Study Modules > Module IV: Sensory: Vision and Taste/Smell

Problem

Potential Intervention

a. Getting on/off toilet

Raised seat: side safety bars: grab bars

b. Getting in/out tub

Grab bars: bath stool/chair: transfer bench: hand held shower; rubber mat: hydraulic lift bath seat

c. Slippery or wet floors

Non-skid rugs or mats

d. Hot water burns

Turn down hot water heater thermostat: anti-scald device

e. Doorway too narrow

Leave wheelchair at door and use walker: install off-set door hinge

f. Dizziness standing at sink

Sit on stool

g. Difficulty seeing

Adequate lighting: clear plastic shower curtain: toilet seat cover or seat that contrasts with walls and floor: adjustable mirror magnifier

Problem

Potential Intervention

a. Open flames & burners

Microwave, electric toaster oven: hot plates: crock pot: meals on wheels: frozen dinners: auto shut off

b. Access items

Install accessible wall outlets, switches: automatic fire extinguisher in range hood. Place commonly used items in easy to reach areas: adjustable height counters, cupboards, pull out drawers: lazy susans: wall storage rack: remove cabinet doors: reacher

c. Hard to turn on or off faucet/stove

Lever-style faucet: “T” turning handle

d. Carrying items

Slide across counter: use cart: walker basket or tray: bridge items surface to surface: eat at counter sitting on stool

e. Difficulty seeing

Adequate lighting: contrasting colored china, placemats, napkins: utensils with brightly colored handles: Hi Marks

Problem

Potential Intervention

a. Soft, low chair

Board under cushion: pillow or folded blanket to raise seat: blocks or platform under legs: automatic seat lift/chair: Good armrests to push up on: back and seat cushions (Obus Form)

b. Swivel and rocking chairs

Block motion

c. Obstructing furniture

Relocate or remove to clear paths (especially glass top tables)

d. Extension cords

Run along wall baseboard: under sturdy furniture: eliminate unnecessary ones: use power strips with breakers, if possible

e. Accessing and seeing light switches

Touch sensitive switches, voice activated light switches (X-10, Radio Shack): illuminated wall switches: avoid light switch plates and sockets that blend with wall paper or paint color

Problem

Potential Intervention

a. Rolling beds

Remove wheels: block against wall

b. Bed too low

Leg extensions: blocks: second mattress: adjustable height hospital bed

c. Getting in/out bed

Portable bed rail, trapeze

d. Lighting

Bedside light: night light: flashlight (attaches to walker or cane): remote controlled switches (X-10, Radio Shack), lamp switch extension lever, touch lamp, touch light extension control

e. Sliding rugs

Remove: tack down: rubber back: two sided tape (hardware store)

f. Slippery floor

Non-skid wax: no wax: rubber sole footwear

g. thick rug edge/threshold

Metal strip at edge: stripe to mark change: remove threshold: tack or tape down edge

h. Far from bathroom

Mobility aid next to bed: bedside commode: urinal

i. Night-time calls

Bedside phone: cordless phone: intercom: buzzer, lifeline

j. Access clothes

Place clothes in easy to reach drawers, shelves or hangers

k. Can’t see clock

Large faced clock radio: Braille alarm clock: talking alarm clock

Problem

Potential Intervention

a. Cannot negotiate

Stair glide: lift (Braun Corp), elevator, ramp (permanent, portable or removable): able to bump up/down stairs on rear end in emergencies

 b. No handrails

Install at least one side (check stability)

c. Loose rugs

Remove or nail down to wooden steps

d. Difficult to use

Adequate lighting: mark edge of steps with bright colored tape (at least top & bottom ones)

e. Unable to use walker on stairs

Keep second walker or wheelchair at top or bottom of stairs

Problem

Potential Intervention

a. Difficult to reach

Cordless phone: inform friends to give you 10 rings: clear path: headset cordless phone: answering machine & call back: remote answer phone

b. Difficult to hear ringing

Ring amplifier: blinking lights: vibration (Silent Call, Inc.)

c. Difficult to hear other person

Volume control: TDD: headset

d. Difficult to hold receiver

Headset: speaker phone: adapted handles

e. Difficulty dialing numbers

Preset memory dial: large buttons & numbers: voice activated dialing

Problem

Potential Intervention

a. Laundry

Easy to access (1 st floor): sit on stool to access clothes in dryer: good lighting: fold laundry sitting at table: carry laundry in bag on stairs, use cart

b. Mail

Easy to access mailbox: mail basket on door: ask carrier to place in a specific location (same for paper): install mail-slot, use reacher: key lever

c. Housekeeping

Long-handled sponge, dustpan: lightweight vacuum

d. Controlling thermostat

Mount in accessible location: large print numbers (available from gas company in some areas): remote controlled thermostat (X-10, Radio Shack)

Problems

Potential Interventions

a. Difficulty reading label

Use magnifying glass: good lighting: large print

b. Memory loss

Medication organizer: automatic pill dispensers: organize in envelopes with time & date: throw out all old medications

c. Difficult to open

Pill cap opener, ask pharmacist for easy open top

Problem

Potential Interventions

a. Can’t hear/see television

Personal listening device with amplifier (several commercial brands, compatible with hearing aids): closed captioning: TV magnifier

b. Complicated remote control

Simple remote with large buttons: universal remote control: voice activated remote control, clapper

c. Can’t see or shuffle cards

Large print cards: automatic shuffler, card holder

d. Can’t read small print

Magnifying glass: print enlargement system: scanner with electronic voice output

e. Glare on reading material

Use focused light source: avoid glossy paper for reading material: black ink vs. blue or pencil

Problem

Potential Interventions

a. Difficulty locking doors

Remote controlled door lock, door wedge

b. Difficulty opening door and knowing who is there

Automatic door openers: intercom at door: lever door knob handles: video intercom

c. Opening/closing windows/shades

Remote controlled windows and shades: lever and crank

d. Can’t hear alarms, smoke detectors, phone ringing, or doorbell

Blinking lights, vibrating surfaces (Silent Call, Inc.)

e. Access to emergency egress

Must have alternative means of exiting home in case of emergency: fire blanket

f. Lighting

Illumination 1-2 feet from object being viewed: change bulbs when dim, not burned out: adequate lighting in stairways and hallways: nightlights

g. Glare

Light-colored sheer curtains on windows with direct sunlight: gradual decrease in illumination from foreground to background.