Calling other disabled people - What is the best gadgets etc. you have ever bought.

[PeppermintParty]

Inspired by another thread about the best thing you have bought in 2023, I thought it would be good to chat with other disabled people about the best things you have bought to make your life easier.

Mine is my mobility scooter. I was reading on the other thread about no rinse shower caps. I had never heard of them and it made me think about what other things other disabled people had bought to make their life easier.

Was thinking about getting an electric potato peeler and something to pick things up from the floor, but there are probably loads of other stuff I haven't even considered, so would love to hear from other disabled mumsnetters.

My electric wheelchair.
Leg lifter for the car and a spin cushion for the car.
Wet room,

Is a leg lifter really worth it? I can't lift my leg, but I just lift it in using my hands around my thigh. What advantage does a leg lifter have over this?

I've already ordered a few bits and pieces as a result of this thread, so thanks everyone.

I'm obsessed with cake at the minute. Damn you! 😍 That's cute

@PeppermintParty it really does make it easier. I also use it indoors. I used to lift my thigh but as my hands got worse it became more difficult.
PS. Thank you for starting this thread, it’s got loads of really useful information!

I'm interested - how do you make it waterproof?

Dishwasher and electric tin opener..the jars half the time I can't open those anymore

@drawingmaps fleece has a reasonable amount of waterproofness anyway but if you want it properly waterproof then you can buy fleece waterproofer from outdoor shops or places like Amazon

My mum bought the LapBaby (baby sling) so she could keep my DS safe on her knee when she's in the wheelchair. Absolute game changer. He loves being in it and it's great that she can hold him hands free and still get around in her chair. Can use it from 3 months to 3 years.

100% recommend.

I can't believe it hasn't been mentioned on here, and I definitely don't get commission from them, but Granny Gets a Grip is a fabulous website for some ideas of the type of helpful tools mentioned on this thread. I love their teapot with two handles.

Thank you, I never knew that site existed and it is fabulous! Off to shop 😊

I really like this toothbrush it's recommended for ease of use because it brushes both side of the teeth at once, but I also find the position in my mouth more comfortable. I find normal toothbrushes sometimes make me gag. I also like to use a non foaming toothpaste for that reason. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dr-Barmans-Superbrush-Regular-Adult-Toothbrush/dp/B002841THY?pd_rd_w=ijJB5&content-id=amzn1.sym.e18fa87a-f28e-45c1-b9cc-d4f596e707f9&pf_rd_p=e18fa87a-f28e-45c1-b9cc-d4f596e707f9&pf_rd_r=8J0A0CCNJZX6GB5JVJNC&pd_rd_wg=IgKk6&pd_rd_r=2a855914-4c85-42cb-b721-371f3ca8ee6a&pd_rd_i=B002841THY&psc=1&ref_=pd_bap_m_grid_dv_rp_0_23_i

@beetr00 OMG I’ve been wishing that I could change all my useless cupboards into drawers for absolutely years! Thanks so much 💐

I love that site! I now want some clongs

I’m a retired OT, this thread is making me quite sad as I remember when we used to give out small aids for free. They may not seem like a big deal, but they can make such a difference. I remember giving a pair of loop scissors to a gentleman who couldn’t manage standard ones - and the delight on his face when he realised he could now open his grandchildren’s sweet packets when the asked him ! I’ve also been able to work with the in house design team on fully accessible kitchens - sinks that are height adjustable, ovens with retractable doors etc. I have a feeling these wouldn’t be funded now .

MissMuffetisin there is still a lot that is provided for free where I am.

My council provides small aids like grab rails and shower chairs for free as well as bigger items such as stairlifts, lifts and fixed ramps. Anything that is reusable and removable is completely free of charge, no matter your income or savings. They do means test for things like remodelling bathrooms etc. where the cost is over a certain amount, but even then if you are a homeowner they grant an interest free loan, repayable only when your property is sold.

This is all in Wales, which the Tories are always so keen to criticise!

Thank you for this thread. I've now installed some smart plugs for my disabled mum who can't bend and reach across to get to awkward plug sockets and the tree lights. She's thrilled with her magic lights 😃

I know funds are an ever present worry when living with disabilities, but if you're in a position to redo your bathroom then livinghouse.co.uk provide accessible bathrooms which are attractive.

What a great thread: I think I'll try and get a can opener/jar opener for my great aunt who has hand issues and possibly a plug in heated pad because she really feels the cold.
If I'd seen it earlier I'd have got her a car cane to help when she was recovering from knee surgery.

Thank you! I like the double layer effect of the bundlebean, but it's good to know if I ever need a back up. I'm not great with a sewing machine, have to outsource it to a family member lol

I've nominated this thread for classics as it's so useful

does anyone have any good recommendations for seats that fit in the bath that'll cover plus sized kind of weight, 22st-25st ish? (i'm not that heavy, but rather overshoot than my butt break it xD)

Struggling not to pass out while showering lately, making it even harder than it is.

@MissMuffetisin

We get absolutely zilch here. For small things you get directed towards the horrendously overpriced independent living shop. I wouldn't be surprised if the council get a cut.

As for the bigger stuff, you'll be waiting for an indeterminate time. Even when you do strike lucky it's all white metal and horrible grey vinyl. I approached my local wheelchair services asking about a wheelchair because my body was doing its absolute best to wreck my life for me. I was told that I was ineligible for a powerchair because I could 'walk'. Instead, I was offered a basic, small wheeled carer pushed wheelchair. Completely ignoring the fact that it woukd have been completely incompatible with my needs and would have actually made things worse not better. Besides, who did they think was going to push it- my 10 year old??

Got in touch with a local independent dealer and 5 weeks later Doris became a part of my life. She tilts, has a contoured backrest, super comfy seat and a fairly impressive 19 mile range. Oh, and not a single piece of white metal or grey vinyl anywhere. She's given me my life back.

@YuleDragon what are you looking for? I have a bath board that sits on top of the bath. It's much easier than a seat in the bath that I would have to transfer on and off.

You can also get sucker shower head holders if you want to move the shower head closer to you or need somewhere to put it.

@YuleDragon, bath boards here. They give the max load for each one in the descriptions. The slatted ones can handle 25st and aren't expensive. I've got one - it's surprisingly comfy and very sturdy!

https://www.completecareshop.co.uk/bathroom-aids/bathroom-seating/bath-shower-boards

Love my slatted bath board too! Means I'm safe to shower on a woozy day.