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1 | UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS CHICAGO | Last updated: 05/22/26 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
2 | ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY UNIT | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
3 | FURNITURE / HOUSEHOLD ITEM / DME RESOURCE | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
5 | ITEM | CHARACTERISTICS TO CONSIDER | Additional Considerations | PAYOR HIERARCHY | Examples | ||||||||||||||||||||||
6 | Note: Universal design, to cover most CMs | PRIME | ATU | MCO | |||||||||||||||||||||||
7 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
8 | FURNITURE | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
9 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
10 | LIVING ROOM | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
11 | Couch or futon | 5’3” and under: up to 19” 5’4” to 5’9”: 19” to 20.5” 5’10” to 6’2”: 20.5” to 21.5” 6’3” and up: 21.5” and above min floor to seat height: 18" min seat depth: 22" firm seat and back cushions arms for sit-to-stand assistance feet diameter: 3.5" or less stain resistant material | -Furniture risers, can be a safety concern, if the Furniture is moved without re-centering each leg on the riser. -if CM is wheelchair user, verify wc floor to seat height matches couch floor to seat height to facilitate transfers | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
12 | Love seat | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
13 | Armchair | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
14 | Recliner | If CM struggles w sit<>stand, may benefit from powered lift chair. Consider space of apartment if powered lift chair is potentiallty needed | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
15 | Ottoman | -Height slightly lower to seating area -Width appropriate to keep both legs on without extra effort -Sturdy (support both legs over time) | If for LE edema management, ATU available to assess and provide | 1 | 2 | Adjustable option: Amazon ASIN B0FCCL47DS | |||||||||||||||||||||
16 | Coffee table | non-glass rounded edges or oval shape if drawers: open handles are recommended (avoid knobs) | ADA compliant hardware does not require tight grasp or use of 2 hands | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
17 | End table/side table | 1 | Oval side table with storage: Amazon ASIN B0DJFWGTVN Walmart 12063060160 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
18 | Table lamp | bright, daylight bulbs | Locate oulet nearest to where lamp will be. Provide extension cord or power strip if needed. Ensure CM can manage the controls independently (i.e., soft touch button, pull chain). | 1 | Pull chain option: Amazon ASIN B0BHVP949X Touch option: Amazon ASIN B087CDBKCH | ||||||||||||||||||||||
19 | Floor lamp | bright, daylight bulbs | Locate oulet nearest to where lamp will be. Provide extension cord or power strip if needed. Ensure CM can manage the controls independently (i.e., soft touch button, pull chain). | 1 | Floor button room lamp: Amazon ASIN B086ZLGLV3 Dual arm floor lamp: Amazon ASIN B0BW5MZZDC | ||||||||||||||||||||||
20 | Area rugs | low profile | If CM is a fall risk or has balance concerns, recommend NO area rugs. | 1 | Low-Pile indoor area rugs with multiple size options: Amazon ASIN B08CL5QX85 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
21 | Bookcase/bookshelves | sturdy, sufficient for CM's belongings | Equipment stored on the floor or in bags on the floor can create unsafe access issues and fall risks. | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
22 | Coat rack | Consider CM's functional reach when determining height of coat rack, especially for those who will access from wc | 1 | Double rods garment rack: Amazon ASIN B0DQK9MPS2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
23 | Other | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
24 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
25 | DINING ROOM | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
26 | Table | non-glass rounded edges or oval shape standard height (28"-30") 4-leg base | Counter height (34"-36") ONLY if client ambulates and specifically requests it NO bar height (40"-42") Counter height tables NOT appropiate for wc users | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
27 | Chairs | standard dining chairs: 17" min, 20" max floor to seat height seat width appropriate to CM's hip width weight capacity supports CM's weight arms for sit-to-stand assistance 4-leg base Should have back (no stools) If counter height, 4-leg non-swivel base | Counter height chairs (24"-27") ONLY if client ambulates and specifically requests it NO bar height chairs (28"-33") Counter height chairs NOT appropiate for wc users | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
28 | Other | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
29 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
30 | KITCHEN | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
31 | Pots | heat resistant handles | If CM enjoys cooking and plans to do their own meal prep, consider their preferences regarding cooking equipment (i.e., preference for cast iron, larger skillets and stock pots When choosing kitchen equipment, consider CM's grasp to identify appropriate handles | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
32 | Pans | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
33 | Cast Iron | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
34 | Larger skillet | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
35 | Large stock pot | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
36 | Pans, baking | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
37 | Tray, baking | 1 | Nonstick baking sheets with silicone handles: Amazon ASIN B089N57JGS | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
38 | Measuring spoons / cups | Large numbers High contrast colors | These characteristics benefit CMs with low vision, especially. If CM needs a more specialized version, ATU to assess and provide | 1 | 2 | Magnetic multicolor measuring cups and spoons: Amazon ASIN B0D29TBGV7 Large print with color contrast measuring cups and spoons: Amazon ASIN B06XKTZZHL | |||||||||||||||||||||
39 | Cooking spoons | 1 | OXO Good Grips stainless steel ladle with silicone handle: Amazon ASIN B06XKTZZHL | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
40 | Cooking spoon holder | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
41 | Cutting board | If CM is unable to and/or unsafe using standard cutting board and knives, adaptive equipment available (ATU) | 1 | 2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
42 | Knives | Handle size | 1 | 2 | Three piece knife set: Amazon ASIN B0753SKVZX | ||||||||||||||||||||||
43 | Vegetable chopper | easy to operate (does not require fine motor coordination) | -safer option for chopping food vs standard knife/cutting board setup -recommend easy-to-clean option | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
44 | Blender and/or food processor | size (large or single-serve) purpose (smoothies or vegetable prep) | Consider for CMs who are interested in healthy food options (e.g. smoothies) and/or have difficulty preparing food in other ways (i.e., cutting vegetables, frying on stovetop) | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
45 | Pizza cutter | Handle size | Consider CM's grasp to determine handle size | 1 | Gorilla Grip pizza cutter: Amazon ASIN B08L8FBP3C Rocker blade pizza cutter: Amazon ASIN B0DJ11JCQC | ||||||||||||||||||||||
46 | Meat/Oven thermometer | easy and safe to operate | assists with safe oven usage & meal preparation | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
47 | Oven mitts | heat and slip resistant (silicone over cloth) | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
48 | Colander | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
49 | Can opener - manual | If manual can opener provided in lieu of electric option, ensure CM can use easily without pain and fatigue. If CM is unable to and/or unsafe using standard manual can opener, adaptive equipment available (ATU) | 1 | 2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
50 | Can opener - electric | Good universal option, especially helpful for clients with limited hand function, weak grip strength, arthritis, pain | 1 | Electric can opener, counter top: Amazon ASIN B0FVKJ54W6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
51 | 16-piece dinnerware set (includes plates, bowls, cups) | 4 place settings (minimum) recommended; lightweight and durable | Consider CM's goals and priorities when determining how large of a set to provide Lightweight for CMs with decreased strength and safe retrievel from cabinets Durable to support longevity of dishes provided and for CM's safety | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
52 | Glasses, cups | Handle size, weight, style lightweight and durable lidded, straws non-glass for safety | If CM is unable to use standard glasses/cups (such as due to hand tremors), ATU available to assess and provide | 1 | 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
53 | Utensils | If CM is unable to use standard utensils, adaptive equipment available (ATU) | 1 | 2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
54 | Pitcher | lightweight and durable | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
55 | Coffeemaker | simplified controls multi-cup vs single cup | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
56 | Microwave | simplified controls if limited counter space, consider providing microwave cart | assists with safe meal prep compared to using oven if low vision, may benefit from talking microwave (ATU) | 1 | 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
57 | Microwave cart | for apartments with limited counter space or small kitchens - consider one with a good cutting surface (butcher block, for example) | May be provided by ATU when CM's physical challenges, such as pain, impaired mobility and/or endurance, impact CM engaging in meal prep in given kitchen layout. | 1 | 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
58 | Kitchen island | for apartments with limited counter space in cases where microwave cart does not sufficiently meet needs (i.e., CM requires sturdier surface for meal prep than microwave cart provides. More storage space is needed. Drawers are needed. etc.). - consider one with a good cutting surface (butcher block, for example) | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
59 | Crock pot | simplified controls | assists with safe meal prep, useful for clients with problems with sequencing skills needed for meal preparation | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
60 | Toaster | simplified controls with contrast | Freqeuntly requested, good for simple meal prep | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
61 | Garbage can | avoid foot control unless specifically requested consider swing top over open top for odor control | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
62 | Garbage bags | drawstring over tie sturdy | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
63 | Storage containers | consider strength required to open/close if airtight containers, consider flip-up style over pop top | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
64 | Ziplock bags / Saran wrap | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
65 | Ice trays | consider silicone over plastic or hybrid (silicone tray with plastic frame for sturdiness) | may be easier to extract for CMs with arthritis, pain, unilateral upper extremity function | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
66 | Drawer organizer | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
67 | Placemats | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
68 | Wall clock | Digital Large Display | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
69 | Dish rack | Consider space saving option, depending on CM's kitchen layout | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
70 | Toaster Oven | Simplified controls space saving option | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
71 | Air fryer | Simplified controls | Can be safer to use than stove/oven Can encourage healthier meal prep | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
72 | Apron | no-tie (crossback) or long tie | for CMs with decreased ROM and fine motor coordination | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
73 | Dish scrubber with handle | extended handle handle size (diameter) soap dispensing handle | for CMs with limited reach, difficulty with grasp, decreased fine motor to hold sponge in hand and manipulate around dishes | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
74 | Soap dispenser | pump style automatic dispenser | Can encourage CMs to keep on top of cleaning dishes for those who may struggle with maintaining their home | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
75 | Addl kitchen shelving/storage | 3~4 tiers sturdy | Useful for organizing equipment, increasing safe access to equipment, and hygiene as it decreases equipment stored on the floor or in bags | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
76 | Kitchen timer | simple operation large digits loud alarm haptic feature | for safe meal prepation useful for CMs with decreased functional recall | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
77 | Kitchen towels | sufficient supply for longevity | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
78 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
79 | BEDROOM | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
80 | Standard Bed Components (not hospital) | Bed Frame | Feet diameter 3.5" or less (in case furniture risers are needed) rounded edges tall platform bed frame height adjustable if CM is wc user | Must consider overall floor to top of mattress height when choosing bed components, esp. important if CM is wc user and if CM has difficulty completing sit<to>stand transfers from low height surfaces. Want to avoid need for bed risers | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
81 | Box spring | height of box spring impacts overall floor to top of mattress height | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
82 | Mattress | -level of firmness matches client characteristics -need for cooling top (if CM has difficulty regulating body temperature, such as with MS) | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
83 | Mattress pad overlay | Can add stability & safety for clients who have issues getting out of bed, clients who are at risk of skin breakdown and to prevent the development of pressure sores, especially if CM does not get hospital bed. However, for some CMs, these can *create* mobility challenges, skin integrity concerns. Determine need on a case-by-case basis. | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
84 | Headboard | Mounts securely to bed frame or to wall with cleat | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
85 | Mattress protector | Different styles of pads that match client needs (i.e., single pad with elastic straps, full mattress encasement, smaller incontinence pads) | for CMs with incontinence | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
86 | Linens | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
87 | Sheets - 2 sets | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
88 | Pillows (Standard) | 2 (minimum), consult with CM regarding need for additional standard pillows for sleep hygiene and basic positioning supports | If CM requires more positioning cushions, ATU can address (i.e., wedge, foot elevating) | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
89 | Blankets | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
90 | Bedspread / Comforter | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
91 | Bed bug cover-box spring | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
92 | Bed bug cover-mattress | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
93 | Sound / white noise machine | if CM has insomnia or difficulty with maintaining healthful sleep hygiene | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
94 | Nightstand | rounded or chamfered edges if drawers: open handles are recommended (avoid knobs) | If CM unable to use standard nightstand or requires tabletop access from bed, ATU can provide height-adjustable bedside table | 1 | 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
95 | Alarm clock | simple operation large digits easily tactically discernible buttons loud alarm haptic features | If CM is unable to use standard alarm clock (such as due to low vision), ATU available to assess and provide | 1 | 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
96 | Radio | simple operation large digits easily tactically discernible buttons haptic features | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
97 | Dresser | rounded or chamfered edges if drawers: open handles are recommended (avoid knobs) | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
98 | Mirror | Mounts securely to dresser or to wall with cleat or stable free-standing | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
99 | Shoe rack | Different styles of shoe organizers that match client needs (i.e., over door hanging, closet hanging, floor rack) | Increases safe access to client belongings and hygiene as it decreases fall risk from shoes/clutter stored on the floor or in bags on the floor | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
100 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||