An Engineer’s Guide to Living with ALS

This list of tools and tricks was provided by Angela Hospice patient Matt McKeown. Matt worked as an engineer before he was diagnosed with ALS. As an engineer, tools have always been second nature to him. It all started when Matt’s fingertips became pinched. He found some miniature needle nose pliers that he could palm, and those became his fingertips. His list just unfolded from there. These items have helped Matt navigate life with ALS, and we hope his ideas can help others battling this disease live a little easier.

Items to use in the kitchen

1. Needle nose and flat nose pliers for miscellaneous grabbing/picking up dropped items
2. Use textured plastic rocks glasses for an easier grip while drinking
3. Use plastic/melamine bowls with handles to eat and prepare food
4. Use taco holders to hold food upright while eating
5. Miso soup spoons with hooks are easier to use than regular spoons
6. Curved kitchen utensils are easier to use than regular utensils
7. Put built up textured grips on regular silverware
8. Use pizza pan grippers for getting things out of the microwave
9. If not already prepared this way, transfer all condiments into plastic squeeze bottles
10. Use plates with raised lips to avoid spills
11. Get a plastic measuring cup with top read measurements for preparing food
12. Get an electric jar opener
13. Get a multipurpose bottle/can opener tool
14. Get a forward angle knife set for easy chopping and cutting
15. Use a non-slip lazy Susan for plates and bowls
16. Get an onion slicing tool
17. Use a chopper/dicer with bucket
18. Put a Dycem disc on plates and bowls for easier grabbing
19. Use a pill organizer with rounded bottoms
20. Use foaming pump dish soap
21. Use extra long silicone smoothie straws for soup broth

Items to use in the car

22. Install a Brodie Knob to make steering easier
23. Install a car door latch handle to help maneuver in and out of the vehicle
24. Put Dycem on the windshield wiper knob for easy gripping
25. Use flat nose pliers for gas pumps and parking lot tickets
26. Install a seat belt extender for easier buckling

Items to use in the office

27. Use a rotating plug power strip
28. Get a handwriting trainer grip for pens and styluses
29. Get a custom signature stamp for easy signing of documents
30. Use a knife style letter opener to open mail

Items to use while getting dressed

31. Use a pocket dresser for buttons and zippers
32. Buy a dressing aid stick
33. Buy clothing with magnetic button clasps
34. Add zipper extensions to clothing for easier zipping
35. Put slide out wire trays in closets for easier access to clothes and storage
36. Use “Lock Laces” instead of traditional tie shoe laces
37. Buy a back scratcher shoe horn combo

Items to use in the bathroom

38. Use a loofah on a stick
39. Use a Bottom Buddy for its intended purpose and for cleaning
40. Get a toilet seat riser
41. Get a shower step with handle
42. Install faucets that do not require fingers. Either touchless or single handle faucets. No knobs.

Items to use in the garage or outside

43. Use hay bale hooks for miscellaneous grabbing and moving
44. Use a Gorilla cart for no lift hauling
45. Get a stair climbing dolly and stair climbing shopping cart
46. Get a shoulder strap for the weed whacker
47. Install bike lights on rollator for safety

Items to use around the house:

48. Use cable bundling straps for various gripping tasks
49. Get a pedal exerciser to help stay active
50. Invest in a walker with a seat
51. Get a Dyson handheld vacuum with trigger
52. Use an extendable s-hook for drapes.This can also be used in the closet.
53. Get remotely controlled light switches
54. Use a leaf bag chute for doing laundry
55. Get a laundry hamper with wheels for easy maneuvering
56. Use 25” barbecue tongs for getting clothes in and out of the washer/dryer and for picking up dropped items
57. Use squeeze style fire sticks for the fireplace
58. Get a quick clamp for miscellaneous holding
59. Buy a tablet/cell phone holder to prop up your devices – can place on couch cushion or thigh
60. Attach adhesive cable clip organizers to a table or nightstand for easy device charging
61. Install an adjustable bed rail for an easier time maneuvering in and out of bed
62. Add tennis racket grips to anything too smooth or slippery to grip
63. Use a 6-in meat hook for adding a handle to pick up and carry boxes
64. Use kneeling pads for couch elevation
65. Get a car cup holder to wedge between couch cushions

Other tools you might find helpful

66. 6DoF robot for eating and teethbrushing (still being developed but showing promise)
67. Kiwi pliers to replace needle nose pliers
68. Rubber wedges for tipping bowls and mobile threshold ramps
69. Miscellaneous pick set
70. Spring loaded scissors

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with ALS and is seeking advice, please contact Angela Hospice at 734.464.7810

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