Gadgets!

[Amandaazz]

Hi everyone - just wondered what gadgets you used for things like shampoo/conditioner, toothpaste, cans and jars? If you have any links to stuff you have bought or recommend, that you would be great Thanks!

[helixhelix]

I use solid shampoo, conditioner and toothpaste. Much easier.

[KittyJ]

for shampoo and conditioner I hoarded all dispenser tops from soaps etc and use them on the bottles, much easier than squeezing them. You can also buy dispensers that fix to the wall but they’re quite expensive.

For other aids have a look at complete care shop or Google disability aids, it’s a bit trial and error to find those that’ll help you as we are all different in what we need from them. Also use the search box and filter for NRAS for individual items as it’s a regular question so there should be lots of ideas there.

[Boxerlady]

I've recently started using a pump dispenser for shower soap/shampoo and buy the refill packets which I like for environmental reasons too.

[Bowtruckle]

I switched to solid. There are some great solid shampoo and conditioner bars out there now. Faith in Nature has been a great brand. I order a few at a time from amazon when ordering other bits.

[helixhelix in reply to Bowtruckle]

I like Ethique from Hollamd and Barratt

[Creakywrists]

I find it easier to use individual gadgets rather than multi function ones which are too big and clumsy for my hands. I’ve put links to my three most used kitchen gadgets at the bottom! I also have a basic Kenwood mixer and a Magimix both with attachments and use one or other almost daily for chopping, grating, blending, making scones, biscuits and even bread. (I never prepare food by hand!) I do have a dishwasher which makes cleaning them easier. The other things I find helpful are my right angled knives and an electric tin opener. Good luck!!

amazon.co.uk/NRS-Healthcare...

amazon.co.uk/Culinare-MagiP....

amazon.co.uk/Jarkey-Food-Va...

amazon.co.uk/NRS-Healthcare...

[Fruitandnutcase]

I found plug pulls really useful. One of the first things I noticed and that got me to the doctor was not being able to remove a plug from a socket, it was a real problem for me. I use these, they are cheap and cheerful and easy to use

smile.amazon.co.uk/Ability-...

I broke my wrist in 2020 and that combined with inflammatory arthritis made lots of things difficult so I bought myself a little Magimix Le Mini chopper for things like chopping vegetables for soup. I’ve got a full size Magimix but it is very heavy to lift in and out of the cupboard.

[Fra22-57]

my husband is best gadget🤣 I tend to try and get edge of spoon under seal myself to release so something will open

[Runrig01]

like many others I use solids bars of shampoo and conditioner. I get mine on repeat subscription from a company called gruum, partly for environmental reasons but also have no nasty additives, they are really reasonably priced. It rinses out to leave hair so squeaky clean compared to regular shampoo. I save bottle tops from anything that’s easier to open and switch when needed.

[Grumpyoldmare]

I resorted to sucking the toothpaste out of the tube rather than squeezing!

[Garnacha in reply to Grumpyoldmare]

🤣😂🤣 x

[Gnarli]

All brilliant ideas but how the heck do you get those irritating little foil seals off the end of the toothpaste tubes? Even using my teeth I can't always do it. Grrrr

[oldtimer2]

It's a good idea to talk to an occupational therapist. I know that (many years ago) I had a complete review by an occupational therapist who was able to show me how not to do things (the things which strained my joints) and how to compensate for my problem joints. And advise on suitable aids to living independently. The only thing that she she recommended that I didn't find helpful was a tipper kettle which I found too alarming to use properly!

I now have a large selection of aids - if you put in 'Aids for daily living' (with UK or whichever country you are in), you will find lots of companies which sell a good selection. You can buy them without having to pay VAT. Age Concern website also has good advice even if you are not elderly!

[Ruth12345]

I'm pretty much the same as others. I use a long spoon handle to remove ring pulls as the gadget I've got isn't as good, also use a battery tin opener. Use pump action shampoo etc and regarding the little silver foil bits on toothpaste etc I use a pointed knife or fondue fork to break it. However I have used my teeth, not best idea. The hardest is the push and twist meds plus the thick foil pop out meds, knife for pop outs and husband for push down lids. Can't open bleach or cleaning fluid even with gadget.Good luck.

[Haz58]

I got a one cup boiler instead of having to lift a kettle! If I can't do anything else at least I can make a cuppa.Electric can opener.

An aide to put socks on.

Jar pressure release gadget.

Ring pull gadget.

Shower caps that have shampoo and conditioner in it. You just heat in the microwave put on head, rub in for 3 minutes. No need to rinse, but I do. Works as a stop gap if my hands won't wash my hair.

Long handled shoe horn.

All from Amazon.

[Hidden]

Morning. I would ask your Rheumatologist for a referral to Occupational Therapy. I found this really useful, and she also referred me to get some resting splints which are incredibly useful.

I have some non-slip blue ‘material’ I use for opening things/ a one-touch can opener/ soup maker/ a plastic jug to fill up my coffee machine etc. Lighter trays/ plug pulls/ raised bed/ sofa in bedroom/ long handled back brush/two handed back cleaner/ foot cleaner (floor of shower)/ book & ipad rests/ electric toothbrush/ sturdy stepping stool / v shaped pillow for reading in bed/ and probably lots of other things.

Some are from ‘care sites’ / some from lakeland/ some from granny gets a grip/ blue stuff from amazon I think/ splints I found Neo-G to be the most comfy and sturdy.

It is a bit of trial and error, and a few things haven’t worked and gone to charity. The ‘sock helpers’ are a bit Krypton Factor for example..

Good luck!

[Knit12]

I made a video about the gadgets. Use to make my RA more manageable. It is video no 6 on my channel which I will add a link to here.

youtube.com/@heatherslifewi...