Household disability aids

Author: Martin lambert

Although there are many very obvious health and mobility aids like scooters, bath lifts and ramps, some of the most useful aids are the ones that are used for vital tasks like eating, drinking and getting dressed. Having aids and devices that assist with these jobs can be the difference between independent living and dependency on a carer.

Naturally continued independence is a highly desirable attribute for people entering the later phases of their lives and it is equally important to anyone with an injury or an illness like MS where certain tasks become more difficult as an illness progresses.

So what is on offer when it comes to help with routine daily tasks?

The answer is quite a lot. There are a great many aids aimed at extending independent eating, drinking and food preparation and many clever devices for making the challenge of getting dressed easier.

Starting with eating, there are ergonomically designed items of cutlery that have larger than normal handles and some have handle extensions that curve around the wrist for additional support. For those who want to retain their original cutlery there are attachments that slide over normal handles or even allow a hand that has lost its gripping power to still hold and work a knife, fork or spoon.

Various devices exist that make food and drink preparation easier. These aids cover bigger handles, angled handles and attachments, all of which keep the kitchen a room that can still be functionally used.

Dressing is another area where several ingenious devices have been invented to make the putting on of clothing items like socks and stocking possible for those who have trouble bending. Further aids can help the pulling on and over of jackets and cardigans and the pulling up of pants and trousers. Even buttoning up a shirt can be assisted with some smart devices that save the need for third party intervention.

Another area that can prove difficult for everyone is the removing of bottle and can tops. Designers of these products often assume super-human strength in there customers and these irritating tops and lids are a pain for able bodied and physically challenged people.

The solution is a number of lid, top and cap openers and removers. Some that use a twist mechanism, some that cut and turn and others that use their own version of brute force.

What all of these devices manage to do is solve an access to container held food or drink by taking off the protective covering in a safe and simple way.

If you want a greater level of insight into some of the aids and devices briefly describe above, do some research online and in disability shops.