Occupational Therapy Adaptive Equipment and Small Aids Personal Care Long Handled Sponge and Body Washer Long handled tools to help people with flexibility problems and limited arm, shoulder and hand movements; wash with minimum strain. These include long handled sponges and other washing and scrubbing aids. Dressing Stick / Button Hook / Long Reacher The dressing stick can help those with limited, painful or restricted movement, dress themselves independently. Button hooks make it easy to grasp buttons of varying sizes and either to pull them into place or to undo them. Long reachers can reduce the need to stretch or bend. 2 www.qegateshead.nhs.uk Sock Aid / Compression Stocking Aid These aids can be simple and easy to use. Ideal for those with limited flexibilty. Elastic Shoe Laces / Long Handled Shoehorn Turn lace-up shoes into easy to use slip-ons. The long handle gives excellent reach. Ideal for those who struggle to bend. 3 www.qegateshead.nhs.uk Domestic / Kitchen Tasks Large Handled and Two Handled Mugs Large handles allow better hold. Two large handles improve control. Easier handling promotes user confidence. Cutlery An angled knife uses a rocker / saw-like action to cut, making it easier to use than conventional knives. Its L-shaped design makes it more comfortable to hold for many people with a weak grip. A strap can help those who have difficulty holding cutlery unassisted, by allowing the knife to fix to the hand, ensuring the item can’t be dropped. Larger grip cutlery can also be beneficial for those with a reduced grip. 4 www.qegateshead.nhs.uk Openers/Peelers Tin can openers, jar openers and bottle openers. These items are useful for people with weak grip or limited range of motion. The wide, swivelling blade on this peeler means it requires only minimal user effort. A swivel peeler is especially useful for people with reduced grip strength. 5 www.qegateshead.nhs.uk Kettles and kettle tippers A tilting platform which the kettle attaches onto allowing the kettle to be poured with the gentle pressure of one hand. A travel kettle makes it much safer to boil water in the kitchen. It is important to ensure each kettle tipper is compatible with your own kettle. A one touch hot water dispenser removes the need to lift a kettle. 6 www.qegateshead.nhs.uk Pans A wire basket is a light weight way of lifting vegetables / pasta / potatoes out of boiling water. A steamer pan allows the load to be spread, allowing safer handling. Buy lightweight pans. Miscellaneous The Plug Tugs – these are a useful aid for removing electrical plugs from sockets. When attached to the plug a finger loop is made available, this means that people with weak fingers can still remove plugs. Contour Turner – a useful device for turning small knobs or taps. It can be used on oven controls, radiator taps and many other household appliances. Bottle Holder – the user leans against the clamp to firmly grip the bottle in place. This keeps the hands free to twist the lid. Chopping Board with Spikes – Raised lip prevents item moving. Stainless steel spikes hold an item in place. Ideal for one handed use. 7 www.qegateshead.nhs.uk Useful Tips Bathroom: Wear a towel bath robe and use a hand towel instead of a big sheet towel Use an electric toothbrush or razor but make sure it is not too heavy Put shampoo in a pump action bottle Cooking: Use both hands, spread the load Boil your vegetables in a chip pan basket Use a thermos mug and wrap both hands around it Buy pre prepared vegetables Buy a new peeler, one that is sharp and comfortable to hold Stab vegetables with a fork to keep them still while chopping or peeling Use a jar opener, shop around, find one that you find comfortable Use a travel kettle as they are smaller and lighter Using a jug, fill the kettle with just enough water for your needs. Have one hand on the handle and one hand on the front (use a tea towel to protect you from the heat) Use metal trays in the oven rather than heavy ceramic or glass ones Halogen work top ovens can replace your ordinary oven. They are at the right height to slide things out of and straight onto the side. This avoids the need to lift heavy trays of food from the oven Use an electric can opener Use the microwave when cooking. This can reduce the risks of scalds and burns that may occur when using pans Plumbing pipe insulating foam can be added to existing cutlery to make easy grip handles Cleaning: Do a little bit every day and try not do it all at once Use a carpet sweeper Try and identify jobs that may not need to be done as often. Intersperse heavy jobs with lighter ones Shopping: Get your shopping delivered, either by using the internet or from the shop if available Carry shopping bags over your forearms not in your hands Use a shopping trolley with four wheels 8 www.qegateshead.nhs.uk Laundry: Use dolly pegs instead of sprung loaded ones Use a smaller, lighter iron Do the ironing sitting down Iron smaller loads rather than large amounts or iron when needed Gardening: Plant in big pots or raised beds so you don’t have to bend Lay gravel instead of grass Plant perennials Avoid using any sprung loaded tools Make sure all your tools are lightweight, sharp and well oiled Use long handled tools General Tips: Put a carrier bag on the car seat to help you turn Pull up where the curb is low, wind down the window and get someone to brace the door so you can pull up on the open window Use the handle of a tea spoon to pop pills out of blister packs Use pegs instead of clips for freezer bags Use a gel pen as the grip is usually better Pace yourself; Take breaks and don’t try to do too much. More will be achieved over three days of moderate activity than one day of too much and two days of exhaustion Is there someone that could support you to carry out a task Create new habits. Although this can be extremely difficult and frustrating, it can be achieved over time Follow these simple 3 P’s - Plan ahead. Pace yourself. Protect yourself. (Please see the Fatigue and Energy Conservation Leaflet for more information) 9 www.qegateshead.nhs.uk The role of the Occupational Therapist An Occupational Therapist can give you advice on adaptive equipment and small aids in supporting you to maintain your independence. If you feel you need further support, please contact the Occupational Therapy service at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital on 4453125. Data Protection Any personal information is kept confidential. There may be occasions where your information needs to be shared with other care professionals to ensure you receive the best care possible. In order to assist us to improve the services available, your information may be used for clinical audit, research, teaching and anonymised for National NHS Reviews and Statistics. Further information is available via Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust website (https://www.qegateshead.nhs.uk/fairprocessing) or by contacting the Data Protection Officer by telephone on 0191 445 8418 or by email [email protected]. This leaflet can be made available in other languages and formats upon request No IL777 Version: 2 First Published: 09/2020 Review Date: 09/2022 Last Reviewed: 11/2020 Author: Alison Deale 10 www.qegateshead.nhs.uk .