Acquired Brain Injury

Some of the everyday activities that you may find difficult due to your brain injury can be made easier by using assistive products specifically for the activity. For example, an angled bread knife for cutting bread or a stocking aid for putting on socks. At other times, an aid can relieve or support your body, avoiding overload, reducing pain, supporting your balance, or increasing your stamina.

Need to sit down

If you have reduced strength in your legs or difficulty maintaining balance when standing and walking, standing activities can be exhausting and, for some, pose a risk of falling. For activities you usually perform standing, consider using a standing chair or an activity chair.

Learn more in the guide Activity Chairs.

Shoulder relief

If your brain injury has resulted in hemiplegia (paralysis on one side), it can cause pain in the paralyzed shoulder. In this case, a sling (arm orthosis), an armrest, or a wheelchair lap top can provide relief and position the shoulder more appropriately.
An occupational or physiotherapist can assess what is relevant for you. You can, e.g, make a plan for when to use a sling, or discuss whether an additional lap top or armrest would support you in your daily life.

• Arm orthoses
• Tables that can be attached to chairs
• Arm supports

Support for hand or wrist

If you have difficulty extending your wrist, it can be challenging to grip and hold onto objects. In this case, a wrist orthosis can help support and stabilize your wrist in a functional position. You may also need support for your hand or fingers in general.

Please read more in the guide Wrist, Thumb, and Finger Orthoses.

If you have difficulty moving around your home or if your reach is limited, remote control and SmartHome solutions can be useful. Many of these solutions may require some time to get used to, and some are more user-friendly and straightforward than others. Therefore, it is important not only to consider the technical features and possibilities but also whether the solution is plain and easy to operate in practice. Factors such as button size, sensitivity, and the number of buttons can be significant.

Regardless of whether you adopt new control solutions or not, it may also be relevant to modify the layout and accessibility of your home, as it can be fundamental for navigating in and around your home.

Remote control and SmartHome solutions

If you have difficulty operating functions in your home, there are options for remotely controlling and managing appliances and features such as lights, curtains, and music systems. Many solutions use Wi-Fi or Bluetooth and can be controlled through an app or a special remote control. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections are not directional, which means you do not necessarily have to point at the device or the function you want to control. If you use a Bluetooth connection, the range is limited to your immediate surroundings. With a Wi-Fi connection, you can control appliances and features even when you are not at home.

Learn more about these solutions in the guide SmartAT for Household and Daily Life.

There are also infrared remote controls with special designs, such as distinct buttons, large buttons, or soft buttons. Some of these can be programmed to control various devices in the home. Infrared remote controls are directional, so you need to point them at the device you want to control.

• Infrared environmental control systems

Adaptations in and around the home

To facilitate movement in and around your home, there may be a need to level differences in height. Ramps or skids can be established at stairs and thresholds to make it easier to move around, especially if you use a wheelchair or walker. Ramps and skids are available as both stationary and portable. Furthermore, height adjustment of furniture, as well as handles and handrails, may be relevant.

• Assistive products for the layout and adaptation of indoor and outdoor locations.

If you have reduced function in one side of your body, reduced mobility, reduced strength, or impaired fine motor skills, there are many aids for personal hygiene that may be relevant. For example, specially designed hair or bath brushes with long handles, toe washers, nail files, or nail clippers. Some of these products are specifically developed for one-handed operation.

Please read more in the guide Assistive Products for Personal Hygiene.

If you are unstable when taking a shower, it may be relevant to use a shower stool, a shower seat, or a grab bar mounted on the wall. If you need even more support, a bath chair with or without wheels may be suitable.

Please read more in the guide Shower Stools, Bath Chairs, and Shower Seats, and in the guide Support Bars, Handrails, and Toilet Supports.

If you use a bathtub, you can use bath boards, which are placed across the sides of the bathtub and typically come with handles and a non-slip surface. If you need more comfort and support, bath seats may be relevant. These come with a backrest, a swivelling seat, and armrests that can facilitate getting in and out of the bathtub.

• Bath boards
• Bath seats

Toileting

If you have difficulty whiping yourself after using the toilet, a toilet seat with douche and drying function could be a possible solution.

Please read more about options and variations in the guide Toilet Seats with Douche and Drying Function.

If you struggle to get up from or sit down on the toilet, a raised toilet seat can be a relevant aid. There are detachable and permanently fixed raised toilet seats, as well as freestanding raised toilet seats mounted on a frame.

Please read more in the guide Raised Toilet Seats.

There are also tall, floor-mounted toilets and wall-mounted toilets that can be height-adjusted.

• Wall-mounted toilets, height-adjustable, or with a specific height

Finally, there are toilet plinths that can be mounted under the existing toilet to make it higher.

• Toilet plinths

HIf you cannot transfer to the toilet yourself, an alternative to a raised toilet seat or an elevated toilet could be a commode chair or a commode-shower chair that can be pushed over the toilet by an assistant.

• Commode chairs

The brains control over the bladder can be diminished or lost due to an acquired brain injury. This can result in incontinence, manifested by involuntary urination, nocturnal urination, incomplete bladder emptying, etc. If you have trouble controlling urine or faeces, you can use various types of inserts or diapers. You can also use incontinence underwear that can absorb urine and be washed, thus reusable. It may also be relevant to use absorbent bed covers, either as disposable pads or washable. For some, urine-collecting aids can be a solution, such as a urinal or a catheter or a urinary condom in combination with a collection bag. There are also alarms that signal involuntary urination or bowel movements.

Please read more about the different types of products in the guide Diapers for Adults and in the guide Urine Collectors.

There is clothing and shoes designed to make dressing and undressing easier. For example, outerwear and shirts with Velcro fasteners as an alternative to buttons and zippers. There is also clothing with a special fit for wheelchair use, such as clothing that is shorter in the front to avoid excess fabric that puffs or wrinkles when sitting. It could also be pants that are cut higher at the back to avoid a "bare part."

Please read more in the guide Clothing and Shoes.

Furthermore, there are assistive products that can facilitate dressing and undressing, such as buttonhooks and dressing sticks. Elastic shoelaces may be relevant if you have difficulty tying shoeslaces or reaching all the way down to your feet.

Please read more in the guide Assistive products for Dressing and Undressing.

If you have an unsteady grip due to reduced strength in hands and fingers, you may need cutlery with an adapted grip for your meals. The grip could e.g. be thick, making it easier to grasp and hold on to.

Please read more in the guide Special Cutlery.

There are also cups and plates with special designs. For example, hourglass-shaped cups or cups with a special handle that can make drinking easier, and plates with edges that make it easier to scoop up food.

Please read more in the guide Plates and Cups with Special Design.

For cooking, several aids can be useful. Packaging openers can make it easier to open storage jars, cans, or screw caps. It may also be a good idea to use non-slip mats so that bowls, glasses, and plates do not slide on the table. A cutting board with a securing property for bread or vegetables can make it easier to cut, especially if you can only use one hand.

Please read more in the guide Assistive Products for Cooking.

If you are challenged in your mobility or have difficulty transporting groceries or other items, there are several assistive products that could be relevant.

Walking sticks and rollators

If you have reduced standing and walking function, there are aids that can relieve or support you when getting around. You can use a walking stick if you need light support or a rollator if you need more support. If you need even more support, you can use a walking table or a rollator with high forearm supports.

• Walking sticks
• Rollators
• Walking tables

You can also learn about choosing and the use of walking aids in the guide Walking sticks and in the guide Rollators.

Drop-foot braces and stimulators

HIf you have developed drop foot as a consequence of your brain injury, there are various options to alleviate this. For example, a drop-foot brace (ankle-foot orthosis) or a drop-foot stimulator (functional electrical stimulator) can help you lifting your forefoot when walking. You can talk to your doctor or the assistive products department in your municipality about what is a suitable solution for you.

• Ankle-foot orthoses
• Functional neuromuscular stimulators

Wheelchairs

A wheelchair can be the solution if your walking ability is affected to such an extent that you either cannot walk independently with support (rollator or similar) or if you can only walk very short distances. Depending on how much walking ability you have and how great your need is to get around independently, there are different types of wheelchairs. The more hours a day you need to use the wheelchair, the more carefully it should be selected and adapted to you with the help of a professional. This applies to both manual and powered wheelchairs.

• Manual wheelchairs
• Powered scooters
• Joystick-controlled powered wheelchairs

You can learn more about the most basic manual wheelchairs designed for transport over short distances in the guide Wheelchairs for Transportation and about choosing and the use of powered scooters in the guide Powered Scooters.

Cycling

Maybe your balance has been impaired, but you still want to cycle. Tricycles are available with two front wheels or two rear wheels. If you have problems judging distances, for example in navigating around obstacles, it would be advantageous for you to choose a tricycle with two front wheels. Some of the tricycles come with an auxiliary motor. If you are unable to ride a bike independently, a tandem or a side-by-side bike may be an option. If you need to transfer from a wheelchair to a bike, a transfer aid may be relevant; for example, you can use a swivel cushion or a sliding board. There are also bikes with seats on a swivel console, making it easier to get on and off.

Please read more in the guide Tricycles.

Transportation of goods

For shopping, it might be helpful to use a shopping on with wheels. It can make it easier to pack groceries into the bag while it sits stably on the floor, and it can make it easier to transport the groceries home. Some shopping bags on wheels are also suitable for going up and down stairs.

• Shopping trolleys

You may also need to transport items around your home. In this case, a tea trolley can be helpful, especially if you have impaired balance. Tea trolleys come in various models, and you should consider whether there should be one or two handles, and whether you need wheels that are suitable for getting across thresholds. If you need a tea trolley in your home, it may be advantageous to remove loose carpets, use wedges at the thresholds, or possibly have the thresholds removed.

• Tea trolleys
• Wedges and ramps for thresholds

An acquired brain injury can pose challenges in ones sexual life. It could be, for example, erectile problems, reduced physical ability, pain, or sensory disturbances. Some challenges can be alleviated or reduced with an assistive device. You can get vibrators and dummies that can be operated hands-free. There are also erectile aids, such as penis pumps and penis rings, as well as aids for pelvic floor training. Also, various positioning cushions may be relevant, as they can support you in adopting and maintaining a desired position.

Many sexual activity aids are available in regular stores. There is also a limited selection of sexual activity aids in the AssistData.

• Assistive products for sexual activities
• Positioning cushions

Please read more in the guide Assistive Products for Sexual Activities

An acquired brain injury can change your needs in terms of sleep and rest, making it relevant to acquire a different bed, mattress, or adjustable recliner chair. It may also be preferable to use special pillows or duvets for comfort or sensory stimulation.

Beds

If you need to sit upright in bed, to get support to sit up in bed, or to be able to adjust your bed in different comfort positions, then an adjustable bed may be useful.

Please read more in the guide Adjustable Beds

If your brain injury has resulted in the need for care in bed, difficulty getting in and out of bed, or if you are mostly bedridden, a care bed may be a good solution. Care beds can be adjusted in height and in the lying surface, and a care bed allows for the use of accessories such as side rails or a lifting pole.

You can read more in the guide Care Beds and in the guide Care Beds for Children.

Mattresses

If you need a new mattress, it is a good idea to choose a supplier that offers a return or replacement policy for 1-2 months, as it can be difficult to assess the mattress after a short time lying on it.

If there is an option to adjust the base of the bed, the mattress should be flexible to follow the movements of the base.

If you spend many hours in bed and have difficulty moving about, it may be relevant to have a mattress that preserves skin integrity. In this case, there will be a need for a health professional assessment before choosing the mattress.

• Mattresses for tissue integrity
• Mattresses and mattress overlays

Reclining chairs

If your mobility is impaired, there are recliners that provide good comfort and are designed to make it easier to sit down on and rise from.

If you need to rest in a reclined position or if you need to change the pressure on the body periodically, it is a good idea to choose a chair where the backrest can be adjusted. Some recliners are manually adjustable, while others are electrically adjustable and come with a remote control.

You can read more in the guide Lounge chairs.

Assistive products for sensory stimulation

An acquired brain injury can cause mental or physical restlessness, reduced quality of sleep, and increased muscle tension. Various products for sensory stimulation that can reduce this. For example, there are weighted covers, blankets, or cushions that stimulate the sense of touch and muscle-joint sense by having extra weight and/or a filling that provides a special sensory impact.

You can read more in the guide Assistive Products for Sensory Stimulation.

Positioning cushions

In relation to sleep and relaxation, positioning cushions can be used to support in appropriate positions where the body is relaxed. The cushions can, among other things, reduce pain, provide pressure distribution, and in general relieve. Positioning cushions are available in many shapes and materials.

• Positioning cushions and positioning systems

If your brain injury has resulted in reduced concentration and memory, it can pose challenges in managing activities and remembering appointments.

For some, it may be beneficial to visualize daily activities and appointments using a timetable or schedule. There are more or less advanced boards designed for setting up schedules, and there are also various apps that can be used if you prefer to have the schedule on a smartphone or tablet. Both boards and apps may have reminder functions or a built-in countdown timer.

Planning and Processes

You might find it difficult to plan and maintain the sequence of an activity, such as making coffee, preparing dinner, or getting ready to leave the house. In such cases, supporting the process with a schedule, possibly using images and symbols to make it more understandable, can be advantageous. This could be in the form of a list (either paper or electronic) where you can check off and keep track of your progress in the process.

Initiative to Start

A possible consequence of a brain injury can be a lack of initiative, manifesting as difficulty starting tasks. Assistive devices for structure and overview might help initiate activities.

DYou can learn more about different aids for structure and overview in the guide Calendars and Schedules, or directly explore products in the Assistive Device Database through the following links:

• Calendars and Schedules
• Countdown Timers
• Aids for Structuring Processes, Activities, and Personal Goals

Memory

A brain injury can result in memory difficulties, such as forgetting appointments and names or having difficulty learning new things. It can also make it challenging to keep track of everyday tasks.

Schedules or timetables can be helpful for some to provide an overview of daily activities. Schedules can be created with text, images, or symbols, depending on what works best for you. There are special tools, such as letter and symbol sets, designed for creating schedules.

There are also calendars with a simple layout that can be helpful, both for remembering appointments and recalling what you did earlier in the week. These are available in both paper and electronic formats.

• Calendars and Schedules
• Aids for Structuring Processes, Activities, and Personal Goals
• Letter and Symbol Sets and Boards

Read more in the guide Calendars and Schedules.

If you take medication, you can use a pill organizer that helps you keep track of whether you have taken your medication. Pill organizers are typically divided into compartments corresponding to the days of the week and different times of the day. Additionally, you can get medication organizers with reminders that notify you, either visually, tactically, or with sound, when it is time to take your medicine.

• Pill Organizers
• Medication Organizers with Reminders

If you have trouble remembering where you placed objects, such as keys or your wallet, a locator might be helpful. A locator can emit a sound that you can follow until the item is found again. Some locators can be connected to the internet or Bluetooth, allowing you to track the locator using an app on your smartphone.

• Locators

Memory loss may mean you will have difficulty remembering events and perhaps names and faces. There are different products for reminders, such as talking photo albums where you or someone else can record names for your pictures of family members, stories about vacations, or places you have lived, etc. It can also be useful to have some recognizable objects that you and your close ones can use to initiate conversations.

• Reminder Systems

There are aids that can stimulate memory, evoke emotions, or have a calming effect, such as dolls or stuffed animals with interactive features, sounds, or soft bodies. There are also memory games, puzzles, memory boxes, etc

• Aids for Cognitive Rehabilitation
• Aids for Memory Training

An acquired brain injury can cause disruptions in how the senses perceive things. This can manifest as an inability to smell coffee or taste strawberries. It can also result in not feeling what you are holding in your hands or realizing late that the water from the tap is very hot. For some, sensory disturbances can lead to reduced responsiveness.

The consequences of sensory problems can sometimes be reduced with individually tailored sensory stimulation or therapeutic sensory integration treatment.

It is recommended to seek guidance from an occupational therapist or physiotherapist on which sensory stimulation aids might best help you and how to use them. You can contact your municipalitys assistive device advisory service for more information.

Read more in the guide Sensory Stimulation Aids, or go directly to products in AssistData under the product category:

• Aids for Sensory Integration Training

Vision and Hearing

Vision and hearing can be affected by an acquired brain injury.

Vision

If vision is affected by the brain injury, it can result in a limited field of vision, eye coordination problems, difficulty recognizing things, and reduced depth perception. It is recommended to seek guidance from a neuro-optometrist and vision consultant on which visual aids might best help you and how to use them.

You can read about some of the different aids in the target group entrance Visual Impairment.

Hearing

If hearing is affected by the brain injury, it can manifest as reduced hearing, tinnitus, or particular sensitivity to loud sounds. It is recommended to seek advice from a hearing consultant. The advice may include guidance on strategies and management as well as possible aids.

You can read about some of the different aids in the target group entrance Hearing Impairment.

Language and Communication

Speech and language difficulties can manifest in different ways, depending on the extent of the brain injury and which parts of the brain have been damaged. Difficulties may include having trouble understanding others, finding it difficult to find words and form sentences, or speaking slowly.

It is recommended that you seek guidance from a speech-language pathologist and/or a professional with knowledge and expertise in alternative and augmentative communication on which aids might best help you and how to use them.

On the Assistive Device Database, you can explore various aids that can help if you have speech and language difficulties:

• Assistive products for face-to-face communication
• Assistive products for voice and speech functions

With an acquired brain injury, participating in play, games, and creative activities can be challenging. Play equipment and games with special designs can facilitate participation in play and games. There are, for example, play equipment and games developed specifically for one-handed use or with tactile markings or color contrast, making them easier to use if vision is affected.

• Aids for Play and Games

You can learn more in the guide Toys and Games.

There are aids for creative activities. For drawing and painting, there are, for example, writing boards to attach the paper to if you can only use one arm. There are also adaptation grips and holders for pencils, markers, brushes, etc. Adaptation grips come in many different designs.

• Adaption Grips

There are aids for use in handicrafts, such as sewing, crocheting, and embroidering. Needle threaders or special needles that make it easier to thread the needle can be useful. There are also scissors with special features and, for example, sewing frames to hold and tension the material.

• Needle Threaders
• Sewing Needles and Darning Needles
• Sewing Frames
• Scissors

For gardening, there are tools with special handles, angled grips, non-slip surfaces, or armrests, for example that can be combined with gardening tools to reduce strain on the wrists and improve control. Some of these specialized gardening tools are also suitable if you need to perform gardening while sitting.

• Tools for outdoor gardening

Read more about assistive devices for gardening in the Gardening Guide.