Household Disability Aids - The Small Things That Count

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 "life essential" jobs can be the difference between independent living and dependency on a carer or members of the family.

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 like feeding oneself or getting dressed?

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 challenging task 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 hold and work a knife, fork or spoon. These aids add quality to the life of anyone who benefits from them.

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. A number of "easy to use" gadgets also make the removing of tin lids, bottle tops and pull-off can lids an automated process.

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. A special button holder and fastener makes pushing buttons through button holes simple.

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 their customers and these irritating tops and lids are as awkward 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 problem by taking off the protective covering in a safe and simple way.