Gadgets, Gifts & Gizmos
By Pip O’Connor : submitted 09/12/2007
Christmas is coming up fast. Why not consider something to assist around the home?
Following is a selection of items that may interest you:
Household items
- A kettle tipper is designed to assist with pouring from a standard kettle without having to lift the kettle.
- An ergonomic knife with an angled handle can help if cutting and slicing have become difficult.
- Alternative style kitchen tools, such as peelers, with built up handles.
- Plastic plug pullers will assist in pulling electric plugs out of their sockets.
- A talking clock – When you press a button it tells you the time. Particularly handy for those whose sight is making it difficult to see the numbers on an ordinary clock.
- Tap turners of all shapes and sizes to suit a variety of taps. There are also doorknob grippers, even one that glows in the dark, to put around those slippery round doorknobs.
- A Key turner gives better grip and leverage on keys, assisting with the front door, starting the car or coping with a padlock.
- Writing aids - a weighted pen, a large plastic or a rubber grip, or a fibre-tip pen, could be the answer when it comes to acknowledging all those Christmas cards.
Recreation
- Enjoy a “winning hand” with the help of the card-holder or shuffler.
- A book rest could help support a good novel in bed, the sun room or under a tree in the garden.
- A bowling arm is a long handled device for those who enjoy a game of bowls but are experiencing difficulty bending or grasping the bowls (permission required for NWTBA games).
Personal Care
- For those who find bending down difficult, a toe washer may assist with cleaning the feet independently, and a sock aid simplifies the job of getting dressed.
- A safety top opener may assist with opening bottles with ‘child proof’ lids (especially medication bottles).
General
- Swivel cushions can make it easier to get in and out of the car. Another alternative is to try a plastic bag on the seat.
- The Handybar is a handle that attaches to the locking mechanism by a car door and provides a handle to assist someone to get out of the car.
- A back support may be the answer for comfort on long car trips.
This article can also be downloaded as a pdf file: testing/ilctas/website/files/file/Pip-article for NW - Gadgets and Gizmos - smaller pics.pdf
Tags: clock,tap,frank