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Assistive technology (AT) solutions can benefit many farmers and ranchers
affected by a stroke. Solutions vary depending upon the severity of the
stroke and the areas of the farm/ranch that require access. Modifications
to the farm or ranch home may become the first priority in order to allow
the farmer/rancher recovering from a stroke to live comfortably. Other
modifications and AT may be added to the farmstead/ranch to allow the
farmer/rancher access to or the ability to work on the farm/ranch, in
work areas (e.g., the shop, grain storage sites, livestock housing), and
with farm/ranch implements and self-powered equipment (e.g., tractors,
trucks, and combines).
Some of the lasting effects of a stroke (e.g., paralysis, weakness, lack
of sensation, forgetfulness, loss or difficulty with speech and writing)
create situations for the farmer/rancher that are similar to those for
the farmer/rancher with amputations, back injuries, severe arthritis,
aging, or cerebral palsy. AT ideas regarding tractors and machinery, utility
vehicles, and livestock feeding and care systems are available in the
Fall 2001 AgrAbility Quarterly on Arthritis, found on the National AgrAbility
Project web site at www.agrabilityproject.org.
This AgrAbility Quarterly, therefore, will focus on AT suitable for the
farm/ranch home.
Farm/ranch home
If a farmer/rancher recovering from a stroke requires the use of a walker,
powered three-wheel cart, or wheelchair for moving around, a ramp may
be required for him/her to get into and out of the home. Doorways may
need to be widened and should have less than a 1/2” threshold to
accommodate someone who uses a wheelchair. If the farmer/rancher has weakness
in an arm/hand and lacks grip strength, standard doorknobs can be replaced
with lever handles or simple doorknob turners for ease of use. A motion-activated
outdoor light can be installed to illuminate an area without someone having
to reach for and operate a switch.
Inside the home, main traffic areas should be kept clear of obstacles
and widened for accessibility. Low maintenance hard floor surfaces or
low-pile carpets are the easiest on which to maneuver a walker or wheelchair.
If the farmer/rancher has difficulty with walking or balance, consider
adding handrails on both sides of stairs, hallways, and other walking
paths. Also remove loose rugs, mats, and carpets from stairs. For added
visual clarity, install more lighting, paint steps an easily seen color,
or apply a visible strip of anti-slip tape on stair steps. For a tactile
marker, apply textured thread tape on stair step edges.
Light switches and electric outlets may need to be modified for someone
using a cart or wheelchair. Consider pull switches, rocker or button switches,
motion sensor switches, or voice activated environmental controls. If
the farm/ranch home has multiple levels, a chair lift or simple elevator
may be needed. Another option may be to convert a first floor room into
a bedroom. Sometimes, by rethinking the overall home layout or living
patterns, useful changes can be identified that are inexpensive. A good
reference to review for examples is the “Modest Home Makeover Program.”
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The bathroom is important for personal independence and should be made
as accessible as possible. The Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility
Guidelines (ADAAG) set standards for wheelchair access and placement for
grab bars/handrails around a toilet and in the bathroom in general. Installation
of a thermoscopic (i.e., temperature controlled) hot- and cold-water mixing
valve may be important, especially in the shower, for a farmer/rancher
who has lost sensation on one side of his/her body due to a stroke.
When evaluating the farm/ranch home’s accessibility, remember the
farmer/rancher’s everyday activities/needs, like using the telephone
and reaching items in the kitchen cupboards or in bedroom closets. A voice-activated
or large button telephone, which allows easy button access for dialing,
or a speakerphone, which allows hands-free use while talking, may greatly
assist a farmer/rancher who has limited coordination and arm strength.
To get items from high shelves or cupboards, a farmer/rancher using a
wheelchair could try one of a variety of commercially available reachers.
To make kitchen cabinets and hall closets accessible, build in sliding
shelves and drawers, lower closet rods, or add height-adjustable electrically
controlled cabinets.
The resource section of this Quarterly (page 6) provides web sites with
products for self-care (e.g., grooming, dressing, eating). Examples of
accessible kitchen designs and features are provided in the “Home
for All Ages” and “Independent Living Options”.
Assistive Technology & Accessibility Ideas For Farm/Ranch Homes
Family
Caregiver Alliance supports and assists caregivers of brain-impaired
adults through education, research, services and advocacy.
The Internet Stroke Center
is a non-profit, educational service of Washington University School of
Medicine.
The Division
of Cerebrovascular Diseases website provides information to both
patients and physicians on the Division of Cerebrovascular Diseases, its
research activities, staff, education programs, and more.
Home Design
Chairlifts and Elevators
Door Knob Turner & Simple Door Knob Lever Extenders
Ramps
Anti-slip Tapes, Etc.
Three-wheeled Carts (Scooters)
Portable One-handed Vehicle Controls
Wheelchair & Wheelchair Accessories
Self-care Aids
Kitchen Aids
Reachers
Modified Telephones
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Scooters, such as this model from Amigo Mobility International,
may help improve an individual's mobility around the home and farmstead.
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A simple doorknob extender can make opening a door easier.
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Adding anti-slip tapes to steps, landings, thresholds and angled
surfaces can improve visibility and traction.
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Iowa State Extension’s Home for All Ages shows a bathroom
design for accessibility.
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Large button phones make dialing easier for individuals with limited
vision or lacking fine motor control.
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A pullout counter top in the kitchen allows for three-wheel cart
access. Design also includes a lower cabinet and microwave. Photo
courtesy of Iowa State Extension.
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