9 replies to this topic

[otaT11]

hello I am currently a student under the OTA program tying to find out if anyone has an idea for an assistive device for a T11 spinal cord injury patient to assist them with independent managment in bathing, dressing, toileting hygiene, tranfers, reaching, or any other problem areas. please help!!!!!!!!!! my assistive device is due monday and I have no good ideas because everything already exists.

[LuckyinKentucky]

I remember a shower being such a pain in the ass when i was newly injured. When I got home i got a small hook on a suction cup which allows you to just put the head on the wall close by and once again relax in the warm flow of water. For me this changed a shower back from an annoying chore into a relaxing experience.


It's not really an invention as an newly necessary application... which is good because if it was sold intended for some kind of disabled/medical use it would have cost ten times as much.

[otaT11]

LuckyinKentucky, on Nov 27 2009, 11:02 PM, said:

I remember a shower being such a pain in the ass when i was newly injured. When I got home i got a small hook on a suction cup which allows you to just put the head on the wall close by and once again relax in the warm flow of water. For me this changed a shower back from an annoying chore into a relaxing experience.


It's not really an invention as an newly necessary application... which is good because if it was sold intended for some kind of disabled/medical use it would have cost ten times as much.

thanks for your reply...........how exactly is the hook attached to the suction cup and to your body? can you explain. Is there any other areas of daily tasks were you might have difficult times ex. dressing, toileting, ect

[edlee]

For most T11s,, the assistive devices needed are really quite basic. For our level of injury, it's mostly a matter for fitness. Keeping the upper body strong. Perhaps an exercise device of some kind, suited for someone in a chair, might be considered an "assistive device".

Something I am in the market for, is a way to clean my mirror above my bathroom sink. I can reach the bottom third with a lot of effort, but the top two thirds look even worse once I clean the bottom. Whatcha got???
ed

[otaT11]

edlee, on Nov 28 2009, 03:16 PM, said:

For most T11s,, the assistive devices needed are really quite basic. For our level of injury, it's mostly a matter for fitness. Keeping the upper body strong. Perhaps an exercise device of some kind, suited for someone in a chair, might be considered an "assistive device".

Something I am in the market for, is a way to clean my mirror above my bathroom sink. I can reach the bottom third with a lot of effort, but the top two thirds look even worse once I clean the bottom. Whatcha got???
ed

thank you for replying......I know there are several different reachers that you can use.....try sammonpreston.com under the aids of daily living or just search the entire site they have nice things you can use.........

[otaT11]

edlee, on Nov 28 2009, 03:16 PM, said:

For most T11s,, the assistive devices needed are really quite basic. For our level of injury, it's mostly a matter for fitness. Keeping the upper body strong. Perhaps an exercise device of some kind, suited for someone in a chair, might be considered an "assistive device".

Something I am in the market for, is a way to clean my mirror above my bathroom sink. I can reach the bottom third with a lot of effort, but the top two thirds look even worse once I clean the bottom. Whatcha got???
ed

edlee .....what other limitations do you have ex. dressing, transfers, bathing, toileting, ect ........thks in advance I am trying to think what type of device would be good for SCI at T11, 10, or 12

[ArtsyinTx]

I have 3 different grabbits. my wleelchr, transfer board & that about takes care of me for now. Mostly, I too think you are better off being creative as much as possible. I'm getting a lift & some other big $ things after Jan 1. I'll let you know if something more useful flashes thru my brain. I'm new at this myself, so far i've learned patience is your best tool.

[edlee]

Sorry I haven't answered sooner,,, but it's deer season and I've been out every day.

I don't use anything more than Artsy,,

How about a HEAVY DUTY grabber,,,, something to pick up ten or fifteen pounds? My grabbers have a little trouble with anything over five pounds, and I occasionally need something stronger,, like when I drop my wheel putting my chair in the car and can't quite reach it.

It wouldn't need to clamp,,, maybe a hook on the end.
ed

[Tetracyclone]

edlee, on Nov 28 2009, 04:16 PM, said:

For most T11s,, the assistive devices needed are really quite basic. For our level of injury, it's mostly a matter for fitness. Keeping the upper body strong. Perhaps an exercise device of some kind, suited for someone in a chair, might be considered an "assistive device".

Something I am in the market for, is a way to clean my mirror above my bathroom sink. I can reach the bottom third with a lot of effort, but the top two thirds look even worse once I clean the bottom. Whatcha got???
ed

Ed-

Get a squeegee on a long handle. hold a rag in the non dominant hand to catch the drips.

Edited by Pwuff, 08 December 2009 - 12:31 AM.

[otaT11]

I want to thank each and everyone of you who responded to my request for assistance.......sorry I took so long to post a new message I was taking my finals. I just want to share with you all my idea for the assistive device. Sorry that I can't provide pictures because I gave it to a friend that was needing my device. I created a device to relief pressure sores, reposition the body, and for assistance with hygiene. I will try to describe it as best as possible for a mental image of how it was created. I used a thin woodboard about 3' long and 1' wide covered with a foam for cushing and a washable cover for hygiene purpose, at the bottom the board had six different notches to elevate the body part with a securing lock at each level for the clients comfort. i tried drawing a picture but was not sucessful. Once again thank you all for your comments and ideas.

Lori