I posted a while back about having walking and balance difficulties, and asking about ways to be more safe and mobile. I got a lot of good input, and JC was kind enough to reply, placing a link to his video blog about using tools to help us. For now, I'm using a single tip cane, and it helps when my hand is able to grip well enough and not cramp up. Don't even say it, yes I know, I could have gotten the steadier four tip one.
My blender, food processor, well made stainless steel cookware that can go in the oven, grab bars in the bathroom, my new smart phone with voice recognition, small size refillable bottles for body wash and shampoo in the shower, my step stool that folds up when not needed, latex free gloves to use for dishwashing and cleaning chores to prevent dermatitis, an ultra lightweight hair dryer, the light up lettered keyboard for my laptop, the ultra soft mattress topper, and a few others help me get through the day more easily.
I was just wondering, besides walking aids if needed, what have you found makes any part of daily life easier, smoother, saves you time and energy you can use for what you want to do? I am actually gping to make a list of everyone's replies, to have handy. Some of my challenges I have to accept as permanent, and anything that comes along short term is easier to deal with, having the right tool!
Thanks in advance for anything helpful you can share. It may help me and others too!
hugs,
Perplexed
p.s., for anyone needing tools and tips, I do love abledata.com for helping me to locate what I need, once I know what it's called!
Good discussion mate and hopefully it will help other members who are stuck...i only use walking aids sorry besides my wheelchair, alot of other stuff my hubby does for me.
I got a sock aid…kinda hard to explain, but it’s made of plastic and has rope handles on it. It really helps days I can’t bend down to put on socks. Also I love my transport wheelchair. …its small enough to stay in my trunk in case I need it. And small notebooks, cuz I forget things easily. …
Flutter, this looks like a great tool! I'm going to have a catalogue sent. This I can use, and how many of us have trouble at times with our hands - kinda like back troubles, and knees. A lot of us. THANKS!
Flutter said:
I love the writing pen, it's saved me so many times at work .
I got it here - they have lots of very useful mobility aids & will mail you a free catalog.
Ann, What is a Nutribullet or Ninja, and are they very expensive? I buy organic flax seed by the half pound, and grind it as I need it, but tough on my hands with the hand grinder, and you don't get the mutrition benefits unless it is ground. I want one! Have been doing smoothies just to keep my blood sugar from bottoming out, no appetite, and GI system on strike.
Also, are the less expensive grabbers a good idea, or waste of money? I found one I want but will have to save pocket change for years to get it. Since I'm very short, not allowed to over reach, even using my step stool, the top kitchen cupboards are useless. Plus using my arms above my head will sometimes bring on the movement disorder. Now lower back out, so bottom ones no help either. I like things nice and neat, not all piled on the tables and countertops. I admit it, I like to be clean and well organized. (Read - I got the family OCD gene with the rest of the gunk when swimming in the oil spill end of the gene pool)
Ann A. said:
1. The tablet computer that allows me to stay connected without sitting at the desk.
2. The Nutribullet or Ninja that is able to grind the flaxseeds while making the morning smoothie
3. The sunshading in my car
4. My Kindle which puts my entire library in one hand and enlarges the font so that I can see and which provides the ability to borrow public library books electronically and which will even read some books to me.
5. The Wii which helps to make moving more fun and is helping me to "recondition" without leaving the house (I can get aerobic in a chair).
6. Roomba and Scooba from iRobot who help me with the floors
7. All of the devices that have helped me to walk - the walkers, the canes, the forearm crutches (useful when hands won't handle canes), and the regular crutches (glad these were in the front closet the day I broke my leg)
8. The grabbers that help to take things down and pick things up
9.
The long handled tongs and sponges which make it possible to wash, dry, and lotion my back and my feet
10. The waterproof mp3 player for pool exercises - I am working my way back to the pool.
Pam, all great helps! Fall is coming, and my tootsies would appreciate socks. I once new someone whose hip was fused to save her leg after a bad car wreck, and she swore by her sock puller and long shoe horn. I'm with you on the notebooks. I keep small pads, and on the computer an open text document for list making. If I don't write it down, I'm lost. I've stayed on top of things my whole life making lists.
I hope you don't have to use your chair too much. Can relate to walking being a no go at times.
Pam said:
I got a sock aid...kinda hard to explain, but it's made of plastic and has rope handles on it. It really helps days I can't bend down to put on socks. Also I love my transport wheelchair. ..its small enough to stay in my trunk in case I need it. And small notebooks, cuz I forget things easily. ..
