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Keeping Things Steady

Problem
People with mental retardation often find it difficult to stabilize or hold materials still.  This can be caused by physical problems such as tremors or the inability to use both hands together.  Distractibility may keep individuals from recognizing the need to stabilize things.

• When they aren't stable, items on a higher shelf or on wheels may slide away when reached for.

• Bottles may spin during attempts to remove the caps.

• Spoons and leisure materials may fall out of reach.

Related Functional Limitations:  Reaching/Lifting, Mobility/Balance, Hand Use 

Solution 1: Substitute “One Handed” Materials for “Two Handed” Materials.
When only one hand can be used (because of weakness, tremors or tightness), choose materials that don't require stabilization by a second hand.

Ideas:

• Choose snaps or Velcro© closures instead of buttons on clothing.

• Buy items with flip tops instead of screw on caps (i.e., toothpaste).

• Use a straw instead of lifting a glass or a cup.

• Use a stapler instead of paper clips.

  Solution 2: Substitute or Add Another Body Part as a Stabilizer.
When one hand is not enough, or when two hands are not steady enough, use another more stable body part for assistance.

Ideas:

• Teach the individual to hold boxes and jars against their body to help open or close them.

• Teach the individual to brace their arm or hand against a stable surface to increase steadiness of the body.

  Solution 3: Use Stabilization Materials to Hold Items Steady. When items become unsteady due to body tremors or when a second hand can't stabilize the item, use the following materials to help keep them steady.  You can also attach materials to surfaces to prevent individuals from throwing them. 

Ideas:

• Put non-skid matting under bowls, plates or puzzles.

• Use suction cups to hold a bath brush on the shower wall for back scrubbing.

• C-clamps can be used to hold items on table tops to prevent them from being thrown.  It may be necessary to mount the item on a board first.

• Use Velcro™  to easily secure an item in multiple places.  Put Velcro™ loop on the item (for instance an eye glass case) and place Velcro™ pile where the item will be used (by the computer and on the writing desk).

• Consider whether modifications are permanent or if they need to be removable.  Do other activities need to occur at this location?  Are the materials or equipment going to be used elsewhere?  Do you need to prevent damage to the surface?

Solution 4: Stabilize the Person’s Chest/Trunk.
When the trunk is held steady- strength, stamina and accuracy of movement in the arms, legs and neck are greatly improved.  This principle is called Proximal Stability.

Ideas:

• Use armrests or cushions to ensure that the trunk is well supported and steady when sitting or lying down.

• Teach the individual to improve their Proximal Stability by:
  -Leaning against the work surface
  -Resting their elbows on the work surface

• Using the floor or foot rests for foot support can also improve stability in the upper body.