Tips & Tricks
The resources and products provided below are from people living with ALS, PLS and their caregivers. These suggested tips and tricks are shared to help further facilitate daily life.
Content Disclaimer:
The “Tips & Tricks” suggestions below represent the original provider’s opinions and views. They do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of the ALS Society of British Columbia (ALS BC) or its employees. You should consult your professional healthcare adviser for advice. This webpage contains content such as language and images from other sources, which are linked to those sites, enabling you to leave our site and go directly to the linked site.
Sections:
Bathroom
The best seem to be the Nalgene plastic wide-mouth water bottles that have the lids attached. They do not leak and are durable and relatively easy to clean. These water bottles were all the rage a few years ago until it was discovered they were leaching estrogen-like molecules into the drinks. We have picked up a few of these from local thrift stores. (Note: In our household we use stainless steel bottles for water so there is no confusion. Ha! Ha!)
Electric Toothbrush
As my hands got weaker I found an electric toothbrush was a great tool, mine has different settings one even goes in an up and down movement, less time and energy used plus a better job done.
Cordless Water Flosser for Teeth
Effectively and efficiently clean teeth to improve oral health, providing healthier gum and brighter teeth.
Bedroom
Clothing
These are small, medium and large and are great for the car, wheelchair, armchair and bed. They are durable and easy to launder. NOTE: Incontinence supplies such as pads, briefs, and disposable pads. Keep all receipts, as these are considered medical supplies and are income-tax deductible.
The flag can be attached to a wheelchair to provide higher visibility and safety when travelling in public spaces.
We think this is essential safety equipment for a wheelchair when moving along the road, sidewalk, market, etc.
A New Zealand company that makes and sells sheepskins. They are classified as medical sheepskins, used on wheelchairs etc., and highly recommended for preventing pressure sores (a.k.a bedsores) that tend to show up in people with limited mobility. On the website, prices appear in Canadian and New Zealand dollars, and there are regular sales. Payment is made via PayPal.
Traditionally these are used in vehicles when travelling in hot conditions to minimize sweating and sticking to the seat. They help to introduce a layer of air between the person and the seat. M. uses the cushion to keep himself off the back of the easy-lift armchair in which he resides day and night. Hopefully, it will minimize the occurrence of heat rash.
These are bed linens designed to make moving and transferring patients easier for both parties. They come in various sizes to fit armchairs and beds.
Communication
A free trainable AI speech app for android devices. It is a useful aid when speech is poor quality but not yet completely incomprehensible. Speech to text to speech requires minimal use of hands. Text can be manually edited if desired. Background noise is problematic, so it’s not suited to group settings.
These devices allow you to be in touch while your caregiver works in areas out of voice range, such as another room, in the garden, at the neighbour’s house, etc.
LIOTOIN Wireless Caregiver Pager
Three call buttons and three pagers, One of which is touch screen button, which is convenient for patients with relatively small strength to use. You can call for help by gently touching. Simply press any call button to alert the caregiver via the wireless receiver.
Clone the voice of anyone in seconds using the most recent Open Source cloning tool, XTTS by Coqui AI.
Kitchen
Non-slip Rubber Disc
From dollarstore used to grip to open lids.
There is quite a variety to choose from, with different handles and angles to accommodate different needs. (In our case, we purchased a special knife directly from GF Strong Rehab, where the blade is perpendicular to the handle. It has been nicknamed “the murder weapon” in our household.)
KSL Gravity Electric Salt & Pepper Grinder
One-hand operation. Just flip the grinder to get fresh ground spices.
This rubber wrench is widely used as jar opener, oil filter wrench, strap wrench for soil pipe, car repair tools for those who has arthritic hands or weak grip.
Whether you’re preparing a salad, de-boning a chicken, or opening packaging, these scissors do every job with ease.
FEEDING TUBE TIP: Routinely venting air from the tube in a reclined position before and after feeding, plus bedtime and any other time symptoms warrant will minimize feelings of abdominal pressure and reflux episodes that can lead to aspiration.
Medical Alerts
A 24-hour personal response system that provides you with immediate access to police, fire, medical or other emergency help at the push of a button. There is a monthly fee associated with the service.
Keep living independently and enjoy peace of mind with Telus’ medical alert systems.
An easy-to-use personal response service that lets you summon help any time of the day or night – even if you can’t speak.
Text with 9-1-1 (T9-1-1) is a specialized texting service available for people who are Deaf/Deaf-Blind, Hard-of-Hearing or Speech Impaired (DHHSI) that allows registered users to communicate with 9-1-1 call takers via text. To register visit www.textwith911.ca.
Others
This 32’’extension grabber pickup tool will make you forget about bending over, stretching or squatting to get anything you need.
This device works well in the wheelchair and in the easy-lift armchair. Great for picnics, BBQs, or just out and about.
This device has proved to be fantastic. It makes getting in and out of the car possible. It is a handle that fits into the door latch and provides a supporting handle as you maneuver the transition.
Over the Door Pulley Exercise Set
This simple device fits over a door and is helpful for respiratory physio exercises and range of motion exercises. We got this after M. had a bout of pneumonia.
Perfect use of utensils, tools, pens, pencils, toothbrushes, shavers, crochet hooks and other small handle objects.
This program helps to ensure that entertainment, cultural and recreational opportunities are more available and accessible to all.
TIP: Bicycle
For cyclists with neck/arm/core weakness, shortening the bicycle cockpit to facilitate an upright posture will extend your riding capability. You won’t look cool but elevating the handlebars adds further value. When hands are too weak to pull brake levers, a coaster brake operated by the pedals is an option, although a challenging modification for an adult bicycle.
TIP: Garden Tools
When hand weakness makes you drop the pruning shears but you can still squeeze them using both hands jointly, use fat rubber bands to anchor one hand on the shears.
Transportation
Sparc BC Parking Permit for People with Disabilities
A program for people with disabilities ensures that people with mobility limitations can park in designated parking spots throughout British Columbia by displaying a valid permit on the rearview mirror.
BC Ferries Person with Disabilities Card
BC residents with a permanent disability can apply for the Accessible Fare Identification Card, which provides discounts when you present your AFI card to the ticket agent when you arrive at the terminal.
Travel Assistance Program (TAP BC)
The Travel Assistance Program (TAP) helps alleviate some of the transportation costs for eligible B.C. residents who must travel within the province for non-emergency medical specialist services not available in their own community. Before you travel, contact your physician, nurse practitioner, or specialty clinic, who will provide the TAP form and complete most of it for you.
TIP: Accessible Parking Permit in Nanaimo – You can apply in person at Nanaimo Disabilities Resource Centre located at #2-4166 Departure Bay Rd., Nanaimo, BC, V9T 4B7. Phone: 250-758-5547, Fax: 250-758-5504. Website: www.ndrc.info.
TIP: Travel Tips for the ALS Community – Click here to read.
TIP: Travelling with Respiratory Equipment – Click here to read.
Other Resources
• Parsons ADL – Canadian Made Home Healthcare Products.
• Her ALS Story – A network for young female pALS.