MANAGING SYMPTOMS( continued)
Getting on and off the toilet( or any chair in the house) can be a cumbersome task and a fall risk. Medicare and other insurance plans cover three-in-one commodes that fit over the toilet. These items also serve as a bedside commode and even as a shower chair. They have armrests and can be raised or lowered to fit one’ s height. One version comes with a spring-loaded seat that slowly lifts the person to their feet. The same principle works on spring-based or motorized sit-to-stand recliner chairs available from medical supply houses.
Many people with PSP have trouble getting in and out of cars. A good strategy is to back up to the car seat, sit down, then bring the legs into the car one at a time. When getting out, the strategy is to bring the legs out first, then to lean forward to come to a stand. If there is difficulty pivoting on the car seat, a Frisbee-shaped pivot-disk can help. Or a plastic garbage bag on the seat can make sliding or pivoting easier when getting in or out.
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Mobile and Smart Technologies
Over the past decade, computers, mobile phones, wrist-worn health trackers, and smart home technologies have become increasingly useful and affordable. For people with visual, physical, or cognitive challenges, these technologies can be real life-changers. Personal computers and tablets incorporate a range of accessibility settings to support people with visual, hearing, dexterity, and cognitive issues. Cell phones come in a wide variety of styles, some with extra-large keys, photo identification screens, or one-touch dialing. Smartphones can be customized with a personalized suite of apps that can track exercise, provide medication reminders( or to let the cat out), read books aloud, serve as a map, or operate entirely by voice command. Wrist-worn devices can supplement a smartphone. For example, some of these devices can detect falls and even notify a caregiver or emergency service of a fall. There are so many tools and apps available these days that finding the ones that will work best for you can be daunting. An OT can help in trying out and choosing the right devices and software accommodations for each person’ s needs.
Inexpensive smart home tools can automate the home to provide lighting when needed, conserve energy, and reduce the risk of falls. Motion-activated or remote-controlled lights, curtains, fans, and doors can all be linked to a smartphone or can be operated by a voice assistant, such as the Amazon Echo, Google Home, or Apple HomePod. Passive occupant monitors driven by the same interfaces can help offsite caregivers keep an eye on their loved ones without being intrusive. Timed pill dispensers, robotic vacuum cleaners, automatic plant-watering and pet-feeding devices, and dozens of other smart appliances can be incorporated into the home. Choosing the right suite of tools, installing them correctly, and learning to use them can be challenging. The OT can help in exploring these assistive technologies. Though insurance plans often help defray the cost of an OT consult, the tools themselves are rarely covered by insurance. Many states in the U. S., however, have provisions for low-interest loans to pay for them, through assistive technology loan programs.
PSP is an insidious and relentless disease, but there are many ways to face its challenges safely and effectively. Some of the available options have been discussed here. Remember, too, that the OT is a specialist in supporting adaptations for everyday function. As for any other medical professional, however, the patient, family, or referring doctor should ask if the OT is familiar with PSP, how many years of practice in neurological care they have had, and for examples of approaches they have used to help people with PSP. In this way, you can be sure to get the care needed from clinicians with PSP experience.