Harpswell Aging at Home can help residents explore a wide variety of assistive and adaptive tools for everyday living. These tools are designed to help individuals with differing abilities or needs perform tasks more easily and effectively, as well as participate in daily life with greater ease.
Adaptive and assistive tools encompass a range of devices and software to enhance individuals’ capabilities or make everyday items more accessible. Examples include screen readers for people with low vision, hearing aids for those with hearing loss, mobility aids such as wheelchairs or walkers, adjustable desks for individuals with mobility challenges, and software that allows users to interact with computers in ways that suit their needs. Both types of tools aim to promote independence, productivity and quality of life.
Harpswell Aging at Home has developed a helpful list of tools, together with photos and suggestions for retailers and prices. The tools range from kitchen helpers (one-touch can openers, jar openers, special eating utensils) and reading and writing aids (magnifiers, prism glasses) to tools used in homes (reach tools, strobe doorbells, grab bars) and vehicles (seat belt grabbers and extenders, transfer support handles). There are adaptive tools for daily tasks and self-care activities as simple as putting on shoes (long-handled shoehorns) and manipulating buttons and zippers on clothing.
Harpswell Aging at Home volunteers display the tools at the organization’s events, such as Lunch with Friends and Repair Café, so individuals can examine them before purchase and determine if they might work for their circumstances. Adaptive tools also are showcased at community events, such as the Harpswell Heritage Land Trust’s solstice celebration and Harpswell Neck Fire and Rescue’s open house.
Physicians and physical and occupational therapists can work with patients to determine the medical necessity for adaptive tools and potential for insurance coverage, and can provide training on the correct and safe use of adaptive equipment.
Harpswell Aging at Home strives to help its neighbors adapt to their environment or changing abilities. Assistive and adaptive tools empower individuals to accomplish tasks without reliance on others, resulting in increased independence, more effective communication, and a reinforced sense of well-being. The benefits of adaptive tools and equipment contribute to an improved quality of life. And that’s really what it’s all about, isn’t it?
For more information about Harpswell Aging at Home’s adaptive tools, call the Town Office at 207-833-5771 ext. 108.
