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Stroke-like symptoms Can anyone advise gadgets to make life a bit easier?

8 replies

oneofsuesylvesterscheerios · 29/03/2010 19:55

My lovely dad has a blood clot on his heart and is in heart failure. He is displaying symptoms that mirror a stroke (although the docs are now not convinced he's had one and we're waiting for a MRI in a few weeks). His mobility is getting pretty bad now: very weak down his right side, almost like the limbs are 'dying' as he's not in pain but they won't do as they're told. He lives on his own and even though we ring or pop round every day we still have to be in work for long periods so he's alone a lot of the time.

He can't walk without a frame now and is losing his grip. We've got OT and Age Concern round this week for a home assessment and I guess they will help with rails/advice about bathroom/shower etc. but I wondered if anyone has experience of this and can advise on any gadgets or other things that will make his life easier, e.g. he was given a 'knork' at the weekend (not the k!) which is a fork with a sharp edge so he can use his good hand to eat now.

We're also getting him an electric can opener and an adjustable bar stool for the kitchen that he can rest on while he's cooking.

He struggles with things like brishing his hair (and told us he'd used the washing up brush last week as it had a long handle - still has his sense of humour in tact!)

any other ideas? (links would also be great please)

OP posts:
oneofsuesylvesterscheerios · 29/03/2010 19:56

I meant brushing

OP posts:
stanausauruswrecks · 29/03/2010 21:20

Have you had a look at Red Cross Shop there are lots of ideas of stuff that may be useful for him.

CMOTdibbler · 29/03/2010 21:28

Lots of useful things, including hair brushes with long handles here, and things like kettle tippers here.

The OT should be able to assess all the things he is having trouble doing and suggest aids to help though

deepbreath · 29/03/2010 23:37

ASDA website has a section full of gadgets. Some of the bits and bobs in those Kleeneze and Betterware catalogues are useful too. I've seen long handled hairbrushes and combs and lots more, and the prices aren't too bad compared to some specialist mobility shops.

Some equipment can be expensive, and a lot of it is the kind of thing that should really be tried at home before you buy. The O.T. will possibly bring some things to the appointment and they might be able to lend you some things to try to see what works best - dd's O.T. has lent us a chair, some caring cutlery and several things to help her in the bathroom after assessing her.

alypaly · 30/03/2010 00:31

www.homecraft-rolyan.com/app.aspx?cmd=get_subcats&pcid=15690&bc=kitchen+%26+diningi used the homecraft catalogue for all my mums needs. They supply to hospitals and their delivery service is excellent

oneofsuesylvesterscheerios · 30/03/2010 21:38

This is all brilliant - thanks very much. I will wait until the OT has visited tomorrow and see what she recommends and then have a good trawl through those websites.

Great to know there is such good advice out there . Thanks

OP posts:
alypaly · 31/03/2010 00:29

if you want the phone no for roylan just ask and you can order over the phone to check the prices as you order.

alypaly · 31/03/2010 00:31

just found it...Roylans tel no is
UK Customer Services
Tel: 08444 124 330

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