Houston Cardiovascular Associates Houston Cardiovascular Associates

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Assistive Devices for People With Disabilities

Overview

Assistive devices are tools that help make your daily activities easier. You may also hear them called adaptive equipment.

These tools can help you with many activities, like bathing, grooming, dressing, walking, writing, or eating. They can be simple or complex. They range from a fork with an extra-large handle to a power wheelchair.

Occupational therapists and physical therapists are trained to help you learn what assistive devices can help you. They can also tell you where you can find them. In general, you can find these tools in drugstores, medical supply stores, or online. Some can be found in home improvement stores.

What are some examples of assistive devices?

Tools for grooming and dressing

Shower grab bar, bathtub grab bar, shoehorn, long-handled sponge.
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slide 1 of 3, Tools for grooming and dressing,

Examples include:

  • Tub or shower grab bars. They can help you get in and out of the bathtub.
  • Tools to help you get dressed. These include button or zipper hooks, shoehorns, and sock aids.
  • Toothbrushes, combs, and brushes that have big handles. They are easier to hold.
  • Long-handled sponges for bathing.
  • Velcro fasteners on clothes and shoes instead of small buttons, snaps, or laces.
  • Large pull tabs on zippers. These make zippers easier to hold and pull.

Tools for daily tasks

Grabbing tool, doorknob extender, hand mirror with padded handle, wheeled cart.
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slide 2 of 3, Tools for daily tasks,

These tools include:

  • Stools, carts, trash cans, and other objects on wheels so they can be pushed rather than carried or lifted.
  • Doorknob extenders. They help you open doors without twisting the doorknob.
  • Molded or padded handles. They can make objects like keys, kitchen gadgets, combs, mirrors, and toothbrushes easier to hold.
  • Reaching or grabbing tools. You can use them to help you pick up items from the floor or from a high shelf.
  • Writing and reading tools, such as grips on pens or a magnifying glass to help you read.

Tools for moving around

Canes and a walker.
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slide 3 of 3, Tools for moving around,

Examples include:

  • Movement devices, such as canes, braces, walkers, and electric scooters. Wheelchairs can also help you be mobile.
  • Raised toilet seats, with or without rails to help you sit and stand. They can make it safer and easier to use the toilet.
  • Special lifts that can help you get in and out of your bed, car, or bathtub.

Credits

Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Dear patient

I am excited to announce that I will be relocating my practice to Houston Methodist DeBakey Cardiology Associates. Starting November 4, 2024, my new address will be:

Houston Methodist DeBakey Cardiology Associates
6550 Fannin St.
Smith Tower, Suite 1901
Houston, TX 77030

Please note that my phone number and fax number will also change to the following:
24-Hour Telephone: 713-441-1100
Fax: 713-790-2643
Clinical Support Telephone (M-F, 8-5): 713-441-3515

I am excited about caring for you in my new office and hope you will make the transition with me. I will also continue to refill your medications as I have in the past. To assist, please provide your pharmacy with my new contact information.

Please consider checking your prescription refills to verify that you have enough medication on hand to last you until your next visit. Please note that your medical records will remain at my former office until you authorize their transfer. If you choose for me to continue providing your medical care, please complete and sign the enclosed “Authorization for Release of Medical Records” form and fax it to 713-790-2643. Once we receive your authorization, we will be happy to process the request for you.

Thank you for entrusting me with your medical care. My new team and I are dedicated to making this transition as seamless as possible. For help scheduling an appointment and transitioning your care, please call my new office number above.

I look forward to continuing your care at my new location.

Sincerely,
Gopi A. Shah, MD

Dear patient

Dr. Albert Raizner, Dr. Michael Raizner, and Dr. Mohamed El-Beheary are excited to announce that our practice, Houston Cardiovascular Associates, will merge with Houston Cardiovascular Associates on November 1, 2024.

Our new offices are similarly located in Houston, near the Texas Medical Center and in Sugar Land. Our in-hospital care will continue at Houston Methodist Hospital in the Texas Medical Center and Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. Importantly, our new offices expand our services with state-of-the-art equipment and amenities. Our core values will always be, as they began over 40 years ago when Dr. Albert Raizner founded HCA:

Integrity – Compassion – Accountability

Our new address and contact information are:

Your medical records are confidential and remain available at our new locations. We consider it a privilege to serve as your cardiologists and look forward to your continuing with us. However, should you desire to transfer to another physician, you may request a copy of your records by contacting us at our new addresses and phone numbers listed above.

We thank you for your trust and loyalty. As always, we will continue to be here to take care of you. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Dr. Albert Raizner,
Dr. Michael Raizner,
Dr. Mohamed El-Beheary