Automatic sensor faucets make it easier to wash your hands, brush your teeth, etc. They help you conserve energy, and they save you the effort of having to reach over to twist a knob or lift a lever.
Some models, like the one pictured here (iTouchless EZ Faucet PRO), attach to the end of the spout, making it easy to install, although they sometimes leak if the seal isn't perfect. They are inexpensive, however, and don't require much in the way of installation.
If you want to spend a little more, and get something that is a nicer looking and better built, you can get a faucet that is designed for touch free operation, like the Delta Touch2O line of faucets. They require you to replace the whole faucet, and the installation is more involved, although it can be done yourself if you are handy.
Some models, like the one pictured here (iTouchless EZ Faucet PRO), attach to the end of the spout, making it easy to install, although they sometimes leak if the seal isn't perfect. They are inexpensive, however, and don't require much in the way of installation.
If you want to spend a little more, and get something that is a nicer looking and better built, you can get a faucet that is designed for touch free operation, like the Delta Touch2O line of faucets. They require you to replace the whole faucet, and the installation is more involved, although it can be done yourself if you are handy.
It is very important for ALS patients to avoid catching colds or flu or getting sick. Place hand sanitizer dispensers, like Purell, around the house, particularly at the entrance to the house, so that visitors can sanitize their hands when coming in. Putting one near a bathroom is also convenient for ALS patients. Automatic dispensers, like the one pictured, are inexpensive and can make it easier for patients with arm weakness to apply the sanitizer without having to push or press a pump nozzle.
A bidet makes it easier to stay sanitary. It is easier for the patient (rather than having to struggle to reach around for toilet paper) and for the caregiver. Some models have heated seats (nice in the winter), warm air blowers (reduces or eliminates the need for paper), and remote controls (so you don't have to reach around or exert yourself).
Yes, for some people the idea of a bidet seems strange, and it may take some getting used to, but trust me, once you use one, you will not want to go back (and your caregiver will be very grateful as well).
Yes, for some people the idea of a bidet seems strange, and it may take some getting used to, but trust me, once you use one, you will not want to go back (and your caregiver will be very grateful as well).
A toilet riser makes the seat higher. This makes it much easier to get on and off the toilet, particularly if the patient has leg weakness. It also makes it easier on the caregiver, who does not have to bend over as much to assist the patient. The riser can be added to an existing toilet, just make sure to match the shape (round or elongated) with the type of toilet seat you have.
Another option is to replace the toilet with a taller model. These are very readily available at large hardware stores like Home Depot or Lowe's. They are usually specified as ADA compliant. Look for an ADA or wheelchair symbol, or check that the height is around 16 or 17 inches.
Another option is to replace the toilet with a taller model. These are very readily available at large hardware stores like Home Depot or Lowe's. They are usually specified as ADA compliant. Look for an ADA or wheelchair symbol, or check that the height is around 16 or 17 inches.
Another item to make life easier for ALS patients is the automatic soap dispenser. Anything that reduces the amount of effort required for daily living activities will improve the quality of life.
Getting in and out of the house, or through doors inside the house, can be difficult for people using walkers or wheelchairs. The Skylink Swing Door Opener is a relatively inexpensive motorized door opener with remote control that can be added to existing doors. Commercially available motorized doors targeted at the disability community are generally expensive and require professional installation. The Skylink is very inexpensive and can be installed yourself or by a handyman.
While we are on the subject of automatic/motorized door openers, there aren't a lot of good options for pedestrian gate openers. Juri needed to get out of the yard and to her rampvan through a garden gate. Most gate openers are targeted at really large gates that swing open for cars to drive through and are really overkill for a person-oriented garden gate. The Skylink, mentioned above, is not suitable for outdoor installation, as it is not weather proof.
The best option I found is the GTO/Might Mule FM200 gate opener. It is the smallest gate opener that I could find. If you install it on a garden/yard gate, make sure the gate and the post are very sturdy, otherwise the opener may tear the wood apart. When installed correctly, it works very well for this purpose, and the gate can be opened with a remote control that Juri keeps on her wheelchair.
The best option I found is the GTO/Might Mule FM200 gate opener. It is the smallest gate opener that I could find. If you install it on a garden/yard gate, make sure the gate and the post are very sturdy, otherwise the opener may tear the wood apart. When installed correctly, it works very well for this purpose, and the gate can be opened with a remote control that Juri keeps on her wheelchair.
A call button is important to have for patients. It can be used when the patient is in bed or in the toilet, and they want to get the attention of the caregiver. An easy and inexpensive way to set one up is to use a wireless doorbell. Many of them allow you to set different ring sounds, so that you don't confuse the call button with the front doorbell. You can also use different ring sounds for different locations in the house. A model like the GE 19209 comes with two buttons, so you can put them in different locations. You can also buy additional buttons for more rooms in the house. You can also get more bells, so that the caregiver can hear the bell in different rooms (e.g., one in the kitchen, one in the laundry room).
The GE 19200 is a bell that works with the 19209 above, but it also includes a flashing light. This is useful when you want to have a call bell in a noisy location, such as a laundry room, where you might not hear the bell when the call button is pressed.