In The Kitchen & Around The House
Kitchen Chair
Much of my day is spent in the kitchen, moving between the sink, kitchen counters and of course the kitchen table. To make things easier on me, I put my kitchen chairs on wheeled platforms. This allows me to move around, with little to no effort on my part, as I clean up and/or prepare meals. Office chairs would work as well but I needed something with sturdier armrests to help me with standing. I like to support our local business owners so I hired a local utility trailer manufacturer to make the platforms for me.
Jar Opener
This kitchen gadget is invaluable. This is my jar opener and is beyond ancient but you can find more modern versions in stores and online. There’s a variety of handle options but for me this type of handle works best for my weak grip.
Gas cap issues? There’s a tool for that as well. They are referred to as ‘gas cap wrenches or tools’. You’ll find them in stores as well as online.
Tool Sock
Another gadget that I made helps me hold onto tools such as hammers and hatchets. Again, with my weakened grip (hands and wrists), holding onto anything securely is a challenge, especially if it has some weight to it. One day I was trying to cut some kindling for our wood stove but was having issues holding onto the hatchet. Light bulb moment-I slid the handle of the hatchet into my jacket sleeve, distributing the weight to my forearm. It worked like a hot darn.
So I took an old work sock, cut off the end so I could slip my fingers through as well as the handle of the hatchet or hammer. I cut a hole on the side for my thumb and there you have it. Depending on the weight of the tool, you may want to add Velcro straps around your forearm for a tighter grip.
Auto Tray
This is my go to cleaning cart/walker combination. As my legs became weaker, I found I was leaning on my walker quite a bit, which greatly fatigued my arms and wrists. Also, because I was hunched over the walker, my neck and shoulders were negatively affected as well.
Solution – something to support me in a more upright position: introducing my automotive adjustable rolling work table. This unit works really well in that a) you can adjust the height so your forearms are comfortably resting on the table and b) because of the configuration of the base, you can walk without your feet hitting the frame. I used this unit all the time while cleaning the house. Not only to carry my cleaning supplies but to transport things that needed putting away such as laundry. It also was invaluable when it came to preparing meals, moving things from the fridge to the counter and eventually to the kitchen table.
