7 Assistive Devices and Comfort Measures

Choosing for the person and task

Assistive devices help people perform daily activities more safely and independently. Comfort measures reduce discomfort and support rest, movement, and well-being. Choose and use both according to the person’s abilities, preferences, care plan, and surroundings.

A physical or occupational therapist or other qualified clinician can assess needs and recommend or fit equipment. Caregivers should not improvise a device or change prescribed use.

Using devices safely

Match the device to the task and to the person’s balance, strength, coordination, vision, understanding, and ability to follow instructions. Consider fit, weight capacity, condition, and compatibility with the home or care setting. Explain the plan, encourage participation, and follow training and manufacturer instructions.

Common devices and safe-use considerations include:

• Canes, crutches, and walkers: These support standing or walking and need appropriate fitting and safe technique. A cane is commonly held on the side opposite a weak or painful leg; place its tip securely before leaning on it. A clinician or therapist should confirm the suitable device and technique.

• Wheelchairs and scooters: These support mobility when walking is difficult or unsafe. Use brakes for transfers and position footrests safely, following the person’s training and care plan.

• Transfer aids and mechanical lifts: These help with transfers or repositioning. Use only equipment for which you are trained, with the required number of helpers, and according to the care plan. Do not attempt an unsafe manual lift; patient-handling aids can reduce injury risk for both the person and caregiver.

• Devices for daily tasks: Reachers, dressing aids, shower chairs, raised toilet seats, and grab bars can make specific activities easier. Select them for the task and the user’s needs; secure installation and safe use matter.

Before each use, check that equipment is stable and in good condition, including cane or walker tips and grips. Keep needed items within reach. Do not use equipment that is damaged, poorly fitted, or unfamiliar. Pause and get help if the person feels unsteady, weak, dizzy, or in pain.

Adapting activities and surroundings

Make activities safer while preserving as much independence and choice as possible. Break tasks into manageable steps, allow extra time, schedule rest breaks, and place frequently used items within easy reach. Offer a seated option for tasks that cause fatigue or unsteadiness. Demonstrate one step at a time and ask how the person prefers to be helped.

Reduce hazards along the person’s path by removing clutter and loose rugs, securing cords, keeping floors dry, providing good lighting, and using nonslip surfaces where appropriate. Handrails, ramps, and properly installed grab bars can improve access. Keep routes clear for walking aids and wheelchairs, with enough space to turn and transfer.

Reassess adaptations when the person’s abilities, health, equipment, or environment changes.

Providing individualized comfort

Ask what feels uncomfortable and what usually helps. Use simple measures consistent with the care plan and the person’s preferences, such as adjusting position, supporting limbs with pillows, smoothing bedding, offering a blanket or cool cloth, reducing noise, or providing privacy and reassurance.

Encourage the person to change position independently when safe. If assistance is needed, use appropriate moving aids and trained help rather than dragging the person.

For someone who cannot reposition independently or is at risk of skin injury, follow an individualized repositioning and skin-check plan. Inspect visible skin during care and report new redness or discoloration, warmth, swelling, blisters, or broken skin. Do not massage an area that appears injured.

Use heat or cold only if allowed by the care plan. Protect the skin and monitor closely, especially when sensation or circulation is reduced.

Monitoring and reporting

Check the person’s response during and after an activity or comfort measure. Ask about pain, comfort, dizziness, fatigue, and breathing; observe balance, facial expression, skin color, and ability to continue. If a measure helps, record or communicate what worked.

Stop if symptoms worsen, the person becomes distressed or unstable, or equipment seems unsafe. Promptly report a fall, new or worsening pain, a sudden change in ability, breathing difficulty, or concerning skin changes according to the care setting’s procedure.