What to buy for loved ones with physical disabilities?

While the gift you bought for a loved one with a physical disability in the past may have come from good intentions, it could be stuck in a cupboard somewhere, says the March of Dimes' (MOD) manager of group development and support.

"It's always hard to know what to buy because often the regular products that are available, they may not be suitable," Sheila Casemore said.

On Tuesday, December the 18th staff from MOD Canada, a non-profit organization that offers programs and services for people with physical disabilities, will be at Ajax Shoppers Home Health Care for its grand opening.

The store provides specialty home health care products and services, and MOD consultants will be on hand to recommend proper gifts for people with physical disabilities or mobility issues. Specifically, items recommended will enhance mobility and increase safety and independence for people recovering from a stroke.

"There's 50,000 new strokes per year and there's about 300,000 people in Canada living with the affects of stroke, so it's quite substantial," Ms. Casemore said.

Ideal items for stroke survivors would be anything that's anti-slip, including bathtub mats, devices for plates, knives and forks or fold-up bath chairs that are portable and convenient for traveling. But, people with any mobility issue are welcome to attend and ask about products that may help them.

"In terms of the barriers, it's really difficult to find these products," Ms. Casemore said. "I mean they're not often commercially available."

She added that modifying products can be risky since they haven't been properly tested, so it's important to go to specialty stores because the products are properly tested and designed for people with mobility issues.

MOD is also reminding people to buy gifts for caregivers this season. Ms. Casemore said it can be difficult for caregivers (often family members) to find time for themselves, many times working 24-hour days.

"Caregivers are always forgotten, we find," she said.

While the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care provides funded home care services, Ms. Casemore explained it's not usually long-term. And, while some people assume relatives can help out, Ms. Casemore explained "families are very dispersed these days."

A professional body massager, a magnetic therapy necklace or a light therapy system are some ideal items to pamper caregivers.
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