Disability aids

[Shittyproblem]

Arthritis in my hands is getting worse, & I'm looking for gadgets to help with everyday tasks.

2 examples :-
I can't un/fasten necklaces - the sort that have 2 interlocking rings.
I have difficulty opening jars & ring-pull cans.

I found a simple pronged kitchen tool on Amazon that holds an onion in place while I chop it. Not marketed as an aid, just a kitchen tool.

It's the little things that can make a big difference.

Does anyone know of a website that specialises in the sort of things I'm after, please?

https://www.activehands.com/shop/ have a brilliant range of all kinds of things to help with impaired hand function. Necklaces, they do a little double magnet thing that clips onto your necklace and then snaps easily together, and its made a massive difference to me

There was a thread quite recently about disability aids/making life easier it was really useful I'll try to find it and link back (I'm rubbish with tech, so someone might find it quicker!)

I can't find it, but there is also a disabilities section on Mumsnet which may be useful

I don't have arthritis but have nerve issues affecting my hand and grip.

You can get grips to help open a jar. Stab the lid with a knife to break the seal helps too.

Automatic can opener

Cheese grater in the food processor or you can buy ones that you turn a handle on but I find they break fairly easily and are a pain to wash up. My food processor goe in dishwasher and has a slicing fitting as well as grater and the normal dicing.

Ask guests to open things for you I do this a lot. Also delivery people get asked by me

No advice on jewlery I e just stopped wearing any.

Bras that have different fastenings or fasten at the front. Slip on shoes or Velcro no buckles or laces.

You can get all sorts of tools like scissors that have longer handles and you squeeze them with all your fingers not have to fiddle with them the normal way. You can get a stand type charger for you phone if the plugging it into the wire is hard. Reusable coffee flasks are easier to hold than a mug handle. Tie a piece of ribbon onto a zip to make it easier to pull- many have a small hole perfect for this if you look for them when selecting clothes/bags. Craw clips instead of hair bands. Makeup brushes instead of the tiny ones that come with eyeshadows. Box opening tools. I use a small play dough knife tool thingy sometimes for picking type actions like getting the end of sellotape when can't get my fingers to work.

Lots of Tupperware so you can just cut into food packaging not worry about resealing things like ham where you can't open with those fiddly tabs. Deli counter although more expensive stuff from there is easier packaging to open.

Get Apple Pay on your phone or the android equivalent so you don't have to struggle to get your card out of a wallet slot

I've got this. I use it daily - it helps me open everything from bleach bottles (I can no longer squeeze the squeezy top hard enough!) to giant screw-tops and, of course, jars. It's also great for holding things still, much like your onion gripper. Currently on offer at a fiver.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bottle-Opener-Arthritis-Elderly-Children/dp/B07QVWJ6VN

With your necklaces, I'd consider adding some elastic so you can just pull them over your head. Depends on aesthetics, style, etc, and whether your hair covers the back of your neck. You can get gold and silver elastic, though!

The usual suggestion is a toggle fastener - ring and bar. You can get them in quite large sizes, but they can still require some dexterity.

@CMOTDibbler, I make jewellery and do love magnetic clasps. I use them sparingly, though, because they make the item very easy to steal.

@CMOTDibbler , hello, and thanks for the link

My local council has a shop, you book an appointment and they assess your needs.

Things like sock putter on gadget, button hook and grabber are things I came away with.

None specialist disability aids, you can buy frozen chopped onions and also a food processor makes it easier.

I have an electric tin opener.

Thanks very much everyone, so many useful tips.

Special thanks to @CMOTDibbler Just what I was looking for.

Mobility Shops Near Me | Disability Shop | Mobility Chairs (thehearingandmobilitystore.co.uk)

Granny Gets a Grip website for assorted aids. I thevintrrim, buy some silicone squares that will help you hold fast to various items including your toothbrush.

You can convert necklaces to a magnetic fastening (or have someone with more comfortable hands do it for you). I did this for my mum. Most craft shops will have them and then you or your helper will just need a pair of small pliers.

Ring pull can opener
https://www.manageathome.co.uk/pd/canpull-ring-pull-can-opener_10402?identifiers=pla-2330071298043696&Campaign=*JF_Pmax_Assetless_Tier_2&CampaignId=710453541&AdGroup=Assetless&AdGroupId=1252345061559209&AdId=78271694489115&Network=o&msclkid=aae5b4f309b019251b1ed2a3c7bf61c1&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=*JF_Pmax_Assetless_Tier_2&utm_term=2330071298043696&utm_content=Assetless

This is the thread of useful stuff:
https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/_chat/4960548-calling-other-disabled-people-what-is-the-best-gadgets-etc-you-have-ever-bought?page=1

I'm really liking CMOTDibbler's Active Hands link, too.

I've just been thinking "need a button puller"... and lo, they have a button puller.

A cheap jarkey for releasing the vacuum on jars has also been one of those "why didn't I get this years ago?" items for me.

@PerkingFaintly I think because the guy who runs it needs the products himself they just have so many things that let you do stuff on your own - the mag zips for instance let you put a coat or hoodie on with minimum function. My fave latest thing from them is the bottle opener which you just bash and lo, the bottle is open and the cap held on the outside by a magnet. So easy to use, and you don't even need to hold the bottle. Oh, and the magnet helmet clips.
If you aren't sure about if something would work, or have an unmet need, they are super helpful in sharing other peoples experiences, or looking for a solution

Aha, I thought that was probably the case.

It really comes across that he's designing or selling stuff he wants himself, to live the life he wants – not some outside person's idea of what Disabled People™ need.

I think it might be this one that I started.

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/chat/4960548-calling-other-disabled-people-what-is-the-best-gadgets-etc-you-have-ever-bought

Edited to say I see I am too late and someone has already posted the link.

@PeppermintParty Yes that's the one! It was a great thread so many suggestions that worked for everyone
@PerkingFaintly That's the thread I was thinking of, I knew someone would find it

It's a fabulous thread, @PeppermintParty ! Thank you so much for starting it!

I have RA and I have a device that pulls ring pull lids off tins,an electric tin opener,a gadget that pops the seal on jars🤕 and a rubber mat thing to loosen jar lids.

Brilliant ideas and links on here, thank you so much. I reckon a certain yellow smiley website will be selling a heck of a lot of jar openers today!

Is there really I must find tis because it's never seen !

@bluetopazlove yes it was linked in the thread I couldn't find (but others did) it's a fairly quite section probably because ppl don't realise it's there, hopefully more ppl will see it and use it

I can't find it , it's maybe been made hard to find, for us to stupid to find hidden things .