Key takeaways

  • Adaptive tools can make everyday life easier and more accessible and provide independence and dignity to people with disabilities. Trying out equipment is important before committing to a purchase. Lending libraries are a great resource for this purpose.
  • Expert Dr. Shilpa Amin, MD, CAQ, FAAFP, recommended gradually adding adaptive tools to your routine to get used to using them and address anxieties about incorporating adaptive tools at your own pace.
  • Amin recommends tools like the Cuisinart Electric Can Opener and home additions like the Arthritis Supplies Grab Bar. Healthline editor and author of this piece, Lois Zoppi, uses the Drive Medical Walking Stick with Seat in day to day life and finds it an essential aid for increasing mobility and independence.

There are so many tools and gadgets that aim to make life easier for people with limited mobility, strength, or coordination, from walkers and kitchen equipment to bathroom adaptations and gym aids.

We spoke with ABMS board certified physician Dr. Shilpa Amin, MD, CAQ, FAAFP, who specializes in family medicine, geriatrics, and integrative medicine, to offer insight on how to best adapt your home and what to consider when looking for adaptive tools.

Plus, we’ve selected some of the most popular and affordable products that can help make daily living easier and provided tips on where to look for assistance in finding and paying for adaptive tools.

For the kitchen | Skip to products

For the bathroom | Skip to products

For daily living | Skip to products

Amin said that useful adaptations to a person’s kitchen can include “installing pull-out drawers, touch-free faucets, and adaptive tools, as well as ensuring adequate lighting and accessible counter heights.”

They also called out the importance of ensuring adequate lighting and clear and unobstructed walkways to prevent trips and falls.

Read on to find out more about some affordable adaptive tools for the kitchen.

The bathroom is another important area where increased accessibility is key.

On the importance of adaptations in the bathroom, Amin said, “Modifications that improve balance, reduce falls, and enhance ease of use can support those with limited mobility and strength. This includes installing grab bars, nonslip surfaces, and accessible fixtures like lever-style faucets and shower chairs. Ensuring adequate lighting and clear pathways is crucial, along with addressing ventilation and temperature control.”

Let’s look at some options you can consider for your bathroom.

We chose adaptive tools based on criteria we think are good indicators of safety and quality. Every brand and product featured has been vetted by our team for medical and business standards. We looked at:

  • Safety: Where possible, we selected items with appropriate safety certifications, such as ADA guidelines. We also considered the design, materials, and weight limits of each item.
  • Professional insights: We spoke with an expert, Dr. Shilpa Amin, MD, CAQ, FAAFP, to assess the items in this article and provide insight on how people might use adaptive equipment in day-to-day life. We also put all products through our rigorous medical vetting process.
  • Experienced brands: We assessed whether brands have an established reputation in producing medical equipment or adaptive tools. We also evaluated any health and medical claims made by brands.
  • Price: We kept budgets in mind when choosing products. Overall, we selected products for smaller budgets, as we understand those with disabilities or certain health conditions may have tighter budgets for home adaptations.
  • Customer reviews: We looked closely at customer reviews to see what real-world users thought of each item.

We spoke to Amin about what you should consider when shopping for assistive tools.

“When first exploring assistive technology, individuals should consider cost, insurance coverage, longevity, adaptability to changing needs, and ongoing support and maintenance,” Amin said. “Understanding the financial implication, funding options, [and the] process for potential upgrades or replacements is needed.”

“It may also be helpful to solicit the services of a patient advocate or patient navigator or social worker to help understand how to approach obtaining the correct assistive devices for one’s needs,” Amin added.

Overall, you should consider:

  • Safety: Work with a medical professional to ensure the equipment you buy is safe for your needs and fits appropriately. They can also show you how to use and adjust your equipment.
  • Price: Assistive technology and devices can be expensive, so take time to consider what will be genuinely helpful for you day to day.
  • Health insurance coverage: Check with your provider to see whether it will cover your purchase and how many items it will cover.
  • Longevity: Consider whether the equipment you’re buying can be repaired or adjusted if your needs change over time. You can also speak with the supplier to discuss any repair or replacement services it offers.
  • Testing equipment: Try out equipment before you commit to a purchase to ensure it’s right for you.

Expert insight: Which healthcare professionals can help with assistive tools?

“Consult with professionals like occupational therapists or assistive technology specialists to assess your needs and recommend the most appropriate and adaptable devices.

“Several healthcare professionals can assist with home adaptations and assistive equipment training. Occupational therapists (OTs), physical therapists (PTs), and sometimes speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are key players in this process.

“OTs are particularly focused on adapting the home environment and teaching individuals how to use assistive devices for daily living tasks. Occupational therapists assess a person’s needs and abilities, including their home environment, and recommend appropriate assistive devices and modifications.

“[PTs] focus on improving physical function and mobility, which is often necessary for using assistive devices. They can teach individuals new techniques to compensate for limitations and recommend appropriate assistive devices for walking, transferring, or other physical activities.

“[SLPs] address communication and swallowing difficulties, which can impact the use of certain assistive devices. They can recommend devices to aid communication and teach individuals strategies to improve swallowing safety.

“Other professionals may also include specialists like rehabilitation engineers or assistive technology service providers, who can provide expertise in specific areas like wheelchair fitting or specialized technology.”

— Dr. Amin, MD, CAQ, FAAFP

Assistive devices can be expensive. Here’s how you can cover the cost of the devices and tech you choose:

  • Health insurance: Your health insurance provider may cover all or part of the cost of assistive devices. People using Medicaid and Medicare may also have coverage. The Medicare directory is useful for finding where you can source Medicare-covered equipment. Check your coverage with your provider before buying new equipment.
  • State assistance: State assistance programs can be a very useful resource. These can include state departments of rehabilitation, the Administration for Community Living, or assistive technology Act programs that may let you test or lend equipment.

The National Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society hosted an online webinar in 2021 in which an MS specialist recommended people with MS get a clinical evaluation before trying assistive technology. This is so you can understand what tech might be most useful for the symptoms you have at that moment in time. People with other conditions can also follow this advice.

Each state has an assistive technology lending library you can use to try out tech before committing to a purchase. The nonprofit AAccessible has a list of all the lending libraries across the United States.

Many people feel uncomfortable about using assistive devices for the first time, but they are an important addition that can enhance independence, dignity, and quality of life.

“It’s understandable to feel hesitant about accepting adaptive equipment, especially when there’s a strong desire to ‘push through’ pain,” Amin said. “However, embracing these tools can significantly improve quality of life and reduce long-term strain.”

“Think about using adaptive equipment as a proactive step toward well-being rather than a sign of weakness and focus on the benefits it offers in terms of independence, comfort, and overall health.”

They also highlighted the importance of focusing on the benefits of adaptive technology and understanding the risks of not using it.

“Instead of viewing adaptive equipment as a limitation, think about [your] ability to enhance independence, reduce pain and discomfort, and improve daily functioning. Embrace the proactive aspect of these devices as self-care and long-term health, rather than a sign of weakness. Consider this as a sense of maintaining independence, empowerment, and self-care.

“Pushing through pain can lead to chronic pain, further injuries, and a decline in overall health. Using adaptive equipment can help prevent long-term damage and enable individuals to enjoy a more active and comfortable life,” Amin said.

They suggested gradually integrating adaptive equipment into your life so you can “adjust at [your] own pace and build confidence” and seeking support from peers with similar experiences. By doing this, you can “acknowledge and address any concerns or anxieties about using adaptive equipment, fostering a sense of trust and support.”

“By shifting [your] mindset […] it’s possible for one to feel more comfortable and empowered to embrace adaptive equipment as a valuable tool for enhancing [your life],” Amin said.

Adaptive equipment can include mobility aids, like wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, and canes, and adaptive items and home modifications, such as kitchen utensils, dressing hooks, grab bars, or ramps.

Adaptive computer equipment can include screen readers, voice recognition programs, and screen enlargers.

Tools that may help people with disabilities aim to improve accessibility and independence. They can help people become more mobile, use their home more easily and safely, and engage in everyday life with fewer barriers.

These types of tools can take many forms depending on a person’s disability and their individual needs. They can include walkers, wheelchairs or canes, adapted cutlery and kitchen equipment, higher toilet seats or grab bars in the shower, and modified computer, sports, or leisure equipment.

DME stands for durable medical equipment. AE stands for adaptive equipment.

For an item to be described as DME, it must be for ongoing use, suitable to use at home, serve a medical purpose, and be unnecessary for people without illnesses or disabilities. DME may include wheelchairs, hospital beds, canes, lifts, or shower chairs.

AE refers to assistive equipment that enables daily living activities and is considered a “convenience item” rather than necessary medical equipment. As such, it’s not usually covered by insurance.

Adaptive tools are a great way for people with disabilities to enhance their independence and make daily life easier.

There are many affordable ways to adapt your living space, from installing grab bars in the bathroom to equipping your kitchen with adapted utensils. You can also try walking aids, smart tech to make managing your home devices easier, and using alternative tools for exercising and hobbies.

Be sure to check with your insurance provider before making any purchases to see whether you will have coverage. You can also try out lending libraries and contact state and nonprofit resources to make any investments more manageable.