ALS Activities of Daily Living (ADL) Devices

Activities of Daily Living is a common healthcare term that refers to everyday self-care tasks such as dressing, bathing, eating, and going to the toilet. These devices can help you remain more independent.

Lift chair recliner

a remote-controlled recliner chair that helps you move between reclining, sitting, and lifted positions
Typical Cost:
$300–$500

Insurance Note

If you have a medical prescription for a lift chair recliner, Medicare will reimburse roughly $300, which covers the motor mechanism within the chair. Many people choose to not go through the reimbursement process and either buy them outright or borrow them.

Where can I get one?

  • Try your local ALS Association loan closet first.
  • If you are purchasing a lift chair recliner with help from Medicare, you will need to purchase it through a local DME provider that participates in Medicare.
  • ​​If you decide to purchase one on your own—without receiving any reimbursement from Medicare—look for a lift chair recliner at Sam's Club, a lift chair recliner on Amazon, or visit your local furniture store.

Helpful Tips

  • If you have upper extremity weakness and trouble getting up and down from a couch or chair, a lift chair recliner can help you conserve energy.
  • Always check with your physical therapist to make sure it is safe for you to use.
  • Lift chair recliners come in different models, styles, and sizes. Be sure to settle on one that feels good to you.​​

Button hook / zipper pull

assists with buttoning and zippering clothes
Typical Cost: $7–$15

Insurance Note

Medicare does not cover this item. Medicaid and private insurance typically do not either. If it is not available from the loan closet, you will need to pay out of pocket.

Where can I get one?

Helpful Tips

  • If you have hand and finger weakness but still some strength and dexterity, the zipper pull can assist you in dressing and undressing independently.​

Built-up utensils

soft foam utensils that are easy to grip with limited hand involvement
Typical Cost:
$10–$15 each

Insurance Note

Medicare does not cover this item. Medicaid and private insurance typically do not either. If it is not available from the loan closet, you will need to pay out of pocket.

Where can I get one?

Helpful Tips

  • Built-up utensils can be helpful if you have hand weakness but still enough strength and dexterity to raise your hand to your mouth.​

Reacher

a pole-like device that grabs items on the floor or otherwise out of reach
Typical Cost: $10–$20

Where can I get one?

  • Try your local ALS Association loan closet first.
  • Walmart (online or in store): Reacher
  • Reachers are available in a variety of stores such as Walgreens and CVS.

Helpful Tips

  • In order to use a reacher, you need to have enough strength and dexterity in your hands to squeeze the handle and guide the device.​

Insurance Note

Medicare does not cover this item. Medicaid and private insurance typically do not either. If it is not available from the loan closet, you will need to pay out of pocket.

Universal Cuff

an adaptive device worn on your hand to hold items such as utensils, razors, and writing tools
Typical Cost: $10–$35

Where can I get one?

Helpful Tips

  • Universal cuffs are available in small, medium, and large.
  • If you struggle to grip things like utensils or pens, universal cuffs can be very helpful and provide you with greater independence.​​

Insurance Note

Medicare does not cover this item. Medicaid and private insurance typically do not either. If it is not available from the loan closet, you will need to pay out of pocket.

Ramp

a fixed or portable structure that allows easier access into and around your home
Typical Cost:
​$115–$250

Insurance Note

Medicare does not cover this item. Medicaid and private insurance typically do not either. If it is not available from the loan closet, you will need to pay out of pocket.

Where can I get one?

  • Try your local ALS Association loan closet first.
  • Indemedical: Ramp
  • Activeforever: Access ramp

Helpful Tips

  • There are many different types of ramps. Ask your local chapter for a home visit to determine which type of ramp and other potential modifications would be best for your home.
  • Inexpensive threshold ramps can help you maneuver your walker, scooter, or wheelchair more easily over a small door sill rise. They are often made from aluminum and rubber.
  • More heavy duty wooden or cement ramps need to be specifically measured and custom built for specific areas of your home.
  • Portable ramps are lightweight and designed to be moved around for use outside of the home.
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Back to Home & Daily Living

Equipment Safety

​Consult your physical or occupational therapist before buying or using any medical equipment. Also ask your local ALS Association chapter to assess your equipment needs.

To avoid unnecessary injuries, you and your caregiver(s) should receive training from your physical or occupational therapist on how to safely and properly use each piece of equipment.