tips & Tricks for hemiplegia (one handed)
(any item listed is not endorsement for a specific product. Please discuss with your therapist before purchase or use of any product to ensure it is safe & appropriate for your use)
Hemiplegia is a loss of motor function on one side of the body. Survivors of stroke/brain injury may experience this and may have only one hand (and leg) to use functionally to compete their day to day activities… and this can be VERY challenging! Our list below includes some adaptive equipment that is specialized for people with one-handed use and others are commercially available items that happen to work well for the one-handed user.
Bath
Use a bedside commode as a Shower chair (with a hole in the center). The hole makes all those bottom areas accessible!
Sponge/mitten instead of washcloth
Wall Mounted liquid Shampoo/soap dispenser with color for contrast
Pump soap, shampoo, etc. So much easier than having to pick up the bottle and turn it over to squeeze.
Long Handled back scrubber/Loofah Brush
Electric Toothbrush. You can find many models that even time you for 30 seconds per quadrant! Larger handle and electric power make it so much easier in your non-dominant hand.
Water pick. Great alternative to flossing. Check with your dentist of course.
Long handled floss pick. Easier to use in your non-dominant hand
Flip Top Wide Toothpaste (vs the twist off kind) or self closing caps
Automatic Toothpaste dispenser
Automatic soap dispenser for hands
Move toilet paper to the less affected side for easier reach
Grab bars and Hand Held shower for independence in shower (consult with your OT or home specialist)
Grab bar sliding hand held shower combo
Hand held showerhead with ON/OFF switch. So you don’t have to turn the water all the way off. It’s a pause button!
You’re going to want it to slide up/down… bar
Hands Free Hair dryer holder
Mini table vice- to hold all your small items that need to be opened. Mascara, small tubes, nail filer to file nails)
Dressing
Shoe Funnel and special shoe horn for helping get AFO into shoes
Special shoe horn to help with AFO
Reacher. Ones with magnetic tip are handy for picking up small things like paperclip, tack, etc
Nike Zipper Shoes (do NOT accommodate most AFO’s)
soft sock aid
Adaptive clothing can be found at: Tommy Hilfiger, Duluth Trading Co.
Kitchen
Buy a roll of non-skid or Dycem. This stuff can go under or around anything to aid in grip/placement/slipping
square containers (milk, coffee, etc) These are easier to use in an adaptive cutting board (with vice attachment) or set into a drawer to hold it still while opening.
Suction cup sponge for washing glassware
Cutting board with pegs and vice
Parfait holder
One Handed Pepper Grinder
One handed vertical knife for chopping, steaks, etc
Rocker Knife for chopping
Suction cup brush for dishes
Pan Holder for stovetop
Out and about
Linen Cross body bag. How are you going to carry that ____across the room and hold your cane/walker?! This might be the answer for you ;) lightweight fabric with interior pockets is great for inside the house
Cup holder for walker or wheelchair. This is the best! combo cup holder and phone holder.
Briefcase/cross body purse. The “dressier” alternative to the cross body bag.
Standing cane. Check with your therapist on this one! The wider base does help it stand up on it’s own but is not an appropriate assistive device for everyone.
Leisure
Wine opener 1 HANDED!
Fishing vest. Pole clicks in so you can reel with your other hand.
Battery operated letter opener and stapler
Steering wheel knob (Be sure to consult with a driving specialist and be cleared to drive before purchase)
*If you have an idea or item that has helped you please let us know! email trista@neurotherapynashville.com