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Adaptive Equipment

(See dressing, bathing and home modifications for specific recommendations)

Reachers

• Basic reacher: cheap and can handle general tasks, cheap (tip: sometimes having a couple reachers in areas where they are typically used such as bathroom, near recliner, in kitchen, etc is helpful as people tend to forget to bring the reacher along) (Note: there are various lengths depending on needs and persons height)
• Basic reacher with magnetic tip: magnetic tip allows to pick up items such as coins and light keys
• Reacher with claw: preferred by some and typically has a better grip for bigger or more slick items (note: using a reacher makes items heavier to pick up than picking up by hand because of the extended lever arm)
• Foldable reacher: nice for walkers or on the go use

Leisure Activities

• Crochet hook for arthritis: larger handle for more comfortable grip
• Large print playing cards: Makes cards easier to see for those with some visual problem
• Card holder: Great for those with only 1 functional arm (stroke, broken arm, arthritis) or those who tire easily (Tip: chose a longer card holder for games requiring more cards, make sure the base is large to minimize tipping)

Advanced Directives

(Also see Living wills, advance directives and POAs)

• Compassion and Choices: *Start here glossary of Advance Directive terms.
• American Bar Association: Resources for Health Decisions including advanced care planning and conversations about care
• National Hospice & Palliative Care Organization: Video on conversations about Advanced Care planning.
• National Hospice &Palliative Care Organization: State Advance Care Directives- You can download a form for your particular state! Be sure to take time considering the factors and details, but remember you CAN change and update your wishes.
• Mydirectives.com: Digital Advance Directives. The platform also facilitates the decision making process and provides scenarios.
• Organdonor.gov: US Government information on organ donation and transplantation
• National POLST: Information on portable medical orders

Aging in Place

• Universal Accessibility: List of CAPS Remodelers by state

Arthritis

• Arthritis Foundation: Education, advice on management and healthy living and science update regarding arthritis.

Caregiving Resources

• Family Caregiver Alliance: Resources to care for others and yourself, links for resources in your sate and expanding to information in more languages.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): “Basics About COPD” article

Dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease and Memory Loss

• Alzheimer’s Association: Resources and support
• Alzheimer’s Foundation of America: Memory screenings, education, caregiving resources and helpline
• National Institutes of Health: “What Are the Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease?” article
• Compassion and Choices: Advanced Care Planning for Dementia Tool

Diabetes

• Centers for Disease Control (CDC): ” What is Diabetes?” article, be sure to check out the information on pre-diabetes

Driving

• AOTA Driving Rehabilitation Specialist Database: Search for driving specialist near you
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: Advice for older drivers and their families

Home Modifications

• National Institute on Aging: “Fall-Proofing Your Home” article
• Universal Accessibility: List of CAPS Remodelers by state
• USA.gov: Assistance programs for home modifications

Incontinence

• National Institutes on Aging: “Urinary Incontinence in Older Adults” article
• The National Association for Continence: Education and support for incontinence
• Pelvic Rehab Practitioners: Searchable data base for practitioners specializing in pelvic health including incontinence

Legal

• The Senior Citizens League: nonpartisan advocacy groups representing older Americans

Life Long Learning

• Coursera: free to audit several courses including topics on history, health, science and tech from universities, institutes and museums from around the world
• EdX: Offers some free courses on various topics from art, culture, science, engineering, ethics, tech. music and more from various prestigious institutions (similar to Coursera)
• TED Talks: Mentally stimulating talks on everything from global issues, entertainment, health, religion, science and many more topics

Living Wills, Advance Directives and POAs

• Mayo Clinic: Advice on living wills, advanced directives (including final wishes) and power of attorney (appointed decision makers)

Medicaid

• Go to your states Medicaid website in order to learn more about your eligibility (each state delivers Medicaid differently).

Medicare

• Retire Guide: Easy to understand information on Medicare eligibility, options and coverage.

Medication Management

• Basic pill organizer: For people who have difficulty managing multiple pill bottles each day (someone may fill boxes for the person). For those who remember to take their medication, know the day of the week and can open the box. (note: there are options for multiple times a day and various designs)

Parkinson’s Disease

• Parkinson’s Foundation: Resources and support for people with Parkinson’s Disease and support systems
• LSVT Global: Programs for people with Parkinson’s Disease to improve speech/communication, mobility and movement in daily life

Pet Care

• Automatic Pet Feeder: Automatically dispenses pet food. Pros: Decreases frequency of bending for pet owners or need for pet caregivers visits for feeding, good for forgetful pet owners, can program message to alert pet of feeding time (Pavlov’s dog phenomenon), has backup power system Considerations: Pets scared or resistive to new feeding area or food falling out initially, may not be best dogs requiring elevated bowls unless placing the feeder on top of another stable surface, may not hold enough food for multiple feedings for large breed dogs
• ARAD No More Bending Dual Pet Bowl: Pet food and water bowl with a long handle to minimize the need to bend down and put the food and water on the floor! This is great for people with difficulty bending or recovering from hip or back surgery.

Sexuality

• National Institute on Aging: “Sexuality in Later Life” article

Traveling

• U.S. Department of Transportation: Wheelchair and Guide Assistance