Low-risk AT refers to assistive products that can usually be purchased ‘off the shelf’, have low potential for causing harm, and can be implemented and used with minimal training or professional expertise.

These items can be recommended without the need for an occupational therapy assessment.

Build capacity is a reablement strategy that focuses on enhancing the skills and abilities a person needs to perform daily tasks with greater confidence and independence.

For example, if your client is having trouble with their strength and balance, you could encourage them to try chair yoga. The benefits of chair yoga and tips for getting started can be found on the LiveUp website.

Modify the task is a reablement strategy that involves adjusting how a task is performed to make it easier, safer, or more effective for a person to complete.

Modify the environment is a reablement strategy that involves altering a person’s surroundings to make it easier for them to perform daily tasks.

Provide information is a reablement strategy that involves offering relevant details and guidance about available services, resources, and support options that may enhance a person’s ability to care for themselves at home.

Consider these factors or suggestions before recommending any of these items for use:

·  Talk to your client about why they are having difficulty with pouring. This will help you find the right device to address their issue.

·  Common conditions that can affect an older person’s vision include cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. If your client has any of these conditions, ask them how their vision may be impacting their ability to perform kitchen tasks, as this information is crucial for providing appropriate support.

·  Observe for any joint deformities. If you notice any, inform your coordinator, as your client may benefit from a referral to a physiotherapist, occupational therapist, or general practitioner for further management.

Consider incorporating these reablement approaches to complement the use of AT and enhance your client’s abilities:

·  Consider your client’s potential. Ask yourself, ‘Can they improve their hand strength, coordination, or pain so they may not need this equipment in the future?’ Reflecting on this question can help you identify ways to increase their physical abilities and reduce their dependence on others over the long term.

·  Consider referring your client to a physiotherapist, occupational therapist, or general practitioner for strategies to improve their coordination, hand strength, or pain management.

·  Encourage your client to engage in activities that do not exacerbate their pain, as this can help maintain their skills and confidence while promoting overall resilience. This can include activities that support strong, flexible hands, which are important for maintaining independence. Tips for keeping hands healthy can be found at LiveUp.

LiveUp is a free healthy ageing guide that offers additional information for older adults on low-risk AT and minor modifications that can support their independence in the kitchen.

To continue pouring and measuring liquids safely and independently, your client could benefit from the following changes to essential kitchen tasks:

·  Only fill the kettle with as much water as needed to reduce its weight.

·  Consider using a kettle with a smaller capacity (e.g., 500ml) to help reduce the overall weight of the kettle and its contents.

·  Use a lightweight plastic jug or cup to fill the kettle or saucepans, rather than trying to carry a full vessel between the sink and the countertop.

·  If your client has pain and/or weakness in their hands and wrists, reduce the load of the kettle or saucepan by holding the handle with one hand and using the other hand, protected by an oven glove, to support the vessel while carrying or pouring.

·  When transferring heavy items from one part of the kitchen to another, place them on a folded tea towel or padded oven glove and slide them across the countertop instead of carrying them.

·  If your client is concerned about handling hot liquids, encourage them to empty cooking water from saucepans only after it has cooled down.

·  Consider preparing meals that only require the use of a microwave oven, as this can help minimise the need for heavy saucepans and cookware.

If your client has upper limb weakness, poor coordination, or pain, they may benefit from the following modifications to their environment:

·  Keep the kettle close to the sink to minimise the need to carry a full kettle, while also being mindful of the risk of electrocution.

·  Organise the pantry, cupboards, and fridge so that heavy items, such as bottles or cookware, are stored between your client’s hip and shoulder height. This will make it easier for your client to access these items without straining and putting themselves at risk of injury.

If your client is living with visual impairment, increasing contrasts in their kitchen may make it easier for them to safely navigate their surroundings and complete essential daily tasks. They can increase contrasts in their kitchen by:

·  Placing dark-coloured cups on light-coloured countertops or placemats.
·  Using light-coloured cups when pouring dark liquids and dark-coloured cups for light liquids.

If your client is having difficulty with these tasks because of an ongoing condition like arthritis or Parkinson’s disease, advise your coordinator. Your client may benefit from a referral to a specialist organisation that can offer more tailored resources and assistance, such as the Arthritis Foundation.

Consider these factors or suggestions before recommending any of these items for use:

·  Talk to your client about why they are having difficulty with opening cans, jars, and packaging. This will help you find the right product to address their issue.

·  Observe for any joint deformities. If you notice any, inform your coordinator, as your client may benefit from a referral to a physiotherapist, occupational therapist, or general practitioner for further management.

·  If your client is finding it difficult to open cans, check their can opener first. If it’s old, the cutting mechanism may be blunt. For some people, buying a new can opener may avoid the need for assistive devices.

·  Automatic can openers may seem very appealing. However, they require no physical effort from the user. Opening cans is important for maintaining hand strength; therefore, an automatic can opener should be considered a last-resort option unless your client has limited potential to improve their hand function. For example, this may apply to people with rheumatoid arthritis or degenerative neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease.

·  Non-slip mats can lose their grip fairly quickly. However, instead of throwing them away and replacing them with a brand-new mat, your client can simply wash their existing mat in warm, soapy water. After drying thoroughly, the mat should regain its sticky quality.

Consider incorporating these reablement approaches to complement the use of AT and enhance your client’s abilities:

·  Consider your client’s potential. Ask yourself, ‘Can they improve their hand strength, coordination, or pain so they may not need this equipment in the future?’ Reflecting on this question can help you identify ways to increase their physical abilities and reduce their dependence on others over the long term.

·  Consider referring your client to a physiotherapist, occupational therapist, or general practitioner for strategies to improve their coordination, hand strength, or pain management.

·  Encourage your client to engage in activities that do not exacerbate their pain, as this can help maintain their skills and confidence while promoting overall resilience. This can include activities that support strong, flexible hands, which are important for maintaining independence. Tips for keeping hands healthy can be found at LiveUp.

LiveUp is a free healthy ageing guide that offers additional information for older adults on how to choose low-risk AT that can support their independence in the kitchen.

To continue opening cans, jars, and packaging safely and independently, your client could benefit from the following changes to essential kitchen tasks:

·  Place their jars on a non-slip mat. The mat will help hold the jar in place and allow your client to apply more pressure to the lid without straining.

If your client is having difficulty with these tasks because of an ongoing condition like arthritis or Parkinson’s disease, advise your coordinator. Your client may benefit from a referral to a specialist organisation that can offer more tailored resources and assistance, such as the Arthritis Foundation.

Consider these factors or suggestions before recommending any of these items for use:

·  Some people experience sensory changes in their hands and fingers as they age. Discuss with your client whether they are experiencing numbness or difficulty feeling hot or cold sensations. They may benefit from a referral to an occupational therapist for a safety assessment.

·  Oven gloves are great for protecting the skin from heat. However, they can reduce the user’s ability to feel how they are holding the item. This may cause the user to hold the item incorrectly and increase their risk of dropping or mishandling it. Practise using new AT with your client to ensure they use it safely.

·  When it comes to oven gloves, those made of fabric are softer and more flexible than silicone ones. They may improve the user’s grasp on the item.

·  Be mindful of any psychological issues that may be impacting your client’s confidence. For people who are learning to cook after the death or separation from a partner, cooking may be an emotionally challenging experience. Offer encouragement, be patient, and allow extra time as needed.

Consider incorporating these reablement approaches to complement the use of AT and enhance your client’s abilities:

·  Encourage your client to engage in activities that do not exacerbate their pain, as this can help maintain their skills and confidence while promoting overall resilience. This can include activities that support strong, flexible hands, which are important for maintaining independence. Tips for keeping hands healthy can be found at LiveUp.

·  For clients with reduced confidence, work alongside them as they learn new skills and explore assistive devices. Introduce one new skill or device at a time, as this can help prevent them from feeling overwhelmed and giving up.

LiveUp is a free healthy ageing guide that offers additional information for older adults on low-risk AT and other approaches that can help them reclaim their independence.

To continue preparing food independently and safely, your client could benefit from the following changes to their environment:

·  Good lighting is always important. Older people need strong light sources even if they don’t have eye disease. Consider if additional lighting or brighter globes could help your client in completing essential kitchen tasks.

Consider these factors or suggestions before recommending any of these items for use:

·  If you identify that your client experiences pain, weakness, or sensory changes in their hands or upper limbs, notify your coordinator. Your client may benefit from a referral to a GP, allied health professional, or a specialist organisation for further management and more personalised support (e.g., the Arthritis Foundation).

·  Reflex knives come in a variety of styles, including chef’s knives, carving knives, slicing knives, and preparation knives.

Consider incorporating these reablement approaches to complement the use of AT and enhance your client’s abilities:

·  Encourage your client to engage in activities that do not exacerbate their pain, as this can help maintain their skills and confidence while promoting overall resilience. This can include activities that support strong, flexible hands, which are important for maintaining independence. Tips for keeping hands healthy can be found at LiveUp.

·  For clients with reduced confidence, work alongside them as they learn new skills and explore assistive devices. Introduce one new skill or device at a time, as this can help prevent them from feeling overwhelmed and giving up.

LiveUp is a free healthy ageing guide that provides older adults with healthy ageing tips to complete everyday tasks at home and in the community. This includes tips on meal planning to support healthy ageing.

To continue preparing food independently and safely, your client could benefit from the following changes to essential kitchen tasks:  

·  Using fresh or frozen pre-cut vegetables simplifies the cooking process by eliminating the need for chopping and peeling. This can be especially helpful for reducing pain and strain in people living with ongoing conditions like arthritis.

·  Pre-cut vegetables can also be useful for people who have experienced illness or injury. They provide a temporary solution for food preparation until ill or injured people regain their normal function.

·  In saying that, chopping and peeling help maintain strength and coordination. It’s important to continue these activities where possible to promote hand function and prevent decline in fine motor skills.

To continue preparing food independently and safely, your client could benefit from the following changes to their environment: 

·  Place non-slip mats under standard cutting boards. This can reduce the risk of slips and accidents while making it easier to chop food items with less effort. 

·  Good lighting is always important. Older people need strong light sources even if they don’t have eye disease. Consider if additional lighting or brighter globes could help your client in completing essential kitchen tasks.

If your client is having difficulty with these tasks because of an ongoing condition like arthritis or Parkinson’s disease, advise your coordinator. Your client may benefit from a referral to a specialist organisation that can offer more tailored resources and assistance, such as LiveUp or the Arthritis Foundation.

Check your client’s care plan for diagnoses that could impact their vision. This information will help alert you to the difficulties they might be experiencing. Relevant diagnoses include:

·  Macular degeneration
·  Cataracts
·  Diabetic retinopathy
·  Glaucoma
·  Stroke

It’s important to note that vision impairment can be easily missed. Your client might have difficulty seeing even if they don’t have a formal diagnosis.

If you observe the following signs, they might have vision impairment:

·  Not being able to find items that are in their line of vision
·  Difficulty recognising objects or people
·  Bumping into or tripping over objects
·  Hesitating when moving
·  Frequent squinting or tilting of the head
·  Holding items very close
·  Experiencing frequent spills
·  Sensitivity to glare or very bright light
·  Difficulty reading
·  Reluctance to engage in activities that they once enjoyed

Please note that this resource is not a substitute for professional advice. If your client is having difficulty with vision loss, discuss it with their coordinator. They may need an optometry review or a referral to specialist services. This resource is designed to give you some ideas to explore if your client is having mild difficulties or is waiting for a professional assessment.

Consider these factors or suggestions before recommending any of these items for use:

·  Vision loss can cause significant anxiety. When working with a visually impaired client, it’s important to practise patience, empathy, and understanding.

·  Learning about common eye conditions is worthwhile, as it will help you better understand your client’s experience and provide meaningful support. You can start here: Understanding eye conditions | Vision Australia.

·  Ask your client how vision loss affects their ability to perform daily activities. This can provide clues about how some of these items might help.

·  These assistive devices are not a ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution for people with vision impairment. For example, some conditions affect the ability to see colours, so coloured items will not be helpful in these circumstances.

·  When using the Lazy Susan, take care not to store too many items on it; otherwise, it might become unbalanced and tip over.

Consider incorporating these reablement approaches to complement the use of AT and enhance your client’s abilities:

·  Repetition builds capacity. When a person is trying a new technique or assistive device, ensure you provide multiple opportunities for them to learn and perfect their skills.

·  Support and encourage your client to use their problem-solving abilities – they are the experts in their experience.

To accommodate any difficulties caused by vision impairment, your client could benefit from the following changes to essential kitchen tasks:

·  Pre-cut fresh or frozen vegetables can make the cooking process easier by eliminating the need to chop or peel ingredients. However, chopping and peeling help maintain strength and coordination. These activities should be continued where possible to promote fine motor skills.

·  Shop at a butcher for meat, as they can prepare the meat to order.

·  When cooking on the stove, make sure the handles are always turned away from the edge to prevent accidental bumping.

·  Encourage safe cutting techniques, such as the ‘bridge’ hold. This technique keeps fingers out of the way of the knife blade. Here’s a YouTube video by British Nutrition to demonstrate.

To account for any difficulties caused by vision impairment, your client could benefit from the following changes to their environment:

·  It’s recommended to store food items in predictable, easy-to-locate places. Collaborate with your client to organise their kitchen environment. Encourage them to decide which storage locations are best. Refer to ‘Baskets and/or Utensil Hangers’ for more information.

·  Create as much visual contrast as possible. Visual contrast is achieved by combining light and dark elements. For example, by placing light-coloured cups on dark-coloured countertops or placemats. Or by using light-coloured cups when pouring dark liquids (e.g., coffee) and dark-coloured cups for light liquids (e.g., milk).

·  Intense light, which may come from natural sources, such as the sun, or artificial sources, such as electric light bulbs, can cause glare. Sheer window curtains can help minimise glare from natural light.

·  Older people generally need more light due to age-related changes in the eye. Installing brighter light bulbs while ensuring that the additional lighting doesn’t cause glare can be helpful.

·  If your client’s general household lighting needs to be reviewed, refer them to an occupational therapist or vision impairment specialist.

·  Ensure your client is aware of specialist organisations or support groups that can help them adapt to vision loss, such as Vision Australia.

·  While Vision Australia is a nationwide organisation, there are many state-based services, too.

The MCFS guide is designed to help older adults find and choose simple assistive devices for all areas of life. It includes suggested devices available from well-known retailers and reliable online stores, as well as useful tips and advice from occupational therapists.

The Assistive Technology (AT) Essentials Guide introduces the benefits of AT and the role it plays as part of a wellness and reablement service delivery approach. The guide aims to build awareness and product knowledge for home care providers and can be accessed as an eBook or downloaded as a PDF.

Reablement Essentials are practical guides researched and curated by our Sector Support and Development team. These guides can help you better understand key wellness and reablement concepts, communicate their value to your clients, and ultimately empower your clients to pursue happier, healthier, and more independent lives.

LiveUp is an online healthy ageing guide that offers free personalised suggestions for healthy ageing. Users can take the LiveUp quick quiz to find advice, local activities, and assistive devices tailored to their needs, so they can age their own way.

NED is Australia’s largest online database of assistive technology (AT). It serves as a comprehensive resource for people, carers, and allied health professionals to find, compare, and purchase AT, helping people with disabilities or mobility issues to live more independently.