How can aids for disabled living help and what are the options?
Many disabled people often feel that some, if not all of their independence has been taken away from them. Fortunately, there are some fantastic disability aids available that can help people to regain both their independence and confidence.
Due to the huge variety of disability aids available, it is important to decide which areas of living that you need the most assistance with. Perhaps you struggle to eat and drink food without spilling it; there are some great aids available to help with this. Or maybe your arms and hands are painful to use, there is lots of hands-free equipment such as telephones and also lightweight appliances that you can use instead.
The following is a list of ailments that disabled people may have and the correct aids that could help.
People who only have the use of one hand:
• ‘Knorks’ (a knife and a fork in one utensil) are an easy way for people with the use of only one hand to eat independently.
• Clamps, suction pads and Velcro can all be used to secure equipment to a surface so that it doesn’t need to be held.
• Dressing sticks are a useful aid to help the person dress independently.
People with painful hands:
• Large, soft handled cutlery makes it less painful for weak hands to grip. Any other larger handles are a great addition to the home.
• Opening stubborn bottles and jars can be painful for some people, jar openers can be purchased which will make it easier.
People who find it difficult to bend:
• Raised toilet seats, bath and shower seats and other chairs that are higher can provide relief from having to lower themselves down.
• Equipment can be placed above waist height such as electric socket extenders.
• A perching stool can be helpful for times when the person has to bend down. The stool provides a safe way to bend down.
Wheelchair users:
• A smooth flooring surface will make it easier to move the wheelchair around.
• Appliances will have to be positioned so that from a wheelchair the person will be able to operate the controls i.e. controls on a cooker should be at the front.
• Adequate room needs to be made so that the wheelchair user can get close to sinks and tables etc.
People who get tired easily:
• Electric wheelchairs are ideal to as they reduce the exertion compared with a self-propelled wheelchair.
• Equipment that helps to provide support whilst walking or standing such as walking sticks or a walking frame are useful.
These are just a few of the disability aids available for only a small number of ailments that can affect a disabled person. To view more disability aids, take a look at aid4u.co.uk .