Tips on getting around with one arm.

[djk]

this is a great thread. i'm glad it was brought back up to the top.

[AngelaW]

Excellent video. Thanks fo sharing.
I try to keep this one updated so it stays on the front page. I hope people keep adding to it.

[AimeeMorera]

I am posting for my husband, he has no use of his right arm....I was reading this thread to him and asked that I post for him...about the toothpaste, he just has a toothbrush that has a more square handle so he can lie it flat and squeeze the toothpaste on it.....and as to the scraping of bowls, he places the bowl between him and the kitchen counter, scapes the sides and spoons the mixture.

One question we have, he is going to start college again, there is a department with offers a personal notetaker since his handwritting is not perfect and definately he does not have the speed to keep up in a class, does anyone have any ideas on how to hold the paper so it doesnt move, thats his biggest issue cause he is used to holding the paper with one hand and writing with the other.....I thought of maybe using a paperweight???

[Mitch]

Hey Aimee

Yep the paperweight is the way forward here, I use an old smallish yet heavy metal bar that an old work colleuge gave me (bless her) it works well if I need to draw a straight line too, or If I need a longer straight line I place my weight on top of the ruler.
I also have a regular paperweight on my desk when one isnt enough.
I find a cup of tea is also very good for keeping the paper still while I write, always a good excuse to have a steady supply of hot tea lol.

[Carolyn J]

I learn sooooo much from you TBPI's.
Yah, let's keep this topic at the top...I wishmore parents from the General Message Board came here; Mom's are always asking us adult LOBPI women about help with hair/ doing pony tails for their tween daughters.
We are never too old to learn something new!
Carolyn J
LOBPI/72

[MW]

Hi Aimee,

I use Dycem pads - these are super anti-slip pads in different sizes that last forever (just wash them). My OT introduced them specifically for preventing a piece of paper from sliding around when writing. I keep a couple in my desk at work and at home; they are really helpful for writing on envelopes, cards, and anything small that I can't weigh down easily.

http://www.amazon.com/Dycem-Non-Slip-Ci ... 055&sr=8-8

MW

[jmar]

something i found out a few weeks ago is that it is very hard to zip a coat. my left hand is not strong enough to hold the coat down while pulling the zipper pull. what i did was sew a plastic ring on the bottom of the zipper (on the flat side) so i could i put my thumb or finger in it to hold it down while i pulled the pull with my right hand. it works very well since i have no grip strength.

[MW]

Hi all,

How do you keep gloves from falling off your bad hand? Gloves seem to fall off since I can't curl my fingers, and I don't notice because I don't feel my hand getting cold!

I have convertible mittens like this, but if they stretch out, they start falling off again.
http://www.rei.com/product/305045

Thanks,

MW

[Carolyn J]

MW,
Get those small gloves that fit any size[one size fits all], they are very small like kids size but they strectch a you put them on;...or, only buy the kind that have very tight elastic around the cuff to begin with.
Carolyn J
LOBPI/72

[druxton]

Four products that I think work real well are, 1. handless can opener, you put the opener on top of the can push the button and then let go. It opens the can by itself. found at Bed Bath Beyond and on line 2. The Bra Angel, you can google this and find it on-line. works great and you never have to ask for help putting your bra on again. 3. Blo and Go. This is a stand for your blow dryer that attaches to your mirror or counter. holds the blow dryer so you are free to dry your hair and use a brush while drying. 4. the Droid phone allows you to text and dial by the sound of your voice. No more using your only good hand to text and be at risk for carpal tunnel or arthritis in that hand. Dial and text hands free.