Activities of Daily Living Devices for ALS
"Activities of Daily Living" (ADL) refers to everyday self-care tasks such as dressing, bathing, and eating. The following ADL devices can help you remain more independent. You can try to borrow them from an equipment loan closet or purchase them using the links below. These devices (except for the lift chair recliner) are not covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance.

Lift Chair Recliner

​Remote-controlled recliner chairs help you move between reclining, sitting, and lifted positions. ​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 not to go through the reimbursement process and either buy them outright or borrow them.
Compare and purchase at: Amazon | Walmart | Medical Supply Depot
Lift Chair Table
this swiveling tabletop is designed to use with a lift chair recliner or couch
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​Compare and purchase at:
​​Amazon | Walmart | Walgreens
Seat Lift Cushion
this cushion has a hydraulic mechanism that helps lift you from seated to standing

​Compare and purchase at:
​​Amazon | Walmart | Walgreens
Overbed Table
this adjustable table has wheels and can provide a stable surface over your bed
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​​Compare and purchase at:
​​Amazon | Walmart | Medical Depot
Built-Up Utensils
​these ​soft-foam utensils are easier to grip if you have limited hand dexterity

​Compare and purchase at:
​​Amazon | Walmart | CVS
Rocker Knife
the rounded blade and large easy-grip handle allow you to cut food with one hand
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​Compare and purchase at:
​​Amazon | Walmart | Walgreens
Scoop Plate
​this rubber-bottomed plate with a contoured lip makes it easier to scoop food with a utensil

​Compare and purchase at:
​​Amazon | Walmart | CVS
Plate Guard
this raised food guard snaps onto most plates to prevent food from spilling over the edge
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​Compare and purchase at:
​​  Amazon| Walmart
Universal Cuff
​this adaptive device worn on your hand can hold utensils, razors, and writing tools
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​Compare and purchase at:
​​Amazon | Walmart
Wrist Brace with Cuff
 this brace can help you hold utensils if you have weak or spastic wrists

​Compare and purchase at:
​​Amazon | Walmart

Obi: An Independent Eating Device

Obi is a robotic feeding device that allows people with limited hand and arm strength and mobility to feed themselves. Obi can be controlled by your hand, head, foot, or breath. Simple controls allow you to choose what you want to eat, when you want to eat it. Learn more.
Functional Wrist Brace
helps stabilize your wrist so you can use your fingers to type, text, write, eat, and grasp 

​​Compare and purchase at:
​​  Amazon| Walmart | CVS
Button Hook / Zipper Pull
this device assists with buttoning and zippering clothes if you have limited dexterity in your hands 

​​Compare and purchase at:
​​  Amazon| Walmart | 4MD Medical
Dressing Aid Stick
this device can help reduce bending, twisting, and reaching while dressing​

​Compare and purchase at:
​​Amazon | Walmart | Walgreens
Long-Handle Shoe Horn
this device reduces bending and helps slide your heel into your shoe without retying laces

​Compare and purchase at:
​​Amazon | Walmart | Walgreens
Reacher
​this pole-like device grabs items that are on the floor or otherwise out of reach

​Compare and purchase at:
​​Amazon | Walmart | Walgreens​​
Blanket Lift Bar
this device slips under your mattress and holds bed covers off your feet

​Compare and purchase at:
​​Amazon | Walmart
Bed Wedge
this wedge pillow can elevate your upper or lower body to relieve pressure

​Compare and purchase at:
​​Amazon | Walmart | Walgreens
Transfer Devices
​Learn about gait belts, pivot discs, transfer boards, patient lifts, and more on our Transfer Devices page.
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Insurance Coverage
​Learn which types of devices insurance will cover and how to qualify and order them on our Equipment Overview page.
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Have we missed something?

Do you know of any additional devices that our community might find helpful? Or do you have feedback on any of the products listed here? Thank you!

Equipment Safety

​Consult your physical or occupational therapist before buying or using any medical equipment. Also ask your local ALS organization 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.
Note: When you purchase products through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission, which helps us develop more educational content for you.