Personal Care Aids

Maximizing Life with Limited Dexterity

Sometimes, we take our coordination and dexterity for granted when we are younger. Unfortunately, as we age, both of these can become diminished. Living with limited dexterity can pose problems in just about every aspect of our lives. If our dexterity decreases, are there ways to get the most out of life without surrendering to this issue? We here at HPFY can give you some great tips for maximizing your life while dealing with limited dexterity.

What Can Cause Limited Dexterity?

Many of our physical capabilities can diminish over time as we age. Our dexterity and ability to do some fine motor skill tasks are definitely one of these physical abilities. Many of these can be important to us since they are part of our everyday hygiene routine, as well as simple tasks we may take for granted. Is it just aging, or are there other potential causes for this decline? Some causes include:

• Arthritis
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Stroke
• Cerebral Palsy

These and other causes, such as alcohol misuse or medications, can lead to ataxia. This is the term used for a lack of muscle control or coordination of voluntary movements. These voluntary movements can be everything from picking up items to walking.

Limited Dexterity Aids at HPFY

For whatever reason, your dexterity becomes limited or diminished; finding the appropriate medical aid that can allow you to maintain your sense of independence and quality of life is truly important. A great resource for the type of products you may need is your occupational therapist. They may suggest items such as:

• Essential Medical Lotion EZE Long-Handle Lotion Applicator: Whether used with over-the-counter or prescription lotions, this 14-inch long-handled applicator can easily reach your legs, feet, or back. For those who may experience limited dexterity in their hands, it has a contoured grip with a thumb hole for a secure grip, and the easy-to-remove pad can be cleaned, or there are replacement pads available.
• Complete Medical Comfort Blue Jay Long-Range Self Wipe: For those with diminished flexibility and limited dexterity, this wand can extend up to 15 inches and can be used with toilet paper or flushable wipes to maintain your personal hygiene. It is made from sturdy ABS plastic and has a release button for hands-free disposal.
• Homecraft Flannel Strap and Wash Mitt: Maintaining a personal hygiene routine may become more difficult with limited dexterity. This flannel strap and wash mitt allow the user to apply lotions, creams, and even body wash where needed. The strap has a soft, terrycloth side and, on the other, a coarse foam for exfoliating and toning skin. Users with limited dexterity benefit from the D rings on each end for a secure and safe grip.

 

• Norco Regular Elastic Shoelaces: Those who may suffer from limited back mobility, limited hip flexion, or limited dexterity can benefit from these elastic shoelaces. By allowing the user to lace and tie their shoes once in a normal manner, they can then slip their shoes on or off without tying or untying.
• Economy Dressing Stick: Limited or no movement in one arm can make dressing next to impossible, and this dressing stick can remedy some of that. The 27.5-inch dressing stick only weighs less than 5 ounces and has a hook on one end to pull up lower body garments, while the other end has a larger hook and a pusher to position clothing properly. It can be used for socks, shirts, and even pants to maintain your level of independence.
• Good Grips Button Hook: Fine motor skills can be compromised for those with limited dexterity, and buttoning your shirt can be extremely difficult. This aid can help users button their shirts with a rubber-like handle with flexible ribbing that can accommodate any grip. It has a firm 2-inch long wire section that can grab just about any button and is designed to be used single-handedly.

 

• 5-In-1 All Purpose Opener: Often, as we age, we lose strength in our wrists and hands, and this can make performing daily activities difficult. This all-purpose opener helps pop the cap off bottles without the need for a strong grip, making it accessible for those with limited hand strength.
• Etac Swedish One-Handed Food Preparation Cutting Board: As the name suggests, it's crafted to be used with just one hand, making it accessible for individuals who may have difficulty using both hands simultaneously. This Food Cutting Board has mechanisms to ensure it stays in place during food preparation, providing stability for users with limited hand control. It holds different types of food items for easy cutting, grating, peeling, mixing, and more.
• Sammons Preston Rocker Knife: The best tool to enhance independence in the kitchen for those with limited dexterity. It allows users to cut through food by applying a rocking motion rather than the traditional back-and-forth motion, making it more accessible. It allows for a smoother and more controlled cutting experience.

Tools for limited dexterity are out there but may require some trial and error on your part to find what works right for you. You can seek the advice of your doctor or occupational therapist as to what might benefit you the most, but rest assured, there are medical aids that can help you overcome limited dexterity and any flexibility/fine motor skill issues you have.

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