As many as 39 million Americans (and perhaps more) are affected by some condition that adversely impacts their motor skills. This equates to more than 10% of the adult population of the country.

The causes of motor impairment are varied, and they can cause a great deal of difficulty for everyday living, but there are things you can do about it. Here’s a snapshot into some of the challenges faced by those living with disabilities, as well as steps that can be taken to improve autonomy and independence.

What Are the Main Causes of Motor Impairment?

There is a considerably wide range of conditions that can cause or exacerbate motor impairment, including cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury (TBI), multiple sclerosis (MS), and spinal cord injuries.

There are also neuromuscular and neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parksinson’s Disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, better known as ALS, that can substantially impact an individual’s ability to perform basic motor functions.

Of course, the natural course of aging is also a major contributor to an individual’s motor function decay. Even in the absence of diagnosable conditions like arthritis, aging in and of itself causes a loss of muscle fiber density and a diminishment of flexibility that can make it difficult for elderly individuals to navigate a home or take care of themselves.

With that said, here are some of the major concerns faced by those living with conditions that affect their motor coordination.

Main Issues of Living with Motor Impairment

Depending on the severity and extent of motor impairment faced by any individual, he or she could experience the following difficulties, among others.

1. Difficulty getting dressed

Getting dressed, something each of us has to do every day, presents unique difficulties for those living with impaired motor coordination or even just with arthritis or limited range of motion. Movements as basic as tying shoes or buttoning a jacket can become exceptionally difficult, as can the actions of putting on pants or a shirt.

2. Difficulty bathing

For those with conditions affecting their motor skills, bathing can present some of the greatest difficulties of all, and the worst part is that using the bathroom can be quite dangerous for those who are at risk of falling. Slippery conditions make falls in the bathroom among the most dangerous in the entire house, complicating the use of the bath tub, shower, and even toilet. This is where assistive devices like shower sliding transfer benches become necessary to eliminate the risk. However, it’s not just actually bathing; brushing the teeth, combing the hair and other basic ablutions can be quite difficult as well.

3. Issues with walking, using stairs, getting up from a sitting position

An action as simple and necessary as standing up and walking can also produce a considerable challenge to anyone whose strength, flexibility, range of motion and general motor coordination are in decline. The same goes for using stairs, which, like the bathroom, represent a pointed risk of falls to users with impaired coordination. Low stools, benches, and other seating can present a challenge to those with limited mobility.

4. Problems preparing food and eating

Preparing food, cooking, and even feeding oneself can become quite an insurmountable challenge for those that don’t have the strength, flexibility and range of motion that they once had. It can also become difficult to clean up the kitchen after cooking and eating.

5. Difficulty with written communication

Lastly, using a pen and paper can be quite a challenge for those with arthritis, neurodegenerative diseases, and other similar conditions, making it difficult to perform a necessary legal ritual as simple and straightforward as signing a name.

Products and Assistive Devices That Can Help

While some neurodegenerative conditions have no cure, there are products and assistive devices available that can help ease the difficulties of living with those conditions. These are among the most practical.

1. Assistive canes

Among the most simple of all assistive devices, canes (and similar, walkers) can help those who are struggling with motor impairment or muscle dystrophy to get around their own homes, restoring a sense of autonomy and dignity while helping to mitigate the risks of falls and injuries.

2. Shower sliding transfer benches

In the bathroom, devices like shower sliding transfer benches can help minimize the risk associated with falling in the bathroom, specifically the risk of falling attempting to get into or out of the shower. Some shower sliding transfer benches also improve comfort and safety by allowing the user to bathe from a seated position. The right bench can substantially reduce the risks of falling in the bathroom while bathing.

3. Bathroom benches

Similar to but not as involved as (and more affordable than) shower sliding transfer benches are generalized bathroom benches. These small benches can be placed anywhere in the bathroom (including in the shower) to help improve comfort, minimize stooping and reaching, and to help prevent the risks of slips and falls.

4. Voice recognition software/smart home devices

Voice recognition software that makes it easier to use computers and other home systems with voice commands, rather than through physical, mechanical controls can also be a boon to those with motor impairments.

5. Prosthetic and orthotic devices

Prosthetics, but more importantly, orthotic devices, can help restore a degree of autonomy to those living with motor impairment. For instance, there are orthotic utensils and writing implements that make it easier for those with motor function issues to write or feed themselves, as well as orthotic phones and bathing devices that are much easier for those with disabilities to use.

6. Buying the right clothing

Since getting dressed can represent a challenge to effectively anyone that has a motor disability, being careful about clothing selection can go a long way. For instance, opting for clothing that fits properly and utilizes zippers, instead of buttons, can make getting dressed easier. Similarly, shoes with orthotic insoles, and footwear with hook and loop closures rather than laces, can be much easier for affected individuals to use.

Every Little Bit Counts

While there is no cure for some conditions, or for aging, planning ahead by recognizing these areas of difficulty, and preparing as necessary with assistive devices, can make a big difference in the life of an individual facing such challenges. Hopefully you found this short guide helpful; take a look through the other posts in our blog while you’re here for additional information.