After my last article ("Creative Alternatives to Self-help Devices," Aug. 17), several therapists emailed me good ideas. Many asked me to share these ideas in another column.

Patti J. and Fran S. both suggested reusable grocery totes as inexpensive walker bags. Cut the straps, sew Velcro on them, and reattach them over the front bar on the walker. Insert a basket from the dollar store into the bottom to help keep the bag open. This will also allow the patient to carry things without them tipping or spilling.

Fran S. suggested using one of the bags found in grocery stores or in catalogues, that carry six bottles of wine/beer. This can be attached to a walker and used to carry smaller objects such as eye glasses, keys, rolled-up newspapers or a closed beverage container.

Dawn G. suggested making your own soap on a rope. Take an old stocking or knee high, insert a bar of soap and tie the end to the shower chair or to the faucet so it is accessible. The soap can be used right through the stocking.

Tina S. suggested using a paint stick with tape around it as a shoehorn. Or put a notch in the stirring end of the paint stick and another notch halfway up to make a good "pusher-puller" for oven racks. She also suggested pipe insulation or the pink foam from hair rollers for handle build ups.

Another suggestion was to use long-handled bath puffs instead of long-handled sponges. At the dollar store, you can purchase containers which can be opened with one hand and cooking utensils with the bigger, built-up handles. These are similar to Good Grips but less expensive.

Another idea from Fran S. was to use key chains as zipper pulls. I know these work great on coats and jackets; a paper clip or safety pin makes a great zipper pull on pants/slacks.

I received an e-mail from Lisa M., who suggested the Fresh Brush 2-in-1 starter kit (Scrubbing Bubbles brand) for personal hygiene. Apparently it has a long, curved handle and easy-to-manipulate button for grasping and releasing toilet paper. She states that it is a very inexpensive toilet aid that works well because of the release button.

I also suggest placing a large trash bag under a half sheet in the bed of a patient who is difficult to move in the bed. This gives it a "slider" effect and avoids having the plastic right against the patient's skin.

Recently I suggested using a bungee cord to attach a bedside commode to the frame of the bed to ensure stability. For this same patient, I placed yellow duct tape around her extended brake handles as she was having a difficult time seeing them.

One final suggestion came from Fran S. She purchased several inexpensive handbags and replaced the handles that attached by metal rings with the removable shoulder straps that come on luggage or gym bags and attach with clasps. This allowed her mom to place the bags over her shoulder and still have her hands free.

Thank you all for your suggestions. I hope you continue to use these and continue to share your ideas so that we can all benefit from each other's knowledge.

Phyllis L. Ehrlich, MS, OTR/L, CHES, has been an OT for more than 29 years and has been working in home health for more than 19 years. She currently works for Holy Redeemer HomeCare. She has co-edited and is a contributing author to Occupational Therapy in Home Health Care, Second Edition. Readers may contact her by e-mail at pleotr1@verizon.net.