Assistive Tech gift ideas

As we approach the holiday gift-giving season, I thought it would be appropriate to suggest some potential ideas. In a world with so many technologies offered, I think that these few simple, easy-to-use, relatively low-priced products can be great gift options.

One product I came across, the Adapta-Lap, is a great option for any individual who enjoys reading or using a lap top.

The Adapta-Lap is essentially a portable table that can be adjusted to fit almost anywhere. It's great for reading in bed, or at a chair (as seen above), or even at a desk or table in that it allows you to adjust the degree at which you read, without having to use your hands to support the book/newspaper/magazine. For just $54.95, the Adapta-Lap is a great gift idea. 

Another very simple idea that will be useful for those with arthritis is this bottle opener I found on Alphamarque. This product makes opening a metal-based bottle cap effortless. While this task may seem easy to most, for an individual with arthritis this can be a painful experience. With this product, that pain can be easily avoided. 

While these might not be the most sentimental gifts, off-set door hinges, can be a very helpful addition to any home and having them installed, or installing them yourself, will be greatly appreciated by your elderly loved one. These hinges make it possible for the door to swing off the door frame, allowing you to have clearance through the entire door frame.  For a household with wheel chairs, this can make a huge difference and minimize stress. 

There is a wide variety of options for assistive technology gifts for the elderly. The question you need to ask yourself before buying them is whether or not they'll really be useful. This is the great debate about assistive technology. They can be very helpful and ease the aging process. But, as a negative, they can just be additional gadgets or appliances that add clutter to the home. Make sure they'll be useful before bestowing your gifts!