Assistive Devices. Last time we looked at assistive devices for toilets and bathrooms and we’re going to carry on this theme and look at some of the assistive devices for the home and individual. In South Africa we really have a limited selection compared to what you see overseas. We were blown away by the variety of assistive devices when we travelled overseas last. We thought we had one of the better ranges but this is nothing compared to what you see in the UK.

I’m digressing a little here but I have to tell you that in the UK, disability is catered for in every sphere. The centres are buzzing with wheelchair bound persons; every public place, by law,has to have disabled toilets, lift access, ramps etc etc. There is basically nowhere that a disabled person cannot travel to & everyone is welcome and catered for. What a pleasure to see.

I know the laws are changing here but there are still so many places disabled people can’t visit because there isn’t ramp access or no lift, how sad is that? Shocking to think that authorities have let this happen.

Back to home: Assistive devices for the individual (aside from wheelchairs, as that’s a column on its own) range from walking frames, to rollators, to crutches. Be aware if you are looking to buy a walker as these are frames only, they don’t have wheels and so are harder to manoeuvre and in my mind a bit outdated. Rather look at a rollator (we all know them as walkers though), either 3 or 4 wheel. They ‘walk’ with you and give better support and manoeuvrability, and, they also come with a seat for when you feel tired and have a cute little basket to carry personal items. They are a godsend for so many people who otherwise wouldn’t be walking.

Now we’ve walked to the toilet using our rollator/walker, what can help us in this room apart from grabrails? A toilet seat raiser, adjustable or non adjustable or a toilet seat frame for the very frail (sometimes used in hospitals to stop people falling over). It’s amazing how much difference a little bit of height makes when it’s difficult to move around. Shown here is a non adjustable toilet seat raiser, a wonderful aid for so many.

Bathrooms can become heaven sent with an electric bathlift or bath ‘cushion’ which lowers you gently into the bath and lifts you out with ease. These are a bit of a luxury for most people but for those who can afford it, its bliss. Then we have the swivel bath seats that fit most types of bath, they are comfortable and very cost effective.

Bath Lift Electric Lotus
Lotus Electric Bathlift with Recline

A very popular item for the shower is a shower bench, with or without a backrest & side arm, easy to get on and off, but our most popular seller in this room is the self propelled, full aluminium shower commode which makes life so simple as you wheel yourself to the shower or toilet and being aluminium it doesn’t rust and lasts a long time.

For the bedroom there is a host of gadgets, one of the lovely ones being the adjustable bedrest, these are very popular with our clients, being very reasonable in price and a very effective way of sitting up in bed, in comfort.

For dressing and eating there is a host of lovely little items that makes life just that bit easier. From reachers that pick up small items, to button aid & zip pullers, to leg lifters & sock aids that make dressing easier & promotes independence. Kitchen aids range from a host of specially designed tableware to plate guards which stops food falling off plates, to lovely little drinking cups that don’t spill or make a mess, to key turners, non slip trays, slicing knives, jar & bottle holders, tablet crushers & holders & lovely little step stools with a high hand grip etc etc.

The list is endless & I could go on and on as there are many more assistive devices I could chat about but all in good time as they say!

Lastly, let’s go outside into the garden and there we can have a pool lift and a buoyancy aid for in the pool (we’ve tested this with QASA and had huge success). This buoyancy aid has enabled all disabled people to enjoy the water without fear.

One last item to talk about – ramps, long, short, wide, there are many to choose from but one of my favourites is the ‘Suitcase’ ramp, it folds up into a suitcase size & even has its own bag to carry it.

If you need further advice please feel free to contact me on info@mobilitysolutions.co.za and I will be happy to respond to your queries.  Until next time, take care, stay safe and smile lots as it feels great and makes us happy.  Lorraine