Most people know there are all kinds of
gizmos out there that enlarge print, sound beepers for lost
items, and effortlessly open jars, but how do you find them?
Some chain stores have special areas that display such items,
but they are few and far between. The Sharper Image chain
store specializes in upscale devices designed to make life
easier, but they tend to be expensive and usually electronic.
An Internet search turned up a collection
of websites offering tools for special tasks, from getting
dressed to lighting your way to the bathroom at night. For
starters, Sharper Image (www.sharperimage.com)
has a Big Screen Travel Clock that includes a built in flashlight
with extra large digits. Their Now-You-Can-Find-It electronic
locater finds misplaced glasses, car keys and TV remotes
by activating beeper discs you press onto the objects. To
order by phone or request a catalog call 800-344-4444.
Many seniors have difficulty dressing because
of limited range of motion or recent surgical procedures.
Epiphany Design offers a variety of clothing, medical alert
bracelets, comfort socks for people with circulation problems,
and handy book clips that hold books open to free hands
for cooking and eating. Call 888-410-2243 or log onto their
website to order (www.epiphanyd.com).
Diamond Patterns makes quality clothing
for difficult dressing. Their front-opening dresses, wrap-around
skirts, and men's jeans and shirts with velcro closings
and snaps can be ordered by calling 866-227-1122 or through
their website (www.soxcadesign.com).
By far the biggest bonanza of useful items
and assistive tools for seniors can be found at B-Independent,
a site begun for survivors of brain injury (www.bindependent.com
or 913-390-0247). The site is chock full of ergonomic tools,
gadgets to make tasks easier, safeguard the body and soothe
the spirit. The site is well organized, easy to use, and
items come in a range of styles and prices, often moderate.
An hour flew by as I "shopped" the various categories.
A sampling of what I found:
- Under "Reachers and Grippers"
there are several styles of extenders with grippy ends
that help avoid twisting, reaching and bending. They can
pick up anything from a dime to a bulky newspaper. A Door
Knob Extender with a lever handle helps folks with weak
wrists or hand injuries to turn knobs easily. Big Lamp
Switches can be fitted on ordinary lamps and their large
3-spoke design make them a snap to operate.
- Under "Reading and Writing Aids"
you'll find book holders, tilting bed tables, big-print
address books with easy-to-turn textured paper, and more.
Need help dressing? A Dressing Stick pulls up slacks and
skirts, removes socks, and zips zippers for those with
limited movement or difficulty bending.
- Long Shoehorns give extra reach and
Elastic Shoelaces stay put while allowing feet to slip
in and out of tied shoes. Now there's a great invention!
A One-Hand Button Aid with zipper pull allows users to
do each task one-handed, which can make the difference
between wearing clothing with buttons, or not.
- Looking for pill organizers? B-Independent
offers fifteen kinds, plus a Tablet Splitter for halving
doses.
- Need to light your way? The Squeeze
Light personal pocket light requires just a hand squeeze
to turn on and comes with a clasp. The selections seem
endless: Big Button Phones, Phone Holder Hand Grips, Giant
Digital Table Timers, Long-Handled Combs and Brushes,
Comfort-Grip Eating Utensils, Large Format Jigsaw Puzzles,
Tube Squeezers for toothpaste and ointments...I could
go on and on, such was my fascination with this website.
B-Independent's one drawback is that
shopping is done online or by phone instead of through catalogs.
For seniors who are not computer literate online shopping
poses problems. Local libraries offer computer time at little
or no charge, and friends or family members can assist with
online searching.
AARP publishes the pamphlet, "Tools
and Gadgets for Independent Living," which identifies
needs and suggests tools for them. To order one, call 800-424-3410,
wait for a "live" customer service person to help
you, and tell them you want pamphlet #D17035.
The Council of Vermont Elders and Vermont
Assistive Technology Project publishes the booklet "Helpful
Thingamajigs," that includes photos and descriptions
of helpful tools for senior citizens. To request a copy
call the Vermont Assistive Technology Project (800-750-6355).
Getting the right thingamajig can make all the difference
when it comes to safety, comfort and help with daily tasks.
Other Resources
