Losing the Plot

[KarenNic]

I have deteriated quite rapidly in the last year, and now have splints on both legs, but notice that my hands are losing their grip as well. Are there any gadgets out there? also having trouble getting out of the bath (quite a sight lol)

Karen Nic

[Penarthgran]

I think it would be useful for you to get an appointment with an occupational therapist. They should be aware of different devices that might assist you.

[Whiterose]

Hi Karen, are you able to remove your bath and replace with a shower? I did this and it helped me quite a bit, in terms of my confidence and cleanliness. There are lots of gadgets out there to help your grip. Kind regards.

[PhilC]

You can get a low cost bath lifter to get you in and out of the bath, it's like chair and battery operated so very safe. I got mine from Europa Medical on 0845 658 4328

[CMTUnitedKindom Partner]

I thoroughly endorse what Penarthgran said about an occupational therapy assessment - they will be able to advise you on the myriad of gadgets available to get you in and out of the bath, or as Whiterose suggested, help you through the planning and even expense of replacing your bath with a wet-floor shower, if it's possible, through a Disabled Facilities Grant.

One problem with bath-lifters is that they will help you in and out - obviously - but you can't lie back and relax in the bath once you're in, the seat kind tend to keep you bolt upright, which I personally would hate, as I soak in the bath for HOURS! There are gadgets which do lower you to the bottom of the bath, and allow you to relax, but they can be a bit wobbly if your core stability isn't up to scratch (hence the need for a proper assessment).

As far as other gadgets are concerned for hand-function, check out the gadgets we sell in the CMT UK Shop - cmt.org.uk/shop.php - there are several gadgets to help with getting jars and bottles open; a key turner; a button hook; and a gadget to help get pills out of blister packs - and a few others too. You can also get "Good Grips" gadgets all over the place, these days - bottle openers, peelers, easy grip jugs.

But there are literally hundreds of online resources for buying these sorts of gadgets - from Asda (who have an excellent Disability section) to Nottingham Rehab Supplies (nrs-uk.co.uk); RDK Mobility (rdkmobility.co.uk); EssentialAids (essentialaids.com); Able World (ableworld.co.uk) to name just a handful. However, don't cough up on huge items without a proper assessment, as that could be a very costly mistake!!