Using assistive devices at home
Are you wondering whether a piece of assistive equipment at home could help you? Perhaps you’ve noticed that getting up, having a shower, getting dressed, cooking or walking is becoming more difficult. A piece of assistive equipment can provide support in such cases. However, it can also take some getting used to. Some people find it difficult to start using an assistive device because it feels as though they are giving something up. An aid is not there to make you more dependent. On the contrary, it can actually enable you to continue doing more for yourself. It is important, however, that the aid is suited to your situation and that you know how to use it safely.
What do you notice?
The need for an aid often arises during ordinary daily activities.
You may, for example, notice that:
- getting out of bed or a chair is difficult;
- feels unsafe when showering or getting dressed;
- you are looking for support with furniture;
- you have difficulty bending down or reaching;
- cooking or household chores are too demanding;
- you are afraid of falling;
- if you need more help than you would like;
- you have aids, but you are not using them properly;
- You are unsure which aid is appropriate.
Sometimes assistive devices lie unused in the home. This often happens if they do not fit in well with your habits or if the instructions were not clear enough.
