This OT's Top 3 Favorite Devices (aka. "Gadgets")

One of the things I love about OT is that we have countless tools to make everyday living easier. A number of patients refer to these devices as "gadgets" because they're cool! Our job is to ensure that the equipment that they use will help promote their independence in different ways.

Anyway, here are my top 3 Favorites!

3. Dycem
I've used this with my patients, and it's amazing. You can cut it in any shape, and it's so versatile and easy to clean. The best thing about this is that you can come up with creative solutions.

2. TheraPutty
What can I say? I'm a kid at heart. This is like Play Doh but more durable and has anti-bacterial properties. It's really used for therapeutic purposes, and is color-coded ranging from very soft to firm.

1. Long-Handled Dressing Stick
This assistive device may look like it's designed for dressing only, but I found 10+ things you can do with it. This is actually my favorite, and I call it the "Multipurpose Stick"!

10+ Things I Could Do With a Dressing Stick 
(Multipurpose Stick)!

1. Use pointed end to remove socks and shoes.

2. Put on pants. (Flattened end can keep one pant leg from sliding out of place and long handled reacher can be used to hold and pull up the other pant leg.)

3. Dry legs and feet. (Hooked end can hold one end of the towel and long handled reacher can hold the other). 

4. Press elevator buttons.

5. Press ATM keys.

6. Flush toilet.

7. Grab loops of jacket/coat.

8. Use hook end to pick up empty soda cans or dump them into recycling bins/trash.

9. Grab hard-to-reach items (e.g. under the bed).

10. Flip on/off light switch.

11. Gently yank chain (e.g. ceiling fan)

12. Press down lever handles (e.g. door)

13. Hang clothes in hangers or bring down clothes in hangers.

14. Pull against handle (e.g., closet door) or pull open door (e.g. dryer door).

15. Use hook end to open soda can!
      CAUTION: The stick should be parallel to the table and make sure there are no objects or people nearby. (Even though I tried this out and it worked, I would NOT use this as an intervention.)