Easy living

Easy living

Easy living Make living at home simpler with these clever everyday gadgets Words: GEORGINA MARIC L iving independently can become difficult when you have pain and limited mobility. However, according to a recent survey by Versus Arthritis, 95 per cent of people who use aids and adaptations said they have a positive impact on their lives, helping them to maintain independence. Weve scouted around for the best practical gadgets on the market to make your life that little bit easier. MAKING THINGS POSSIBLE Cant bend to pick things up? Try: Arthri-Grip Pro Reacher This gadget has been specifically designed for those with arthritis. The hand action which you only need to squeeze gently gives more power, even when you are lifting something heavy. Super soft grips mean you can even pick up coins or credit cards from a table or the floor. Costs: 16.99 n Buy: manageathome.co.uk, boots.com, amazon.co.uk Making a cuppa tricky? Try: The Uccello Kettle This lightweight kettle is ergonomically designed to tip water into a cup without having to be lifted. Featuring a smooth pour action and safe-grip handle, there is a large, hinged lid and wide spout to make filling easy. It was invented by Italian Andy De Petra, after he was diagnosed with arthritis and couldnt find anything similar on the market. Costs: Around 50 n Buy: uccellodesigns.com, amazon.co.uk, nrshealthcare.co.uk Difficulty washing properly? Try: Comfi-Grip sponges An easy-grip section at the top of these sponges makes them easier to hold than regular sponges, even when your hands are wet. Whats more, the long handles mean you can rub without having to bend or stretch, taking the effort out of bathing. Costs: from 7.50 n Buy: hhadlessentials.co.uk Given up on opening cans? Try: OXO Soft-Handled Can Opener With a cushioned handle and an oversized knob that turns easily, this can opener takes the hard work out of opening tins. This makes it a much easier job for people with reduced strength in their hands. Also features a built-in bottle opener, so you can crack open that bottle of beer with ease! Costs: 10.99 n Buy: amazon.co.uk and John Lewis Struggling to chop vegetables? Try: OXO Hand-held Spiralizer This will turn your favourite veggies into uniform, spaghetti-like strands with just a few easy twists. The open-blade design can be used for long vegetables like courgettes, and round vegetables such as potatoes. When you get to the end of the vegetable, the food holder keeps your hands safe, and also acts as a storage cap. Costs: 16 n Buy: amazon.co.uk and John Lewis Bogged down with washing up? Try: OXO Dish Squeegee Save time and water by giving your dirty dishes a wipe into your food recycling caddy before washing. The flexible silicone and the combination of flat and curved edges makes clearing leftover food from plates and bowls much easier. It features a non-slip grip and can be stored standing up or hanging. Costs: 6 n Buy: amazon.co.uk Trouble with socks? Try: Soxon Sock Aid Bending to put on your socks can be draining before you start your day. This handy gadget has two long loop tapes that can slide over your wrist. No more struggling to bend, twist and stretch while putting on your socks! Costs: 10 n Buy: amazon.co.uk, hhadlessentials.co.uk Cleaning zapping your energy? Try: OXO Microfibre Spray Mop Fill the bottle with your favourite cleaning solution, squeeze the trigger, then whisk away dirt with this spray mop. If you come across a tough stain, step on the pedal to release the scrubber for spot-cleaning. Costs: 35 n Buy: amazon.co.uk and John Lewis MAKING THINGS POSSIBLE Remap is a national charity that works through local groups of skilled volunteers, designing and making custom-made equipment for individual needs. This equipment is given to people free of charge, helping them to carry out daily tasks, or allowing them to take part in leisure activities that would otherwise be difficult or impossible. n To find out more, go to remap.org.uk