What Are the Types of Handicap Driving Products?

Handicap break controls, portable hand controls, and spinner knobs are four of the most common handicap driving accessories for automobiles on the market. Portable hand controls are designed for those who have some use of their arms, but do not have control of their lower bodies or feet. They are designed to instal in a vertical position in between the passenger and driver’s seat. These controls permanently affix to the brake and accelerator pedals. The controls also have switches to activate the automobile lights, and turn signals. They do take some practice for new users to get used to the devices, however, and should be tried out in a controlled environment before taking a vehicle on the road using these controls. There are also similar controls for the brakes of the car, however, they are not recommended for drivers with weak arm strength and are normally temporary in nature when installed.

Handicap spinner knobs are installed for drivers with limited hand or arm strength. They affix to the vehicle’s steering wheel and look similar to an Xbox or Playstation game controller. They have various switches, knobs, or buttons installed on the controller to control all of the aspects of the automobile dashboard, with the specific design being based on the individual manufacturer.

How Much Do Handicap Steering Wheel Controls Cost?

Handicap steering wheel controls can range in cost from $150 USD to several thousand dollars depending on the manufacturer of the devices. Many times, these devices will be covered by the disabled persons medical insurance depending on the nature of the device being purchased. Taking a hard look at helping make a family member or loved one who may be handicapped more independent is a critical part of building their self esteem. Not only will the person feel better about themselves, but those who have to devote much of their day or lives to transporting them around will now have additional free time as a result of the new independence of their loved one.

What Are the ADA Requirements for Accessible Bathtubs?

There are a number of bathtub styles on the market that conform to ADA recommendations for being suitable for use by the handicapped. Accessible bathtubs are designed to be larger than a normal tub in order to give plenty of room for the person to get in and turn around if need be. The tub should also have three sides that are molded for easy caregiver and bather access and many times will also have a door affixed to the tub. Although not required, if the person who is disabled is severely restricted in their mobility, there are also handicap bathtub lifts that can be used to help slowly lower your loved one or family member into and out of the bath water.

Accessible Bathtubs

When looking for an accessible bathtub, you will want to make sure if it comes with a door that the seal works and is water tight. Some of the popular accessories for these tubs also include the incorporation of grab bars or horizontal wall rails into the tub or adjoining wall to the tub. These let the person who is bathing support their weight without as much assistance. You can also have a seat and non-slip strips installed in the tub to help prevent accidental falls. Other handicap bathroom accessories that are commonly used also include an adjustable back scrubber and cleaners. When you look to purchase an accessible bathtub that meets ADA standards, however, be aware that they can run you more than $3000 USD. They are not typically covered under health insurance plans, but most stores will have flexible credit options for you to choose from to help get the right tub installed in your home for your handicap family member.

How Does a Handicap Door Opener Work?

There are two primary types of handicap door openers that are commonly purchased for the home : 1 – Those which open by push button, and 2 – Those that open based on motion sensors being activated. When combined with the purchase of an electric wheelchair, accessibility impaired friends or family members are now able to access their entire home and/or yard which would not be the case in the past.

What is an Alternative to an Automatic Handicap Door Opener?

Since a family may not be able to afford installing automatic door openers throughout the home, a complementing device that has gained popularity over the past decade are handicap home door knob openers. These door openers are on the door knob and can be pushed down to open the door. Patients who suffer from Parkinson’s disease who cannot open a traditional door knob, can use these opener’s to gain access to locations in the home that have previously been restrictive  to them.

Are Automatic Door Openers Safe?

There are two concerns that consumers have when looking at installing automatic door openers. First, what happens if there is an electric storm that knocks out power at the home? Will you be locked out or locked inside? Next, is can a criminal gain access to the home through using the door opening system? Regarding the safety aspect, the majority of door openers come with built-in battery backups that allow the door to be accessed in the event of emergency. This feature is not included with all handicap door openers, however, so you will want to check to make sure it is included with any new purchase that you make. Regarding security, many automatic door opening systems now come with a key-less entry pad that let you unlock the door using a four digit or greater key code.

Making your home more accessible for loved ones (or even yourself) is no longer a full, house-remodeling effort. There are a number of experienced contracting agencies that now have experience installing automatic doors in new or pre-existing buildings with most existing doors being able to have the devices added to them if a new door is not the right choice for you.

What Are Handicap Transfer Boards Used For?

The uses for handicap transfer boards can vary a fair bit. For wheelchair users transfer boards can be used to transfer the individual to and from a car, a bed, a bath tub, or even the toilette. They can also be used to assist caregivers in lifting heavier patients since most transfer boards support weights up to 400 lbs.

What to Look for in a Handicap Transfer Board?

You can purchase a transfer board from almost any online medical store or medical supply outlet in your local area. Depending on the type of handicap transfer board that you intend on purchasing, the cost will range from approximately $35 to $250 USD. If you choose a board that does not have any additional features such as cut outs, or notches, it will be closer to the cheaper end of the spectrum when costing out equipment. The more expensive boards have significantly more accessories to include swivel seats that can slide from one end of the board to the other. The average length of all transfer boards ranges from two feet to 32 inches.

What Types of Handicap Transfer Boards Are There?

There are a number of types of transfer boards on the market. They include wooden, curved, and plastic boards. The curved boards will have a swivel seat that lets you slide from one end to the other and are normally 27 inches in length. Curved boards can be used in most environments. Wooden transfer boards have several layers of wood that are adjoined and have a high gloss finish. Even though they are made of wood, the overall weight of these boards is still lightweight. The final type of handicap transfer board are plastic transfer boards. They are molded, and you do not have to worry about them chipping or becoming splintered, but generally only support weights up to 220-250 lbs lbs.

You may find that your loved one’s given situation requires the purchase of more than one transfer board. If the person requiring assistance does not have someone to help with transferring theirself, then it is considered a good idea to have multiple boards in the house to include a board for transfer to the toilet and one for the wheelchair to the vehicle.

What Are Easy Grip Utensils?

The term easy grip utensils refers to silverware and kitchen accessories that have handles modified to make it easier for someone to hold or have the utensil strapped to their hand or arm. They are designed to allow the person who has trouble gripping standard kitchen utensils by letting them be self-sufficient when handling the device. If purchased individually, these utensils can cost upwards of $9 USD, however, when purchased as a set will cost less money per item. The majority of easy grip devices are maintenance free now-a-days, and help bring a renewed sense of independence for the loved one who has been living without that is grip challenged.

Adaptive Cooking Equipment and Gear

Another task that the handicap sometimes face in the kitchen is how to cut food without suffering through the frustration of not being able to grip the knife and cutting board. There are now one handed cutting boards available as a handicap cooking aid which can be clamped onto a kitchen counter top. There are also models that have added design features to prevent food from slipping off of the cutting board as well as ones with pins that will clamp onto food to keep it from moving while cutting. One-handed cutting boards cost a little more than traditional boards at $40-80 USD, however, they are just one more tool that will help your loved one feel more independent in the home if physically challenged.

Other adaptive cooking and eating aids that are available on the market to help make the kitchen more handicap accessible include:

• Plates and bowls with food bumpers. These are designed to keep food from falling off of the plate and have a suction cup on the base of the plate or bowl in order to keep it affixed to the table or counter space while using to eat a meal.
• A reacher to help pick up items that may be too far to reach or comfortably grasp.

• One-handed dish washing scrubber that stabilizes a pan or plate for washing.
• Cooking mirrors to let you look into a pot without having to bend over the stove.
• Roller knives to aid in cutting food.

• Adult bibs and clothing protectors to help save clean up time after eating. They really go a long way to helping your loved one maintain their dignity while eating since no one likes to make a mess of themselves…especially if their disability precludes them from eating in a normal, non-messy fashion.

Handicap Bathroom Accessories

Handicap Bathroom Aid – Shower Bench and Accessories

One of the most commonly purchased bathroom accessories for the disabled is a shower bench. These benches are safe to be exposed to shower water, and help those who have trouble moving around more comfortably gain access to the bath or shower. A shower bench is typically combined with a hand-held shower wand in order to allow people who have back problems, or just can’t stand for prolonged periods of time use and enjoy the shower. An additional handicap bathroom aid that many have also found useful is to install shower grab bars to help your loved one gain support when moving into, out of, or standing up in the shower or bath. Not to be overlooked, is a non-slip mat for the bottom of the bath tub to help prevent slippage when standing or sitting.

Handicap Bathroom Aid – Soap and Lotion Applicator

A soap and lotion application tool is basically a long stick with a sponge attached that can be used to apply soap or lotion to hard to reach areas of the body. This can help those who have mobility issues prevent injury by no longer having to stretch to awkward positions to reach different parts of their body while bathing. Many bathroom falls are associated with trying to stand or stretch in an awkward position while bathing. The applicator head of these devices is replaceable so that a fresh sponge can be used when desired.

Handicap Bathroom Aid – Bed Bathing

Many times, handicap or elderly loved ones will be restricted to their bed for given time frames. Instead of solely relying on a washrag to rinse off, a portable shampoo basin allows them to shampoo hair with assistance in their bed. Most have a double tube design which helps prevent any water from splashing onto the family member’s clothing or bed. These basins are also typically inflatable so that you can deflate the basin after use if desired.

How Do Portable Wheelchair Ramps Improve Quality of Life?

Since portable ramps have been manufactured, they have helped to significantly improve the lifestyle of persons having disabilities which limits their mobility. Places such as the movies, office buildings, and shopping malls can now be accessed freely without limiting the activities that the affected person can enjoy. Many in-home caregivers have also started making portable wheelchair ramps a part of the equipment they bring to someone’s home in order to help the patient move around their on-home easier, while also making the car-giver’s job just a little easier.

What to Look for in a Portable Wheelchair Ramp?

There are a number of portable wheelchair ramps on the market. When you are looking for one either for yourself or a loved one, you will want to make sure that they are at least 30 inches wide or wider than the span of the affected persons wheelchair (with room to spare). You can find portable ramps that vary in length from two to 12 feet depending on the person’s needs and storage space available in the vehicle that will be moving the ramp and person around.

What is the Recommended Building Ramp Slope?

A slope greater than 1:20 on an accessible route is considered to be a handicap ramp. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) recommends that public or commercial buildings not have ramps build with slopes greater than 1:12 with a maximum width of 36 inches. Approved ramps are also supposed to have a level landing at the bottom and top of the ramp in order to help prevent injury to the wheelchair bound person.

What is the Recommended Portable Ramp Slope?

The portable wheelchair ramp industry uses the ADA safety guidelines for buildings to help guide manufacturers on how to construct portable ramps. Wheelchair ramps are designed to have a slope of no greater than 1:12 (one inch increase in incline over a 12 inch run). For private ramps, some areas may limit the overall length of the ramp that you can use, so there are higher inclined ramps available (1:6) but should be used with caution. The majority of portable ramps sold today are constructed from aluminum and have a max rating of 800 lbs.

Why Are Handicap Pedestal Sinks Made?

When society first started realizing about the traditional barriers that made life challenging for the disabled, a significant amount of effort has been placed into ensuring that no one is precluded from performing day-to-day functions such as washing his or her hands, accessing buildings, and being able to be safely evacuated during a fire or other crisis. One of the common locations that have not been handicap friendly has been the traditional bathroom or restroom due to the installed, vanity dresser sinks. These types of sinks do not permit a wheel chair to slide underneath which prevents access to the sink. Also, a number of vanity sinks are installed too high in the air which can also preclude access. As a result, handicap pedestal sinks have been designed and are sold in order to make your washroom more accessible to the disabled or wheel chair bound.

What is the Recommended ADA Pedestal Sink Height?

The American Disabilities Act (ADA) recommends that a handicap pedestal sink be 34 inches or less in height and provide at least 27 inch high knee room with 30 inches side to side and 19 inches inset or deep. There should also be at least four feet of turning space in front of the sink to allow proper access by a wheel chair and the sink should also be more than six and one half inches in depth. The ADA also requires that all piping be properly lagged or covered by the pedestal in order to prevent inadvertent injury by the handicap user.

Where Can You Get a Handicap Pedestal Sink?

Most companies that sell accessibility equipment for the wash or bathroom will sell pedestal sinks. They do not have to only be installed in a wheelchair accessible bathroom, however, as normal bathrooms can also have the pedestals put in place of the pre-existing vanity sink. Most handicap pedestal sinks will cost between $250 and $450 USD depending on the specific model and size that you choose to install.

How Can a Handicap Shower Chair Help Prevent Accidents?

Handicap shower chairs are used by individuals that have trouble moving around the bathroom in order to take a bath or shower. They provide added stability when bathing or showering and do not have the slippery surfaces found in most bath tubs or shower areas. This reduces the odds of injury, since standing while bathing has been shown to increase the odds of slipping or falling down and harming oneself.

What Types of Handicap Shower Chair Seats Are Available?

There are several types of handicap shower seats available when you are looking around the market place. They range from plastic, steel, to teak. Although many consumers have found the teak shower seats to be more comfortable, they have been found to potentially develop black fungi over the long term if not kept clean and will eventually wear out after the constant exposure to moisture and water.

Things to Look for When Choosing a Handicap Shower Seat

When you are looking for a handicap shower chair, you will want to make sure that it is designed to fit the intended user of the seat and is comfortable to use. There are also wheeled models available depending on the type of seat that you are considering for purchase. These models are more convenient for those who have trouble standing, but they may not be useable for all shower areas depending on the specific geometry of the bathroom. There are also mounted shower seats available that can be placed at the corner access of the bath that provide easy access to the shower if a portable seat is not desired. The mounted seat or bench may prove more suitable for people who can still walk, or walk with assistance.

What is a Bath Transfer Bench?

Bath Transfer benches are specifically designed to help individuals access the bath comfortably, but still have some mobility. They are larger than a handicap shower seat, and can be mounted or mobile depending on the specific needs of the individual. Features that you will want to look for in a bath transfer bench include: having an easy grip support, a large seating area and ergonomic backrest, anti-slip rubber feat, a basket organizer, and shower holder.

Residential elevators are not just for improving accessibility of the disabled, however, as many families have turned to their installation in order to alleviate long or frequent trips up numerous stairs depending on the layout of the home. They can be used for tasks as simple as helping take the groceries up multiple stairs to moving furniture around or assisting with your children.

What Are the Benefits of Residential Elevators?

Some of the benefits of a home elevator include:

• Increasing the value of your home. Depending on the geographic area that you live, installation of a home elevator can increase the value of your home up by up to 10%.
• Requires significantly less space than a stairway does in your home.
• Significantly less odds of becoming injured while traveling up and down your home elevator as compared to stairs.
• Most residential elevators require little to no regular maintenance.

• Are being sought out by more and more home purchasers who have accessibility concerns for their home.

- Lets a family remain in their current home if accessibility concerns arise due to growing older or for other reasons.

What Are Some Models of Home Elevators?

There are a wide-range of residential elevators on the market today. A few of the major manufacturers include:

1 – Lev – The Lev home elevator is one of the top selling residential elevators on the market. It is known for using some of the latest technology available to use for residential construction.

2 – Windsor – The Windsor residential elevator is a popular brand to install in a pre-existing home due to it being more compact that other brands and less expensive when installed in a two-store house.

3 – Minivator – The Minivator costs more than the Windsor, but is known for being able to be installed in compact areas where space is not available to install larger models.