Stuff that works wrap up

Well, I'm sure you probably have a couple of questions about the segment "Stuff that Works". So I will attempt to preempt your questions and answer them.

First, what other things are available for people with disabilities?

There are lots. Too many to list in my blog. The ones I did list are the ones that I have purchased for me that have helped me. I understand that everyone is different, and depending on their individual disability and personal preferences they may have they may find some of the items I have listed unbeneficial. Alternatively items that I have no use for and have not listed may be of great use to someone else.

Where can I purchase these and other items?

This is the problem. Finding these items can be very difficult. For me, I never even knew some of these items existed until I went to rehab and consulted with an occupational therapist. From there I got referred to the independent living centre (ILC) where they had a comprehensive list of nearly everything I would need. The only problem, I couldn't buy any of it. Instead I got a list of where to go to get it, which was about five different places.

So off I went, where the stores didn't have everything in stock. Now, post brain surgery I couldn't drive, so I had to rely on others to take me. Finally I got everything, but it wasn't easy, and what makes it harder is the fact that the people that need these products are not the most mobile in the first place.

Anyway, if you live in Victoria, may I suggest starting at the ILC (they were very helpful) and following the trail from there. If you don't live in Victoria, probably the best thing to do is start with a google search or see an occupational therapist.

What is my big idea?

As I have said, getting these goods is a nightmare. So what if you could browse all these products at one place on line, order them and have them delivered? Make the process simple. My idea is to set up a business that will do that. I would love your feed back and questions, so don't hold back.

Anyway, it is a long time since I last gave you an update on where I am at and I do have some news to share, so until then, stay well:)

Emergency

I know, last time I said I was going to wrap up "Stuff that works" and let you know about my exciting new idea, but I am going to keep you in suspense. When I wrote the blog "I'm a Clutz", I realised that I have a lot to say about my personal experiences with emergency, and it is really important. I have listed my points.

1. This point is critical. If you are suffering any symptoms of stroke, heart attack or any other condition that you perceive to be potentially life threatening, don't wait. Call an ambulance or go straight to the closest emergency as soon as possible even if you think it might be nothing. Better to go and be told it's nothing than not go and end up dead.
2. If you're not sure just go. Even if it isn't life threatening (like my cut finger), better to have a doctor look you over. A small problem now might be a big problem later.
3. Preparation. Nobody plans to go to emergency, but if you do there are a some things you can do now to make life easier for when you actually need to go. First, you need to know where they are. Time is never a luxury when you need a doctor. If you have to figure out where to go you could waste valuable time which could, at worst, be critical. At best, uncomfortable for who ever needs the doctor. Also, most towns will have more than one option for emergency. It's a good idea to know where they all are.
4. It is also a good idea to research your options. Some emergencies have a bad reputation, and it's a good idea to know which ones. To find out ask around or keep your eyes on the media. They love a good hospital scandal. Other things that you might want to find out is the level of services available. Some facilities are not equipped to handle all emergencies, and you don't want to turn up to an emergency only to find they can't treat you. You also might want to find out if and how much you have to pay, and what are waiting times like.
5. Lastly, you might want to get the phone numbers of the local emergencies. If you need to go, but not urgently, a quick call to the various hospitals to find out if they are busy might save you a great deal of time in the waiting room.

Next time it is back to wrap up stuff that works. Until then, stay well:)

Stuff that works Part 4

All the "stuff" that I have shown you so far has been categorised by where it lives in the house. These items are more miscellaneous and OK, I am showing off a little too, but they work all the same.

The first things I will show you are my walking sticks. The one on the left folds up, which makes it ideal for travelling. The one on the right (my preferred one) has a squash grip wrapped around the handle which I got from sports shop. It also has a clip just below the handle so it can be hung on a table or bench.

Next is a key turner. I would imagine I am not the only one who finds keys fiddly. The key turner holds the key in a large handle making it easier to use.

OK, now I'm showing off a bit. My iPad and iPhone. These to me are much easier than the old button phone or a diary for me, and also allows me to keep up with technology.

The last item is one of my favorites. I never would have thought of it by myself and it is great. It is called a button hook. You thread it through the button hole and over the button, then pull the button through the whole. With numb, shaky fingers, almost the only way to do up my buttons was to ask my wife to do it. Now, once again, my whole wardrobe is available to me independently.

In my next blog, I will tell you how to go about finding these sorts of things for yourself and also introduce you to an exciting idea of mine! Until then, stay well:)

Stuff that works Part 3

In the kitchen there are so many aids it's not funny, so I have put the ones in here that I use, and hopefully it will give you an idea of what is available.

First, I have my knife blocks. They are very similar, but have two important differences. The left block with wooden handles is weighted. The heavy knives help to stabilise my tremor. The right block has grippy handles which make other tasks easier.

Below is a bread knife with a curved handle which makes it easier to cut right to the bottom. Manufacturers sell knives with lots of different shaped handles to make it easier for the user.

My next picture is of my block. It has rubber feet to keep it steady, and a vice like attachment to hold the food in place.

Lastly, this rather bad picture is of an egg breaker. I love eggs, and one of the most annoying things is not being able to break an egg. Until recently if I were to prepare my own eggs, scrambled was the only option. This device allows me to reassess my options.

These are but a few of the many kitchen aids that are out there. Next time I will finish my stuff that works segment with more miscellaneous items. Until then, stay well:)