Products that make my Life with a Disability/Chronic Illness Easier | Disability Aids

Hello and welcome back to another video (or a big welcome if you're new here!) In today's video, I wanted to talk a bit about some of the products that I use, which make my life with a Disability and Chronic Illness a little bit easier. Some of these are specifically made as Disability Aids, while some aren't necessarily targeted to help Disabled people, but are still really useful.
I really hope that this might be helpful if you're Disabled or have a Chronic Illness, and might be looking for things to help make life that little bit easier. Or if you're not Disabled/Chronically Ill, I hope it's just interesting to hear about some of these things (and you never know, you might find some of them useful too!) It would also be great if we can chat in the comments about Disability Aids in general, so do let me know what sorts of things you use (and also what kind of things you'd love to see being made available, or being made to look nicer!) Please do also let me know if there are any other videos you would like me to film.
In this video:
Striped Jumper - Next (Old)
Pride Fusion Power Chair - www.pride-mobility.co.uk/fusi...
Forearm/Gutter Crutches - NHS
- Walking Stick - www.stickandcaneshop.co.uk/sw...
- Car (Ford EcoSport) - www.motability.co.uk/?ssSourc...
Stair Lift - www.acornstairlifts.com
Grabber - Occupational Therapist (Similar - www.amazon.co.uk/Helping-Hand...)
Foldable Ramp (Similar) - www.manageathome.co.uk/pd/mul...
Half Step - Occupational Therapist
Shower Stool - Occupational Therapist (Similar - www.nrshealthcare.co.uk/bathr...)
Bath Board - Occupational Therapist (Similar - www.completecareshop.co.uk/ba...)
Grab Rail - Occupational Therapist (Similar - www.careco.co.uk/item-s-ba080...)
Jar Opener - www.amazon.co.uk/Suffering-Ar...
Ring Doorbell - www.amazon.co.uk/all-new-ring...
Falls Alarm - Through Adult Services (argenti.co.uk/product/lifelin...)
Amazon Echo Dot - www.amazon.co.uk/Echo-Dot-3rd...
Where you can find me:
Blog - www.jaffacat.co.uk
Facebook - Ramblingsofa...
Twitter - @Jennycole04
Instagram - @Jennycole1988
Pinterest - Jennycole44
Google+ - plus.google.com/+JennyColeJaf...
Snapchat - Jennycole44
Anything marked with a * has been sent to me for review purposes, but all opinions are my own and I will only talk about products that I feel fit in with my channel/blog.
Music by Epidemic Sound (www.epidemicsound.com)
I'd love to hear your comments and will reply to as many as I can :)

[@juneyshu6197]

Glad there are people like you to support others. My doctor is a hoot, said the other day "Well you cant be in pain all the time!" OK, doc, glad youre ok.

[@fishfish7985]

Wow I mean I'm not actively experience pain all or the time sometimes I'm asleep but also sometimes I'm dreaming about being in pain

[@anniescornavacca1472]

Yea, I love that one. Out of the long list of wild & surprisingly common BS that supposedly trained medical experts feel the need to say to disabled & chronically ill people, "aren't you a little young to be so sick/to have X condition?" & "well, you look fine/good/healthy" or "that's a nice outfit" followed by the statement, NEVER phrased as a question, "you must be feeling better!" are some of my personal favorites. You'd think doctors who specialize in these conditions would know better, but sadly, it isn't so. Maybe they need to spend more time on concepts like "not all illnesses & disabilities are caused by old age" & "thinking an outfit is cute isn't a diagnostic test" in medical school. Maybe even throw in a whole day of learning that invisible disabilities are... ya know... invisible? That means you can't see them, no matter what they're wearing. And no, they're aren't cured by even the most expensive designer outfits, perfectly applied makeup, or the magic of putting on high heels bc they aren't Cinderella or Dorothy, so their shoes have no supernatural powers. Nor are any of those things a clinically recognized sign of improvement. It's so frustrating. Especially as an American whose country doesn't believe in treating the sick if they're also poor.

[@kirstyshiels6155]

Omg that old one- priceless - makes me sadistically want to take their staplers and show them what “pain” can mean to some 🤨(out of character to me)

[@francois3116]

​@@kirstyshiels6155That's a good example! 🤣

[@user-em3vg6ui4g]

Food processors are great for cooking. They normally have an attachment to chop up vegetables too. Also having a microwave and kettle in your room is great. You can also get mini ovens if you are able to bake and roast sometimes. Basically having a mini kitchen with food in your room. Also keeping stuff like energy bars or food that you can just eat without having to do anything

[@davidjtefft]

My favorite is the 8 inch electric frying pan .between the microwave, toaster oven and that I can cook almost anything

[@LumpOfClay1]

I'm 35 & diagnosed with MS. This is a brilliant video.

[@cristinaevans139]

Jenny I’m a 54year old female in Australia I have cptsd thank you for your work listening to you kept me out of hospital so please keep going ps my partner has a spinal tumour and is in a wheelchair so I am very grateful to you ❤

[@JennyCole1988]

Sorry for the late reply. Thank you, what a lovely message. I’m honoured that I have been able to help you. I’m sorry to hear about your partner’s spinal tumour - that must be really painful and worrying. Please send them my love too xxx

[@VoodooAngel63]

I have to use a walker to get around my house but I can only stand for about two minutes without terrible pain. I have started using an hydraulic office chair in the kitchen. I can sit down to wash dishes, prepare food and even cook. I also use grabbers . With th stove, the knows are conveniently at the very top and back if the unit. I use a very long pair of barbecue tongs for the knobs.

[@enyasavory156]

I managed to get a bright orange wheelchair for $500 Purple roll after for $100 Pink walking stick for $25 My two long canes for my vision loss one white and one pink And I’ve seen some cute compression socks too.

[@twinstarssystem2857]

oooh where did you get the wheelchair?

[@memesissydollar3080]

Where did you find the canes ? And What site has the best compression socks or gloves etc? I am always enjoying listening to the help others share about these topics. Can you or anyone suggest any certain ring and hand splints , any device that may help stabilize the neck ?

[@twinstarssystem2857]

@@memesissydollar3080 Not Your Grandmas has good compression socks and their disabled-owned but I don't think they have anything else unfortunately. A cane and basic compression garments you can probably find for cheap at a local pharmacy

[@memesissydollar3080]

@@twinstarssystem2857 thank you for the reply . “ Have a great evening “

[@amykrueger-smith5461]

U have helped me so much. My dr n my insurance company have both approached me about getting a electric scooter . instead i have refused to accept my situation- ive been partially disabled fir 19 years very much so for 9 months. So i have ONLY left my home 2xs a month nnthat was fir drs appts. Im so isolated. A friend built me a ramp but im not able to comtrol n get around with the manual chair. Just to be able to go outside would be wibderful but fir sone reason i couldnt acceot it. Im only 49 i feel to young to be in this shape n i really havent gad anyone to talk with. I ve had neuropathy from the waist down, fibro n chrons fir the 19 years. I was still making it witg difficulty but ckeaning my iwn house etc. Then i developed charcot 2 years ago. It took a long time to get diagnised. Right now im stage 1 n have 19 broken or slid bones. Im trying to take care if myself but i need help. U have given me the courage to atart accepting it because i cant go on like this thank u

[@AuntJane2many]

We never call them electric chairs; people are alarmed when they hear that! They are properly referred to as power or powered wheelchairs.

[@davidahart2476]

Hi Jenny, I really enjoyed your video, A little bit about me I'm 52, I was born with a mild case of Cerebral Palsy, it affected my balance, motor skills and my gait, although it was mild it has still taken it's toll on my body, it's caused me to have the early onset of degenerative osteoarthritis is my knees, hands, fingers, wrist, lower lumbar area and my balance and motor skills have gotten worse. I'm also an amputee too, right left below the knee. I use a cane and a rollator, and I too use the grabbers, they are a big help around the house, I recently bought a amazon echo dot, I've been using it to turn on light with the wi-fi plugs and have gotten a few wi-fi switches to help me around the house too.

[@TheZontania]

Hi Jenny, found your channel by chance. I have the Switch sticks, too and agree 100% that they become a fashion statement instead of making people feeling sorry for me. I use two sticks for walking following my OT's recommendation. They cause me incredible shoulder aches. The OT refused to issue me with good old fashioned crutches. Grr! Motability, yes, fantastic, as long as you get a good garage. One word of caution: do not go for a super modern hybrid belts and whistles car. They are complicated and break down often leaving you frustrated. I had to wait weeks for a replacement battery for my one and then found out they didn't even replace it!!! So next car will be a Kia again as they were the best of all I have tried so far from selection to hand-off. Now fir thd kitchen, a perching stool is awful. Causes too much pain as the sitting position is not natural. If you do not have oodles of space in your kitchen it becomes an obstacle to free movement and they are quite heavy to shift. I found the Ivar chair from IKEA a lid saver. It is cheap and mostly crap. Only 1 survived from a table set. But this one with sufficient cushions means I can sit down and load the laundry, load the dishwasher, wash in the sink, and cook. When not needed only a finger is enough to pull it out of my way. If you buy one, make sure to use wood glue in the connectors and leave it to set well as that will make the chair safer. I hope you can take up cooking. It is such a wonderful hobby and a person with your intelligence will thrive discovering new recipes. Buy a mini chopper. Sit down to prepare ingredients. Pre-weigh them and put them in ziplock bags. Get a spice carousel so you don't have to be stretching and getting up and down to the cabinets. Freeze herbs and just cut off the amount you need. I will happily teach you some dishes. If I can do it, anyone can! Oh one last comment: I saw you using separate medicine boxes which are bulky. Did you know chemists can package your medication for you? So instead of opening up different blisters, you are only opening one for morning, one for midday etc. Otherwise you might find a smaller book like holder with 7 individual finger sized containers more helpful. Each container has movable sections so you can separate morning, lunch, dinner and bedtime meds. Stay cool and beautiful and keep making videos!

[@JennyCole1988]

Thank you so much for your comment - so sorry for the delayed reply - I've been struggling to keep on top of everything with my health recently. I'm glad you find the Switch Sticks help you make a fashion statement rather than having people feel sorry for you too. That's so frustrating that you haven't been able to access crutches, despite the sticks making your shoulders ache so much. I've had to switch to Smart Crutches now (partly due to surgery and partly due to a stick no longer being right for me). Yes, I've had mixed experiences with garages when it comes to Motability, and it definitely influences which car I want to go for. I'm currently looking at the Peugeot 5008 as it seems to meet all my needs. How frustrating that you had to wait that long for a replacement battery and then found they hadn't even replaced it! That's awful! I agree about the perching stool - we've actually been looking on IKEA so I think we're going to end up getting something from there. I've done a bit of cooking, but can't wait until I can actually sit down to do it! Thank you for all the tips - I will definitely remember those! Thank you for the tip about the pharmacy packaging medication for you. It's not something I've ever really investigated as I always worried I had too much for them to package up! But I'll have to look into it. I do use a dossett box, which I fill up once a week. Takes a while to fill it all up, but then saves time during the week as I can just open up say, Monday morning, tip out the pills and know all the ones I need are there. Plus it's rainbow coloured, which I love! Hope you're keeping as well as possible :) xx

[@Klex2603]

When I was able to find safe ways to be in the kitchen my favourite aid was my electric can opener.

[@abilitycrafting864]

I can't live without my grab bar. I use it at least twenty times a day. I thank you for sharing your story because it gives me ideas on how to improve my own life. I live the USA and we don't have all the access to disability aids that you have. It makes some parts of my life complicated, but I'm going to live my best life.

[@labsareperfect]

This random but I was struggling to sleep but I found this video and your voice was so calming I was able to take a small nap! 🥰 I’m currently struggling with insomnia and my internal clock thinks that 8am is 8pm and won’t switch over! Thanks again 😊

[@JennyCole1988]

Sorry for the late reply - I haven’t been able to post/film for quite a while due to health. Ah I’m glad I was able to help you relax and get some sleep! xx

[@emilyjames3110]

@@JennyCole1988glad you made this vlog

[@LesleyMLK]

Very helpful, Jenny, thank you so much! Appreciated it a lot as I'm chronically ill/disabled but also an OT student.

[@lottiatbeaniecodesigns4681]

The OTs got me a perching stool. I have an electric potato masher and grater in the kitchen and a Britta water kettle so I don’t have to pick up a kettle. I have a sticker on my front door saying I’m disabled so give me time and no cold callers.

[@twinstarssystem2857]

instant oatmeal and boxed pasta is literally a lifesaver for me. i just don't have the energy for food most of the time and it makes such a differences

[@anyone4299]

I tried a jar opener similar to yours but I couldn’t do it. I found a cheap one on Amazon that is better for me. It is from vastland store on Amazon and is $7.95. It comes up under “jar opener for weak hands”. Good luck everyone and thanks for your tips!

[@rivi728]

Thank you Jenny ❤ I learned so much from this video about some new stuff to incorporate ❤

[@marcia6190]

You have inspired me with your great personality and upbeat attitude! I have a auto immune disorder that has left me unable to walk and require assistance for personal cares. I live alone and fight everyday for my independence. Life requires so much mental strength and finding ways to stay motivated!! Thank you so much! God bless🕊️☮️💜

[@lindadulin174]

Hello Jenny, I have a couple of jar openers. I bought 1 just like the one You have at Walmart here in the US for lessvthan $5.00. The 2nd one that I have is simply a little tool that breaks the pressure on jars that are sealed. I have had it for a number of years. You just put the lip under the jar lid and pull up. It realeases the suction. I have found that both are brillian. I use a transfer bath chair, be ause my shower is inside of my large garden tub. I have MS and don't have the balance to step in and over the 12 inch collar around the tub. I use a 4 point walker right now as I am recovering from knee replacement surgery. But I prefer my rolator as it can carry my purse and has the bonus of having a place to sit if I get tired while shopping. I use an electric cart at stores when I can find them, but there never seems to be enough of them to go around. I never question anyone 's right to use them because I understand about invisible disability issues having MS. I really enjoyed Your video & I did subscribe to it.

[@trippingthroughtreacle]

Thanks so much for this Jenny, this is so useful :). I have progressive Multiple Sclerosis so this is so helpful for me :)

[@penelopepolinsneemeyer4757]

This is really useful information, Jenny. Thank you xxxxxx

[@JennyCole1988]

Thank you for your comment - sorry it's taken me so long to reply. I've been struggling to keep on top of things with my health, but really appreciate you taking the time to leave me a comment :) I'm really glad you found the information in this video useful :) xx

[@LivingItUp810]

You are strong, this video is great 😊

[@racheloram]

I have a mini chopper that also can be a whisk and an immersion blender. I got it when I broke my hand as I am the main cook. It is great for really finely chopping veg, making breadcrumbs/getting pastry to breadcrumb stage, blending soups, whisking eggs those sorts of things. I have also used one of those box choppers that has different blades that do different styles of chopping for larger slices, but they are kinda hard with funny fingers/wrists/shoulders as you need to be able to apply a steady downward force

[@JennyCole1988]

Thank you so much for your comment - sorry it's taken me so long to reply - I've been struggling to keep on top of things with my health not being great, but I'm slowly getting there! The mini chopper sounds like a lifesaver! I will have to look into getting one of those so I can help out a bit more with food prep! xx

[@idio-syncrasy]

I love my Alexa. The thing I find useful in the kitchen is a plastic hook type thing that helps me open ring pull type cans.

[@AngelaTopping]

My OT got me a bathing bubble. It's an inflatable bath seat with back rest, and it deflates to let me into the bath. It's a massive help because warm water is great pain relief. Highly recommended. In the kitchen, i do a lot of prep sitting at the kitchen table. I hated the perching stool.

[@tammytarry3202]

Just watched your video. Thank you. I subscribed. Looking forward to seeing more

[@JennyCole1988]

Thank you so much for watching and subscribing 😊 xx

[@KinEllKokabel]

Thank you 🙏🏻

[@katbrown1061]

I have the same exact stair lift kind/brand!! 😍

[@stevenbrown175]

I like the quickie s-636 wheelchair from sunrise medical

[@itoshiibaka8267]

Is it possible to spray paint crutches and reupholster wheelchairs?

[@bookhuggah]

I have put fingernail polish on my walking stick to mark the spot where the peg was set up for me by a pt person in case it gets jumbled, and it has stayed there since then (August of 2023 to May of 2024, so far). The fingernail polish is an inexpensive one too.

[@elisalmeida1523]

Hi Jenny! I'm an old human care class student. We have to find a new idea to get a wheel chair a little bit different. I've thought about an umbrella holder, different colours covers and wheels. Or something like a GPS, that is sitting permanently, so you can use when you want. Would please give me your feedback until tomorrow morning, if it's possible. I'm leaving in Denmark. Thanks in advance, Elis🙂

[@gailducrest8851]

Very nice, Jenny. Maybe you don’t need one; I use a sock aid because I cannot reach my left foot. The sock aid takes care of that. I use the grabbers too. I have a different kind of mobility chair than you but it has made a huge difference; I can go outdoors with friends.

[@sonestia777]

The thing I recently got was a extended grabber cause I’m tired of struggling when I drop things because of Avascular Necrosis, it be the socks I’m struggling with putting on and I need some slides and slip on shoes now cause I’m not tieing shoestrings anymore

[@Emma_3861]

Really great vlog

[@plantfan668]

I recommend checking out information about neuroplastic pain if you are in pain especially chronic pain with no obvious reason. This is „learned“ pain where after an injury or illness or stress the brain continues to process sensations as threatening ie pain. Gabor Mate covers underlying causes of chronic illness. In the UK you can get an ICE (in case of emergency) pot, you have a sticker to put on your door so emergency responders know you have it and you put it in your fridge (this is an easy to find place in most homes) and you fill in the form with all your info - you could include the location of your hospital bag in case you weren’t able to communicate that in an emergency. I find baby wipes are helpful for when washing is difficult.

[@annaswanson5903]

Great video!

[@JennyCole1988]

Thank you for your comment - sorry it's taken me so long to reply - I've been struggling to keep on top of everything with my health not being great, but I do really appreciate you leaving a comment :) I'm so glad you enjoyed the video - thanks for watching! x

[@rosalindannwebb685]

They do have some pretty sticks online for anyone just needing a support. Some of them have good handles . And are of many different colours online even at eBay and Amazon also have a bath seat and a special stool in the kitchen comes in useful .But I know some sticks are better for support to some people then others so crutches are needed. take care Jenny. Best wishes

[@JennyCole1988]

Sorry for the late reply - I haven’t been able to post/film for quite a while due to health. Yes there are some lovely sticks and crutches available online and through small businesses, which is nice. Absolutely, a stool in the kitchen can be really helpful xx

[@trilliance]

You rock!

[@ecologist_to_be]

Some powered wheelchairs are closer to £21,000+. 😨 America seem to charge a lot more for the same chair, as the chairs we could get for around £15,000 here they pay like £40,000! Powered wheelchairs are my main source of independence. I currently have 3. Care Co Easi Go, Roma Medical Sirocco & Quickie Q700m Sedeo Pro x Have you asked social services if they can provide a bath lift? Sometimes they do fund an electric lift especially if you use a bath for pain relief x Culinare used to do an electric jar opener but alas they seem to have discontinued it! They seem to have some from abroad but personally I'd be wary as sometimes they not the safest as they cut corners to save money. They do electric peelers, electric choppers...usually electric is best with dodgy hands I find. You can also get angled knives which are good. I get all my idea from complete care shop. I really hate that fall detector. All you have to do is move wrong and then they end up calling ambulance. lol The neck one is even worse! I personally would get rid of the fall one and just get the regular red button. lol

[@JennyCole1988]

Thank you so much for your comment - sorry it's taken me so long to reply - I've been struggling to keep on top of things with my health not being great, but I'm slowly getting there! Yeah it's insane how expensive wheelchairs can be - I don't know how they expect people to afford them! Oh wow that's great that you've got three Powered wheelchairs. Do you use them in different situations depending on the type of chair you need? I haven't asked Social Services about a bath lift - I hadn't realised it was something they would fund, so I will definitely look into asking for one thank you! That's a shame that Culinare have discontinued their electric jar opener. Yeah it's always a bit of a risk buying something electrical without knowing if it's safe. I agree - electric is the way to go if you have dodgy hands! Sometimes I will try using manual adaptations, but quite often I find them a struggle too. I keep meaning to look into different knives, so I'll have a look at Complete Care Shop. Ugh yes the fall detector is very frustrating! I've actually stopped wearing mine (bad I know!) because I was getting so fed up with it continually calling the helpline! We've now got Amazon Alexa devices around the house, so if I need help while I'm in the house I can get them to make an announcement. And I pretty much always have my phone on me as well, so that seems to work better. I don't know how people live with the fall detector without wanting to throw it away! xx

[@jamesmartin9997]

Jenny, if you can save up to ship an electric wheelchair from the United states (if you still need one), I will GIVE you my old one. Old, not worn out. I've used it twice. It needs to be washed (dust has gotten all over it)? in which I will be sure is done before it ships. I will tell you what I can. It is a Quantum Q6 Edge. It has an elevating seat. It has a seat belt. The joystick is on the right side. It's blue mainly. I can send a charge with it, however the charger has a plug from US. Your charger should work, I think. If you do not need it, I'm going to donate it here.

[@JennyCole1988]

Sorry for the late reply - I haven’t been able to post/film for quite a while due to health. That’s incredibly kind of you, thank you so much for the thought. It’s probably best for me to look for something in the UK, as I’ll need to try and see if it suits me properly and also fits in my car. But I really appreciate your kindness to offer that. Absolutely please feel free to donate it somewhere local to you - it’s so kind that you’re wanting to give it away xx

[@pinkbeam]

Have you thought about getting an Apple Watch? It has falls detection but looks a bit more “age-appropriate”….. and it doesn’t go off as often as your thing seems to.

[@sarahjames1806]

Does your walking stick hurt your shoulders or wrists? I'm useing s single crutch with a wrist brace at the moment and it'd big and bulky and hurts a bit... Wanting something I can put away if it won't kill other joints 🙈

[@shaniamikaelson4378]

Thanks for the video I'm 15

[@FarisMughal]

Iam using torque sp electric wheelchair. It is 2nd hand WC that cost me 500 US dollars. 😊 Things for persons with disability are duty free in Pakistan. One can import duty free 1500 cc car easily from anywhere.

[@ChrisViCrows]

that car do be looking swag

[@markkent1891]

people never see the every day effects .i have BOTH M.E AND FIBROMAGYIA...do you do a blog/newsletter MARK

[@stiffmeister0802]

Gutter crutches are horrible!! They do save your wrists but you can’t hold anything else in your hard or reach for anything while the crutches are on your arm….and they are top heavy so when you put them to the side they often end up on the floor.

[@skripnigor]

Strap wrench (aka belt wrench) is great for opening jars.

[@JennyCole1988]

Sorry for not replying sooner - I’ve been struggling with my health. Thank you for sharing your tip - I will have to look into that 😊 xx

[@claudettemonty4077]

When you founded you wheelchair, did it have the things for placing your feet or did you have to make add this thing. I have EDS and mine don’t have the thing for my legs. So, I am obliged to tied my legs.

[@stormrider101]

One touch kettle...no more spills of boiling water

[@cristinaevans139]

You need to know that you are extremely smart and beautiful and gutsy if you can go on so wil I love from your biggest Australian fan ps I do hope you see this and it makes you smile❤

[@JennyCole1988]

Sorry for the late reply. Ah that’s such a kind thing to say - it definitely did make me smile, thank you! Hope you’re doing OK today xxx

[@nickorange4881]

i originally thought you said 12th floor and thought oh my god. O.O im glad you dont need to climb as many as that.

[@JennyCole1988]

Sorry for the late reply. Hehe yes thank goodness I don’t have to get up that many stairs! xx

[@fishfish7985]

It is very hard to have a conversation with the person pushing you in a manual wheelchair

[@JennyCole1988]

So sorry for the late reply - my health hasn't been very good over the last year or so unfortunately. Yes that's very true, as they can't really hear what you're saying when they're stood behind you xx

[@GOMPO]

Greetings from Indonesia

[@JennyCole1988]

Thank you for your comment - sorry it's taken me so long to reply. I've been struggling to keep on top of things with my health, but really appreciate you taking the time to leave me a comment :) I hope you're keeping well xx

[@toniharding7177]

I’d love a power chair but just can’t afford it so I’m still housebound unless someone takes me out unfortunately as I can walk so far with my walking stick (I have a pretty pink floral one) but then often my legs give out or I start to faint & I need my wheelchair so I have to be pushed as I also cannot self propel due to EDS. I have a Motorbility car that my carer drives me to/from my appointments in as I cannot drive myself so I’m still very reliable on others unfortunately but I cannot use public transport alone either due to my ongoing seizures so I am happier to have the car for more freedom even if it isn’t quite as independent as I’d like. I live in rented accommodation but have been lucky enough that my landlord fitted grab rails for me in the bathroom & I use a step for the toilet & bath (although I still have to be supervised due to seizures). I also use the Alexa Echo though as my emergency call for when I have falls (due to POTs) or after a seizure the rest of the time- I genuinely think it’s been a lifesaver for me having more independence at home. I highly recommend it & have suggested it to so many people too! Also Smart bulbs are handy for dimming or turning off the lights without having to walk back or stumble anywhere in the dark especially if you’re not very steady on your feet usually as you can just tell it to turn off, etc. My Roomba hoover has also made such a huge impact in my life as I was totally unable to hoover due to my EDS and I now don’t need to rely on someone else to do it for me as I have a little robot that does it & it’s super easy to empty & maintain. In the kitchen, I also use a halogen worktop oven rather than a conventional oven and that’s made such a big difference for me as I can just reach in to remove food without bending over with hot air in my face (=less fainting) or having to lift heavy trays or anything out of the oven which dislocates my hands/wrists plus the timer turns itself off automatically every single time so it’s literally impossible for me to burn the kitchen down if I can’t get downstairs or am taken ill suddenly whilst cooking & have to abandon it (e.g. when I dislocated both my hips & got stuck in the bathroom). I would LOVE to be able to afford an automatic boiled hot/freezing cold tap adapter as I can’t lift a full kettle properly so making tea/coffee for more than 1 person is impossible for me - even making it for myself some days is very painful. I have looked into a perching stool like you were talking about but I don’t have the space for it in my kitchen unfortunately so it would become more difficult to keep moving it around to try get past it I think. Also my most important one has to be my pill organiser (dosset) box - I honestly don’t know if I could survive taking all my various medications without it.

[@annaswanson5903]

I really wish you could have a power chair😢 if you decide to do a go fund me, let me know 💕

[@TheZontania]

Please see my recommendation for a kitchen chair in my reply to Jenny!

[@TheZontania]

Oh the instant hot water taos, read reviews from people that had them and apparently they don't last long. Plus you could burn yourself if not careful. Try buying a travel kettle. Or filling your kettle with just enough water for one drink. Or buy a kettle holder that rocks it to the pouring position without you having to lift it. For pasta, use a plastic bottle to fill the pot with water, then put in a lid, fire on and soon your water will be boiling with no lifting involved. If you buy an IKEA pasta insert, that is all the lifting you will do, or you can use pasta tongues. There are ways! :)

[@JennyCole1988]

Thank you for your comment - sorry it's taken me so long to reply. I've been struggling to keep on top of things with my health, but really appreciate you taking the time to leave me a comment :) I'm really sorry to hear you're housebound because you can't afford to get a power chair. It's so frustrating that they are so inaccessible to a lot of people. I got mine second hand because I couldn't afford to buy new, which wasn't ideal as it means it's not fitted specifically to me. But I also know it's possible to get grants from charities to help pay for a power chair (and organisations like local Lions Groups etc) which might be worth looking into. I also have friends who have started Go Fund Me pages to help pay for their mobility aids, so that might be another avenue to explore to help you get some much needed independence. I'm glad you've been able to access a Motability car, even if you still can't be quite as independent as you'd like to be. That's great that you have a good landlord who has fitted grab rails etc. I hear so many horror stories of people living in rented accommodation and their landlord won't let them have any adaptations! Ah I'm glad you find the Alexa so helpful as well. They honestly are a lifesaver in our house (although we do like to mess around with them sometimes as well!) Yes I agree about Smart Bulbs - my Dad has put some in our lounge and it's great that you can just control them from your phone! So much safer (and more energy saving!) than having to get up and stumble to a switch. Oo I've seen a few people use the robot hoovers and I absolutely love them! I think if I ever move into my own place, it's something I would look at investing in, as I really struggle with hoovering too. Your halogen worktop oven sounds like such a good idea. I love when people share their ideas in the comments, as I learn about so many new things that I'd never even thought of before! So hopefully it will help others too. Ah yes, a boiling water tap would be a lifesaver. I often have to ask someone else to lift the kettle for me, which is frustrating. Also if I could just find a way to transfer drinks from one room to another without spilling them, that would be brilliant! I think that's the difficult thing about disability equipment - it ends up taking up so much space and can end up causing other issues because it makes it harder to move around. I'd like to try and get some sort of perching stool for the kitchen, but it's just finding a way to store it when I'm not using it so the rest of the family don't keep tripping over it! Yes I totally agree about the pill box - I would be lost without mine! xx

[@JennyCole1988]

Thank you for your comment - sorry it's taken me so long to reply. I've been struggling to keep on top of things with my health, but really appreciate you taking the time to leave me a comment :) Thank you for the heads up about the hot water tap - I'll definitely look into reviews of them. Yeah I usually only put the water I need in the kettle (to save electricity too!) which works OK for a cup of tea but I do struggle when it's anything heavier. That's a good idea about how to cook pasta - I'll have to try that one! I keep meaning to get one of those pasta inserts - they are such a good idea. At the moment we have a big scoop thing which I find really useful for getting the pasta out without having to lift the whole pan. You're right - there are ways around these things, it's just a case of finding adaptations! xx

[@fishfish7985]

I recently bought a "grandpa" stick it was 3 quid from the charity shop and painted sea creatures on it I have a tada stick because I like the seat was really expensive tho because still panted but I wanted to decorate one

[@JennyCole1988]

So sorry for the late reply - my health hasn't been very good over the last year or so unfortunately. Ah wow your painted stick sounds brilliant. It can be really fun customising mobility aids and making them our own xx

[@Me0wAndStuff]

I have a stool and rolling stool so I can sit and do dishes and cook at the stove

[@JennyCole1988]

That sounds like a really good idea! I hope you find it helpful x

[@thelemoncatwalk]

those crutches are actually not called forearm crutches! they're called platform crutches. forearm crutches are different

[@cristinaevans139]

Access in a wheelchair is a nightmare aaaagggghhhh

[@JennyCole1988]

Sorry for the late reply. Yes I agree wheelchair access can be a real nightmare! xx

[@stickergirl1750]

Use TWO handrails. Any direction you are facing should have TWO handrails. Most can't climb a ladder without using both hands and some people can't walk without using their hands. I have grab bars everywhere! Seriously better safe than sorry.

[@bekki2308]

I love my smart crutches and my wrists are wrecked

[@JennyCole1988]

Sorry for the late reply. Ah I’m glad you love your Smart Crutches too. They’ve been really good for stopping me wrecking my wrists any more than they already are! xx

[@cristinaevans139]

Grabbers are fantastic and cheap 🎉

[@JennyCole1988]

Sorry for the late reply. They’re really helpful aren’t they. I was able to get one from my local OT as well, which was helpful xx

[@fishfish7985]

I got the least ugly things I could find and then decorate them , 17 yo with coulorfull hair

[@JennyCole1988]

So sorry for the late reply - my health hasn't been very good over the last year or so unfortunately. That sounds like a good plan - there's so many fun ways to decorate mobility aids and make them more fun! xx

[@kirstyshiels6155]

👍🏻👋🏻💐🌷🌷

[@JennyCole1988]

So sorry for the late reply - my health hasn't been very good over the last year or so unfortunately. Thank you for your comment xx

[@kirstyshiels6155]

@@JennyCole1988 No worries, I know the fee Ing so please don’t fret, 🤞🏼✊🏻🫶💪🏻👍🏻😘🌷

[@sharonwilson9635]

Older people dont want ugly mobility aides either.

[@JennyCole1988]

So sorry for the late reply - my health hasn't been very good over the last year or so unfortunately. No that's very true - I think there needs to be a shake up with mobility aids to make them look more fun/pretty for everyone! xx

[@SatumainenOlento]

Please, throw that can opener away!!! It is a failure product. I am nimble handcraft maker and I find it super difficult to use that type of can opener!!! It is NOT FIT FOR PURPOSE! So, it is not you or anybody else, but a failing product!!! It should be illegal to produce more of them and fool people to buy them. Total design failure. I have a flat piece of rubber/silicone which does the job. (It is like kitchen rag, but made of material which gives a good hold.) There is surely better products, but sometimes the most simple solution is the best serving. And cost only a penny.

[@JennyCole1988]

Sorry for not replying sooner - I’ve been struggling with my health. I’m glad it’s not just me that finds that can opener difficult to use! Yes we’ve got one of those rubber mat things that seems to work better too, so I’ll stick to that until anything better comes along! xx

[@Emma_3861]

You have a lot more security in living with your parents . I live on my own and have CP and have many of these items

[@naseebullah648]

Great job.may I have your email address

[@JennyCole1988]

Thank you. My blogging email address is [e-mail] 😊