According to the New Zealand Stroke Foundation, over 9000 Kiwis experience a stroke each year – that’s 24 people every day.
Strokes often occur without warning, and the impacts can last a lifetime.
A stroke is caused by a sudden interruption of blood flow to part of the brain, and can commonly result in hemiparesis – a weakness or paralysis in one side of the body.
This can make completing everyday tasks more challenging. However, adaptive equipment to assist with daily personal care, mobility and meaningful activities can help stroke survivors to live more independently.
Key pieces of adaptive equipment to make daily living easier for stroke survivors
Walking Stick
A walking stick can provide extra support for people who are unsteady on their feet, particularly if they lack mobility on one side of the body.
People who have experienced a stroke may also want to consider the range of walking stick attachments for added safety.
A quad stabiliser – or Unifoot – provides four points of contact with the ground for better stability, especially on uneven or sloping surfaces. They also allow the walking stick to remain upright, so there’s no need to stoop to collect your fallen stick from the floor.
Long Handled Body Brush
Washing hard-to-reach places like your back, legs and feet can be difficult if you have a limited range of motion in your arms and shoulders.
A long-handled body brush or sponge can help you continue to wash independently.
Leg Lifter
Hemiparesis following a stroke can make tasks like dressing or repositioning your legs more challenging.
A leg lifter is a simple tool that allows you to lift and reposition your legs when you need to. Simply slide your foot into the foot holder and use the handle to lift and guide your leg into position. It’s ideal when moving from a seated to a reclining position on your sofa or bed.
Kettle Tipper
Everyone should be able to have a cup of tea when they like, and the kettle tipper means making hot drinks is safer for those with limited mobility living independently in their home.
A kettle tipper makes it easier to lift and pour your electric kettle. It’s ideal for people who lack strength or range of motion in their wrist, arm, or shoulder.
Other helpful resources:
Stroke Foundation of New Zealand
Guide to Room-by-Room Repairs for Easy Accessibility for Disabled Loved Ones
Top 5 things to consider when designing an accessible bathroom for wheelchair users.
Handicap Accessible Modifications That Won’t Turn Off Future Homebuyers
The information in this article was supplied by Maxine Orange and Ellise Robinson as part of their occupational therapy studies at Otago Polytechnic.
