The OT Toolkit crew had a great time in New Orleans at the 2019 AOTA conference. Aside from talking to occupational therapists from around the world, my favorite activity is to check out all the great products designed to make the lives of our patients more comfortable. I like it even more when that great product has a great back story. I so admire people who recognize an unmet need in the lives of a loved one, a patient or even themselves and then work tirelessly to create a solution that fills that gap. Check out my 2019 favorites!
Cheryl Hall, OT
Author and Illustrator, Occupational Therapy Toolkit
Pandere Shoes™
Finding comfortable shoes is a challenge especially for folks with swelling, lymphedema or other conditions. Shoes that fit well and accommodate changes or differences promote good foot health, increase mobility and can help prevent falls. Pandere Shoes™ was founded by a nurse who dealt with lymphedema and uncomfortable shoes for most of her life. The line is designed to expand up to 3 widths and to provide a good fit in the toe box, mid foot and around the ankles. Plus, Pandere Shoes™ does it with style; these are not your grandma’s orthopedic shoes! Men’s styles and wider widths are being introduced soon.
pandereshoes.com
O2 Remote
Who hasn’t witnessed the hazards that oxygen tubing can present to a patient? Not only does it present a falls hazard, but the tangle of tubing reduces mobility – not to mention kinked and damaged tubing. The O2 Remote (patent pending) is a simple and elegant design that provides a solution to all those problems. Designed by a husband and wife team, the product was inspired by their first-hand experience in home health care nursing. O2 Remote retracts or dispenses tubing with the click of a remote keeping the floor clear and the tubing protected.
oxygenmgmtsystems.com
STAYnEaT®
Looking for a feeding tool that solves a whole list of problems? Look no farther than STAYnEAT®! Dividers, spill guard, suction, skid proof and scoop wall – all in one reversible plate. This product design was a family effort, when dad recognized his son was struggling to keep the food on his plate separated. Available in both standard and junior sizes, the product is dishwasher safe and free from BPA, BPS, PVC, lead and phthalate. STAYnEAT® comes in a variety of colors for that child or adult in your life that needs assistance eating.
stayneatplate.com
