Equipment Corner
Alyssa DeCarlo, MS, OTR/L, MSCS, LSVT
DISCLAIMER: The inclusion of links to products in this article does not reflect a formal endorsement from OOTA, nor are the products listed in this article a comprehensive list of the available products to address the needs of individuals requiring the use of assistive technologies
In OT school it is very common to learn about the very handy button hook. Seeing how a simple piece of wire can make all the difference to allow patients independence is mind blowing! This mighty metal assists across multiple diagnoses including CVA’s as a result of the hemiplegic arm, Parkinson’s secondary to tremor, and even arthritis due to pain when fine motor coordination becomes more challenging. However, there are a multitude of tools available that can provide support with fastener management in different ways. Let’s take a look at one of those options by comparing the traditional button hook to The Pocket Dresser Tool.
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Lightweight (<3oz), however, can be purchased in a weighted version | Lightweight version less supportive for tremor, weighted version less helpful for reduced grip strength |
| Inexpensive ($7-$10) | Pliable material can often times break more easily |
| Flexible metal head to accommodate different size buttons | More challenging for large jean and coat buttons |
| Larger handle for gross grasp | Difficult for those with minimal to no grasp to sustain hold on handle |
| Hook that can be utilized for a zipper pull | Increased challenge based on design of hook to successfully fit different styles of zippers |
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Lightweight (<5oz) and foldable | Heavier than traditional button hook which may be too heavy for various diagnoses, but better for tremor |
| Expense: ($17) | More expensive than traditional button hook |
| Rigid metal | Less risk of breaking with long term use |
| Handle can be utilized for those from high functioning grasp to no grasp at all in U-cuff style | Alternative style movement that takes increased training to accommodate to for less functional grasp |
| Multiple metal heads to accommodate different sized buttons and different sized zippers | Identifying which hook is most appropriate to use and pulling out hooks from fold down pocketknife style design |
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