Sustainable Adaptive Equipment Prescription Checklist
1. Evaluate necessity
- Does the client really need this equipment?
- Can goals be met without adding a new item?
2. Assess usefulness
- Will the equipment be used regularly and effectively?
- Is it the right fit for the client’s daily life and environment?
- Is it safe, durable, and appropriate for intended use?
3. Consider rental vs. purchase
- Is the need short-term or long-term?
Could renting, borrowing, or trialing first reduce waste or costs?
4. Reuse/Refurbish existing items
- Can safe, clean, and structurally sound equipment meet the need?
- Does it meet standards for hygiene and infection control?
- Are there local reuse programs, libraries, or loan closets available?
5. Plan for return or disposal
- What will happen when the client no longer needs the item?
- Is there a safe and responsible pathway for return, reuse, recycling, or disposal that protects both clients and the environment?
Always keep in mind:
- Balance the client’s needs with environmental impact
- Prioritize equipment that is durable, repairable, hygienic, and safe
- Document decisions and involve the client in every step.