From Irene Randell: I recently purchased a liquid thickener in our local pharmacy, it was recommended to help swallowing thin liquids such as coffee or tea. It is an over the counter product, not too expensive and it really seems to prevent trouble swallowing thinner liquids. The product is called "thicken-up", sold in a red and white container and sold in most pharmacies at approx. $7.  Thanks Irene~George~

I have downloaded the Microsoft Reader to give it a test run.  This seems to be a real good way to read e-books.  It also comes with a dictionary which we all no that we need at times (just joking, eyes over my shoulder).  The printing is remarkably clear and it is easy to navigate.  To find out how to download this free program go to Internet tips on our site and the instructions are there.

 

Buy knives, forks, spoons etc with the largest possible handles.

 

Use cups with extra large handles so you can get your whole hand in the handle.

 

Try to use an electric razor.

 

An electric tooth brush is a bonus with the large handle.

 

Pens are available with extra large ends where you hold them.  Small rubber triangles are available from some drug stores as well as stationary stores to put on the end of pencils and pens for added grip.

 

Use sheets of sticky rubber to open bottles or jars.

 

Always keep in contact with an Occupational Therapist, they have lots of ideas that will be of assistance.

 

Use shower seats, hand held shower heads, liquid bath soap with a sponge, it is much easier than trying to hold a bar of soap.

 

Grab bars are a must around the tub.

 

Raised toilet seats, most also have hand rails to assist in rising.

 

Shrink tube or foam pipe insulation is available at most automotive supply places.  Great for enlarging handles.

 

Lever type door openers; throw the door knobs away (or have a garage sale).

 

Software is available to put a virtual keyboard on your computer so you can type with your mouse.

 

A wireless doorbell is very useful up to 200 ft. as a paging device.  PALS keeps the send and CALS keeps the receiver.

 

A step to assist getting into a van can be made of 2 pieces of 2X8 nailed together to give a 4" lift from the ground.  It can be stored under the seat.

 

A piece of 2X4 or 4X4 can be put under a favourite chair to aid in getting up.  This can also be used on a couch or bed.

 

Pills can be crushed between two spoons and mixed with apple sauce etc. for easier swallowing

 

Diet supplements are made more palatable if made into milk shakes with your favourite fruit or other flavour added, instant breakfast added will give it an extra boost of energy!

 

Non-skid finish in a bathtub is a must.

 

A grab handle on the side of a tub makes it much easier to get in and out.

 

Three wheel scooters can be (and are) a little tipsy on sharp corners, slow down.

 

If you are having trouble doing something ask for help, better to be safe than sorry.

 

Most PALS know all about raised toilet seats but.....what do you do when visiting a friends home, a restaurant, or other public place? Did you know there is a 5 inch portable toilet seat (like a plastic doughnut) available for about $25.00 in many pharmacies? Just keep it in a drawstring bag and "don't leave home without it".

 

Most major Air Lines give companion fees for those travelling with a disabled person.  You will need a letter from your Doctor, air lines give (through experience) a 50% discount, Via Rail offers a free companion ticket.

 

Both Air Canada and Via Rail will take electric wheelchairs or scooters on board (at no additional charge).  Also Air Canada is very good in case your scooter etc. is damaged and will repair it at no cost to you (again from experience).  They only require that the batteries are removed which they will do for you.

Keep a diary of how you feel and any changes that you might just forget to mention to your Doctor.  This saves a lot of thinking and forgetting when you are at the ALS Clinic.

From Don in Halifax: Portable "grab bars" are available, they are actually light weight aluminum suction bars used to carry plate glass or mirrors.  They are very light weight and work well on ceramic or tiled walls as well as smooth walls.  Available from Lee Valley Tools for about $35.00, a small price to pay to avoid a fall.  Thanks Don.

Get Registered with your local ALS Society

Double-sided tape and rubber shelf liner on remotes helps when only one hand works.

A cushion on a chair helps to get up as it moves your centre of gravity forward.

A rubberized place mat or a piece of shelf liner under a plate keeps it from moving around.

A plate rim gives an edge to load a fork or spoon.

A lift belt is available.  It is basically a wide belt with loops to get a hold of.

A slide tube helps turn in bed.  It is a home-made tube about  22" doubled and 30" long (about the size of a garbage bag).  The inside layer is nylon and the outside is a soft material.  When placed under the hips and shoulder it makes turning really easy.

A Glad garbage bag with end cut out and a beach towel will do in a pinch.  This will also help in getting in and out of a vehicle.

Lemon water helps keep the mouth clean and fresh.

I am told that a sleeping bag inside out is also good for turning in bed.  Sleep against the soft inside and the nylon outside will slide against itself to help turn.

If anyone has any more hints to pass along please do so and we will include them on this page.   Please remember that any equipment that you no longer need or use pass it on to your respective equipment pools, you may just have something that another PALS needs.

"If the whole world followed you, would you be pleased with where you took it?" Neale Donald Walch

TO GO TO THROUGH THE EYES OF PALS 

 

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