Products and Devices

to

Improve everyday

Activities

Compiled for

Irish Thalidomide Survivors

Society

The aim of this presentation is to describe products and devices that

may improve the convenience and safety of everyday tasks and so

facilitate an independent lifestyle.

Please let us know of: -

- any other products or devices you think should be included,

- your experience of using any of the items included.

The appearance of a product, manufacturer or supplier in this

presentation is given as an example and should not be taken as an

endorsement of that product, manufacturer or supplier.

Alternative products and suppliers may be available for any device

shown in this presentation.

Any prices shown are current and of course subject to change.

Assist Ireland

Citizens Information Board

Ground Floor

Georges Quay House

43 Townsend St

Dublin 2

Ireland

Telephone Support (1890 277 478)

support@assistireland.ie

Catalogues

There are a number of companies that supply a wide range of

mobility and daily living aids.

You can telephone to request a catalogue or view it online and

can order good by post, telephone or online: -

KeepAble

Tel 08705 202122

Email sales@keepable.co.uk

Website: www.keepable.co.uk

Ways & Means

(Nottingham Rehab Supplies)

Tel 0845 121 8110

www.waysandmeans.co.uk

AKW Medicare

A range of products for the kitchen and bathroom (e.g. handrails,

seats, shower cubicles)

Pointon Way

Hampton Lovett

Droitwich WR9 0LR

0800 195 9077

email: orders@akw-medicare.co.uk

web www.akwmedicare.co.uk

BATHROOM

Solutions

These are removable hand rails for use in bathrooms etc. Roth also supply a range of devices that attach to the suction cups e.g. clips to hold shower heads, hooks to enable items to be hung from the rail, arm armrest for computer work stations The lower image shows the extensions which make operation easier.

Fa. Roth Kohlbergstrasse 5 72213 AltensteigTEL: 07453/9381-0 FAX: 07453/9381-23 Email: info@roth-reha.de website www.roth-reha.de/html/home_english___.html

Suction Grips

Clamping Retainer

Endless position options

flexible fitting on all smooth, pore-

tight surfaces; e.g. door frames,

desks or shower cubicles,

etc

This could be your third hand.

Telescope mirror

The mobile Telescopic mirror is

perfect to use because he

is freely pivoted and extractable.

Mobile Shower Head Holder

Endless position options

The mobile, adjustable

ROTH MOBELI®

shower

head holder are an

important accessory to

promoting independence in

showers with folding

seats/stools.

Fa. Roth Kohlbergstrasse 5 72213 AltensteigTEL: 07453/9381-0 FAX: 07453/9381-23 Email: info@roth-reha.de website www.roth-reha.de/html/home_english___.html

Body washer

The shape of the body washer

makes effective use of the

power of the shoulders, arms

and hands. The ergonomic

design makes it easier to get

at all parts of the body. It has a

replaceable wash cloth in a

special material that washes

effectively without absorbing

water. This means the washer

stays light and balanced even

when wet

Backwasher

The design of the back washer

makes it possible to reach all

over the back without straining

the hands, arms or shoulders.

The replaceable wash cloth

washes effectively without

absorbing water. The washer

stays light and balanced even

when wet.

Hair brush/ hair washer

There are two lengths of the

Beauty hairbrush. They are curved

to follow the shape of the head.

This means that the handle can be

held close to the body without

losing power or reach.

The hair washer is used instead of

the fingers to apply shampoo and

massage the scalp. The shaft and

handle are of the same design as

the body washer, making it easier

for the user to reach the head

without putting strain on the

hands, shoulders or arms.

Comb

There are two lengths of the

Beauty comb. They are curved to

follow the shape of the head. This

means that the handle can be held

close to the body without losing

power or reach.

Balder

24 Murrell Green Business Park

London Road Hook Hampshire RG27

9GR

Tel: +44 01256 767181 Fax: +44 01256

768887 Website: www.balder.co.uk

Email: info@balder.co.uk

Nail files are usually impossible

for short arms or stiff fingers to

manage. The nail file holder rests

securely in the whole hand and

can bridge the gap between hands

it is therefore easy to use. The

disposable file is also easy to

replace.

The Multi Purpose Grip may also

be used when shaving or brushing

your teeth.

Beauty Multi Purpose Grip

http://www.etac.com/en/etaccomexp/Start-Page/Products/Small-Aids-for-Daily-Living/Beauty-body-care-products/Multi-Purpose-Grip/

Tap turners that can be used on

crosshead and crystal taps. The

soft textured handles provide a

comfortable and secure grip

whilst in use. There is no

installation required due to the

screw handle that tightens the

grip on the tap. Colour coded so

that those with limited vision can

identify the required tap. Length

180mm (71/5"). Width 70mm

(23/4"). Height 45mm (13/4").

Tap turners

Tap turners

These moulded turners hook over

the top of a X type tap, to make it

easy to turn. They are supplied as

a Red and Blue pair for hot and

cold taps. Length 140mm (51/2").

Weight 65g.

This device clamps around the

top of cylindrical tap tops, and

provides the leverage to turn

them easily. The barrel of the

handle is spring loaded to allow

the jaws to clamp down on the

tap, which is gripped by soft

non-slip rubber linings in the

jaws. The jaws can also be

locked in position. The handle is

comfortable and easy to grip.

For use with taps up to 60mm

(21/2") in diameter. Closed

length 190mm (71/2"). Weight

112g

Tap turners

Homecraft Rolyan Nunn Brook Road Huthwaite Sutton in Ashfield Nottingham NG17 2HU UK Customer Services 08702 423 305 www.homecraft-rolyan.com

ORAL B HUMMING BIRD

Excellent gadget for flossing with

replaceable heads.

+ Gentle vibrations massage your gums

+ Choice of two interchangeable

attachments - flosser and soft dental

pick

+ Single-use refill attachments

+ Designed to reach between your

teeth and below your gum line to

remove plaque

+ Hummingbird reaches areas your

toothbrush can’t

+ Handy 4-inch tall compact design fits

in the palm of your hand

+ Easy and convenient size lets you

floss with one hand

+ Powered by one AAA battery

(included)

http://www.oralb.com/products/oral-b-triumph-heads.aspx

THE CLOSOMAT- PALMA - VITA

The Clos-o-Mat Palma Vita automatic WC

shower toilet provides flushing, washing and

warm air drying from one simple operation.

It is user-friendly for people who have

restricted use of their hands. By reducing

hand contact, it also provides improved

hygiene for all users.

Simultaneous flushing and washing (a unique

feature).

Improved personal hygiene – cleaning with

water not paper.

Can be used at all times as a conventional

WC.

Combines functions of a WC and bidet with

addition of drying air.

UK made in a dedicated plant.

Clos-o-Mat’s unique one touch

system allows the user to

benefit from the toilet’s

automatic functions by just

pressing and releasing the flush.

Wash time adjustable to client

needs.

http://www.clos-o-mat.com/downloads/lima_lift_animation.mov

Lima Lift Shower Toilet

The Lima Lift Shower Toilet is a

height-adjustable toilet with

integrated folding armrests and

built-in washing and drying

functions.

The height adjustment of the toilet

is made through a handheld

remote control.

The elbow pad when pressed

flushes the toilet. When held it

flushes and washes like a bidet,

and on release of the pad, warm

air-drying starts.

http://www.careandassist.com/

Aqua Joy Bath lifts

http://www.mobilitysmart.cc/bath-lifts/portable-bath-lifts-c-87_121.html

Portable Bath lifts

Aqua Joy Bath lifts

Two piece lightweight reclining bath lift

Allows the client to recline in the bath like they used to

Separates easily into two compact sections

No awkward locks or buttons to press, backrest simply folds forward

to detach

Compact design saves storage space and allows the Bath lift to be

carried against the body for an unobstructed view

Fits almost any style of bath - even corner baths

Suitable for deep baths - maximum seat height 460mm

Suitable for shallow baths - minimum seat height 80mm

Maximises legroom In the bathroom

Bath lift seat locates as for back in the bath as possible

Recline angle makes full use of all the bath space

Bariatric weight limit as standard

Maximum weight limit 170kg (26.5 Stone)

Torkel toilet paper tongs

Clean the product with a solvent-

free detergent which has a pH of

6-9, or with a 70% disinfectant

solution.

Can be decontaminated at max.

85°C if so required.

1) Tear off a length of

toilet paper (approx. 40

cm). Open the tongs by

squeezing the handle.

Thread the paper

between the tongs.

2) Roll the toilet paper

loosely so that it

covers the end of the

tongs.

3) Put the tongs

between the legs and

wipe.

4) Open the tongs and

shake the used toilet

paper into the toilet.

Can also be clamped to

permanent fixture.

This is how easy it is to use Torkel toilet paper

tongs:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5x6sdZ_dgTg

This ultra modern bath lift takes

the Bellavita away from an austere

and clinical look and is more in

keeping with today's

requirements.

Features

The lightest bath lift on the market at only

9.3kg

At 6cm minimum height the Bellavita is the

lowest bath lift available

Backrest reclines to a market leading 50º

Reaches a record seat height of 48cm

Lifetime guarantee on frame & motor

Drive Bath Lift - New

http://www.mobilitysmart.cc/bath-lifts/portable-bath-lifts/endres-bellavita-bathlift-3-p-9967.html

Magiplug® Bath Plug & Kitchen Sink Plug

Available as either a bath or kitchen sink plug, the Magiplug® is

a unique device the reduces the risk of scalding and flooding. A

Magi plug's® ingenious pressure release mechanism allows a

bath or a sink be filled to a specific level and then if left

unattended, releases excess water to prevent overflow. Prevents

the damage and expense caused by flooding your bathroom or

kitchen. The heat sensitive pad on the plug changes colour

when the water temperature reaches 36&degC to alert the user

that the water may be too hot, reducing the risk of scalding.

http://www.mobilitysmart.cc/home-garden-aids/home-accessories/magiplug%C2%AE-bath-plug-kitchen-sink-plug-2-p-10456.html

Soapy Soles

Soapy Soles is designed to aid

individuals who have difficulty

with balance, bending or reaching

when bathing and showering.

The unit securely attaches to the

floor of the bath or shower with

suction cups and features a pad

with many tiny fingers on which to

rub the foot back and forth.

It is suitable for use with any

liquid soap and provides a gentle

massage and thorough wash for

the feet.

http://www.assistireland.ie/eng/Suppliers/Murray's_Medical_Equipment.html

KITCHEN

Solutions

Relieve cheese slicer

Gives extra power and precision

This cheese slicer allows people

with impaired strength in their

hands and arms to slice cheese.

The Relieve cheese slicer is

particularly suitable for people

with shorter arms, as the handle

permits a stable grip.

The handle has rounded edges and

it is close to the slicing blade so

that less force has to be used. The

slicing blade is “wavy” so that the

cheese comes free of the blade

with ease.

Buckingham Cool hand

The Buckingham Cool hand is a device for

carrying warm plates.

The device spreads the weight of the

plate around the whole hand and grips to

the rim of the plate.

The device can be used to carry plates

from the microwave but not a

conventional oven due to the heat

produced. The device can be cleaned in a

dishwasher.

http://www.beechfieldhealthcare.ie/

http://www.murrays.ie/

Gordon Peeler and Clamp

This device is designed to

facilitate one-handed peeling.

It clamps onto the edge of a table

or worktop with a sliding

mechanism.

The swivelling peeling blade is set

into the top of the device.

The user holds the vegetable and

pushes it across the blade to peel

it.

The peelings drop behind the

peeler onto a plate for easy

disposal.

Mini Chopper

This food preparation machine can

be used to chop and mince food.

The device features an easy-to-

handle lid, a chopping blade and a

push-button control. This machine

is mains-operated and is

dishwasher safe.

Tel: (353) 01 276 2770http://www.assistireland.ie/eng/Suppliers/Orthocare_Ltd.html

Fix preparation board

Gives extra power and precision

when preparing food.

With the Fix preparation board,

tasks such as grating, cutting,

whisking and peeling can be

carried out even with weak hands

or one hand function.

The preparation board is a good

aid for people who have difficulty

managing some tasks using just

one hand, or one hand at a time, or

weakness in both hands.

The clamp means it can easily grip

and adapt to left- or right-handed

use. The board sits firmly on four

anti-slip feet.

Suction pads are included for

fitting if necessary.

Dishwasher-safe

http://www.etac.com/en/etaccomexp/Start-Page/Products/Small-Aids-for-Daily-Living/Household/Fix-preparation-board/

Preparation Board

Ring Pull Can Opener

This device removes ring pull lids

from pressure sealed tins and

containers.

The contoured plastic handle with

rubber grasp section provides grip

and leverage when opening cans.

To use, slide the device over the

ring pull until it locks into place.

Then lever the opener upright to

break the seal and remove the lid.

Push the button at the front of

the tin opener to release the lid.

This device may be helpful for

individuals with arthritis, weak

wrists or limited grasping ability.

http://www.assistireland.ie/eng/Suppliers/Orthocare_Ltd.html

Safety Gas Lighter

This refillable gas lighter removes

the need for matches and the risks

associated with them.

The long shaft ensures a safe

distance from the gas fires or

stoves.

http://www.mobilitysmart.cc/home-garden-aids/daily-living-aids/safety-gas-lighter-p-497.html

This range of Easy-Grip Kitchen

Utensils have comfortable, contoured

handles with a non-slip "soft-feel"

finish, giving a firm grip in either hand.

The handle is angled at 90° .

The utensil is lightweight and all metal

parts are made from stainless steel.

All items within the range are

dishwasher safe. Overall Length 195

mm

Carving Fork

PROMEDICS ABLE 2 CARE

TEL: 0845 330 2220

Magnetic Toast Tongs

Much better than burnt fingertips,

our bamboo tongs are the safest

way to retrieve your toast from the

toaster.

when it’s time to make another

round, you’ll know exactly where

they are – being magnetic, you can

keep them to hand by attaching

them to the toaster whenever

you’re not using them.

http://www.lakeland.co.uk/magnetic-toast-tongs/F/keyword/tongs/product/14236

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=znLs6-vstDs

This wall-mounted oven has a

motorised base which lowers at

the touch of a button. So access

for getting food in and out should

be easier than a conventional

design.

Additional racks/shelves are

available.

It is claimed to be more efficient

because the hot air is retained

better when you open the oven

It also has the self cleaning

feature. You push the button and

heat gets so intense, all the post

cooking residue turns to ashes

and can be simply wiped off with a

cloth or paper towel.

It is costly however (around

£1200)

Siemens

LiftMatic

Oven

http://www.siemens-home.com/ie/HB76P570E.html

MISULANOUS

Solutions

Easy Snip Motorised Scissors

These motorised scissors eliminate the

need for the repetitive hand action

required when using standard scissors.

This device may be helpful for individuals

with limited handgrip.

The on/off button at the top of the handle

controls the scissors.

When the button is pressed, the blades

vibrate. The user pushes the device in the

required direction and the blades cut

through the paper or plastic. When the

button is released, the cutting action

stops.

This battery-powered device can cut

through multiple sheets of paper, card and

most plastics. The wide plastic handle is

comfortable and easy to grip.

http://www.assistireland.ie/eng/Products_Directory/Recreation_Leisure_Sports/Scissors/Easy_Snip_Motorised_Scissors.html

Mounted Table Top Scissors

This device has scissors mounted

on a plastic base, with rubber non-

slip feet. The scissors are

operated by depressing the "t"

shaped handle and the spring will

automatically reopen the blades

once the pressure is released

http://www.mobilitysmart.cc/home-garden-aids/scissors/mounted-table-top-scissors-2-p-10396.html

Lite Touch Pen

The Lite touch pen requires almost no

pressure to write. The pens built-up, textured

surface makes it easier to hold than standard

size pens.

This ball point pen with lightweight plastic

case is especially suitable for arthritics and

rheumatics. The built-up contoured shape is

easy to grip, and virtually no pressure is

required when writing.

It can be weighted with sand etc.

Parker replacement refills are available at any

good stationers.

Dimensions:

Length: 15.5cmWeight: 24gDiameter 18mm (3/4")

http://www.mobilitysmart.cc/home-garden-aids/office-aids/writing-aids/lite-touch-rheumatic-pen-p-13626.html

Long handled Scissors

These long reach scissors with

ergonomically designed handles

are designed to give a longer

reach to minimise stretching.

PRICE: £10.56 (£8.99)

This device consists of a standard

nail clipper attached to a plastic

base.

The attached base means the user

only has to apply force to one side

of the clippers, which may be

helpful for individuals with

decreased finger dexterity , weak

grasp or foot use.

The base has two suction cup feet

that firmly attach to surfaces

providing stability and preventing

the board from slipping during use.

Nail Clipper Board

http://www.assistireland.ie/eng/Suppliers/Orthocare_Ltd.html

Accufit 3400 Door Closer

The Accufit 3400 Door Closer attaches

to the top of the door and

automatically closes it once open.

It features an adjustable delay which

allows for more time once the door is

open before it begins to close.

It is available in various finishes and a

choice of covers.

http://www.assistireland.ie/eng/Suppliers/Disability_Needs_Ltd.html

Telescopic back scratcher

KLEENEZE CATALOGUE

Leveron Door Knob Turner

This device attaches to most round door

knobs to give a lever action door handle

and can be useful at home or away.

It may be helpful for anyone who has

arthritis, weak hands or limited grasp.

The easy-grip handle is made of a

lightweight, thermoplastic that is warm

to touch.

This device attaches to the door knob

with two adjustable gaskets that can be

tightened or loosened to fit a variety of

doorknob shapes.

The device is supplied with an installation

wrench.http://www.assistireland.ie/eng/Suppliers/Orthocare_Ltd.html

TRIO (Magnetic jar opener )

Magnetic Jar opener from Sweden.

Simply press down on both ends of this

device with hands or foot and turn in

the direction of the arrow.

Only currently available via the Thalidomide Trust

Email : administration@thalidomidetrust.org

Phone: 01480 474074

DRESSING

Solutions

Aktiv reacher with hook

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mEFA_XJ1l30&feature=player_embedded#!

The jaws can

be set to two

positions.

All models

have a magnet

in the handle

to help you

pick up

metallic

objects.

The handle is

angled to

utilize the

strength in the

hand and

provide an

effective grip.

This reacher is designed with an

90° angled handle and an

adjustable forearm support which

enables use for persons with very

limited lifting ability and weak

hands.

The jaws are provided with hooks

for the user to pull or push things

away.

The jaws of the reacher can be set

in two positions, which means that

the reacher can be used both

horizontally and vertically without

having to turn the arm.

Aktiv reacher with power grip and hook

Aktiv reacher with hook

The hook makes this reacher

specifically suitable for dressing.

Steel telescoping dressing stick

RSLSTEEPER,

Unit 7

Hunslet Trading Estate

Severn Road

Leeds

LS10 1BL

Tel: 0870 2404133

Fax : 0870 240 4779

Steel telescopic dressing

appliance B05553 costs £208.31

Additional bite tab SB12202

costs £43.52

Butler buttoner

The Butler buttoners are

available with two different

grips.

The one with a round grip can

also be used for both buttons

and zippers.

The model with a long handle

can be used for all types of

buttons, even jeans

metal buttons.

This small device helps in button fastening.

Two types available wood and plastic.

Type: Wood: Length: 16cm Weight: 11g

Plastic: Length: 16.6cm Weight: 35g

http://www.mobilitysmart.cc/comfort-dressing/dressing-aids/zip-grip-p-14764.html

Button Hook / Zipper

Puller

This small device assists in button

and zip fastening. It incorporates a

stainless steel shaped hook at one

end and a "C" hook at the other.

Two types available wood and

plastic.

Type:

Wood: Length: 20.5cm Weight: 25g

Plastic: Length: 21cm Weight: 40g

http://www.mobilitysmart.cc/comfort-dressing/dressing-aids/zip-grip-p-14764.html

http://www.mobilitysmart.cc/comfo

rt-dressing/dressing-aids/bra-

angel-p-7957.html

Designed by an Occupational Therapist, to assist women who find it

difficult to bring both ends of a brassiere together when dressing.

Simple to use

One size fits all

Light, durable and latex free

Can be used with most brassiere types

Telescopic action adjusts easily for size and shortens it for storage

and travelling

Bra Angel

Getting dressed with the help of a

chair.

Putting on clothes on the upper

body can be made easier if an

kitchen chair can be used like a

clothes hanger.

The dresser gets into his clothes

by wriggling into a coat or

cardigan.

A simple method for a person with

short arms or no arms.

Getting dressed with the help of a chair.

A clever pocket for money and keys. Make a cut in the

trouser material. Sew in a lining pocket into the inside of

the trouser leg. Use either a zip or Velcro to close the

pocket with. Remember to sew the pocket onto the left

leg for a right-footed person and the other way round for

a left-footed person.

Trouser pockets

Leather Tab Zip Pullers

These leather tab zip pullers will

make life so much easier; they will

fit 95% of zips because of the thin

wire clasp.

They are packed in 5's with three

black and two brown pullers.

http://www.mobilitysmart.cc/comfort-dressing/dressing-aids/zip-grip-p-14764.html

The Zip Grip is ideal for persons

who have difficulty grasping and

pulling small zipper tabs.

Just insert the peg of the Zip Grip

through the hole in a standard

zipper, fold in half and press to

snap shut.

Ring diameter measures 25mm

(1").

Sold in package of 6.

Zip Grip

http://www.mobilitysmart.cc/comfort-dressing/dressing-aids/zip-grip-p-14764.html

Shoe Remover

Remove shoes effortlessly with the Shoe Remover. This

product is ideal for persons with a limited range of motion or

those who have difficulty bending over. Made of sturdy

plastic. Not suitable for clients who have had total hip

replacements or restricted hip abduction. Colour may vary.

http://www.mobilitysmart.cc/comfort-dressing/sock-stocking-aids/shoe-remover-p-15039.html

Elastic Shoelaces

These elastic laces are for persons who find reaching or tying

laces difficult. Colour in Brown, Black & White (sold in set of 3)

Colour & Sizes: Round Style

Brown - 24" or 32"

Black - 24" or 32"

White - 24" or 32"

Flat Style Elastic Shoe laces

Coiler Elastic

http://www.mobilitysmart.cc/comfort-dressing/laces-lace-locks/coiler-elastic-shoelaces-4-p-16159.html

These elastic laces have

collapsible knots that allow you to

achieve a custom fit between each

eyelet.

http://www.xtenex.fr/US/index_EN.html

Lace-lock for shoelaces

The shoelace-lock, "Lazylock" locks

shoelaces into place so they don´t

loosen, plus they can then be easily

opened.

Perfect for children that are in too

much of a hurry to tie their shoes,

also for handicapped people that

have trouble whit shoe-tieing. , "

This gadget suctions temporarily

on to a smooth wood door or tiled

wall with a flick of the middle

switch and helps with light weight

dressing.

The hook can be used as a lever

positioned in the horizontal or

vertical position for both dressing

and undressing.

It can travel with you in a large

handbag.

Large and small dressing hook

Currently only available via the Thalidomide Trust.

Enquiries :

Email: administration@thalidomidetrust.org

PHONE: 01480 474074