooming, bathing, dressing, toileting, basic mobility, and feeding. Various examples of AE relating to ADL’s include long handled shoe horns, long handled bath sponges, reachers, dressing sticks, sock aids (flexible, wide), elastic shoelaces, and button hooks (see picture A below). Examples of adaptive equipment for feeding include divided plates, weighted/built up utensils, scoop dishes, nosey cups, and angled silverware (see picture B below). Adaptive equipment can also be used to aid in driving, cooking, medication management, communication, leisure activities, etc. – the possibilities are endless!
Why is Adaptive Equipment used? We generally do not think about our day-to-day tasks until we have trouble completing them. If you experience a health status change, have a medical condition, or you are recovering from an injury or accident, your ability to complete daily tasks may become disrupted. Adaptive Equipment is used to make activities of daily living easier and allows people to be more independent despite their limitations.
Who is Adaptive Equipment for? Adaptive Equipment is used for persons across the lifespan and can be used either short term or long term. Some people that may benefit from AE includes those with arthritis, range of motion limitations or joint deformities; those with cardiac, neurological, or respiratory conditions; or those recovering from hip, knee or back surgeries that have certain precautions to adhere to.
Where can I get Adaptive Equipment? Occupational Therapy Practitioners can assist patients with obtaining needed AE and provide education for appropriate use. Adaptive equipment is utilized in various settings such as skilled nursing/rehab facilities, outpatient clinics, and in home health. Adaptive equipment can be purchased, and in some instances rented, from medical supply stores or online. OT’s can also sometimes fabricate AE to meet a patient’s needs.
Caitlin Gosche OTR/L
Lori Koser COTA/L
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