Summer is a wonderful time – and here in the UK we’ve already had our first heatwave, in May(!) which was also stroke awareness month. The hot weather got us thinking: how can we support stroke survivors navigating the summer with a new disability?
As you know, we have a shop full of amazing gadgets for stroke survivors, and anyone with a disability or condition affecting their hand function. It took some heavy discussion to narrow it down to just ten. We have now chosen our favourite products for supporting stroke survivors in the summer!
The Top 10…
Starting at #10 we’ve got our Garden Tool Pack. Perfect for the green fingered among us, this tool pack includes a Trowel, Cultivator and Fork. They all have unique right-angled handles which reduce strain on the wrist. This great value pack also comes with an arm cuff for extra support. Need a firmer grip? No problem, these tools are compatible with our General Purpose aid or Lite aid!
In at #9 we’ve got Zubits – these magnetic laces definitely had to feature! Once these are threaded into your existing shoe laces you can simply offer them to each other and your laces are fastened. No fuss, no fiddly knots!
Next up at #8 is the Hold Fast. It’s new to our shop but has sold out TWICE already and we’ve been blown away by the feedback! This genius vacuum platform holds items firmly in place for you – bottles, jars, pans, you name it! Ideal if you have one-sided weakness.
We’ve swerving into the kitchen for #7 with the Food Preparation Board. Prep that summer picnic, BBQ or salad in style and with ease with this board designed specifically for use with one hand!
In at #6 is the General Purpose Aid – an oldie but a goodie! The General Purpose aid is ideal for helping you to grip items at a 90 degree angle. Use it for weights in the gym, resistance bands in rehab, or perhaps even a mower in the garden!
Top 5…
At #5 we’ve got the Card Holder, it’s small but mighty! Pop your card holder in the next time you go on holiday and you’ll thank us, I promise. This tiny gadget holds up to 14 cards – and even makes it easy to fan them out.
And how can you exercise after stroke? Enter the Angled Aid at #4 – a must-have for summer! If you have a hand that struggles to grip, the Angled Aid can help you to hold racquets and bats. Get back to those summer sports: tennis, badminton, squash, pickleball, you name it!
At #3, of course, is Bottle Openers, and we’ve cheated a bit here because we just couldn’t choose! From the Automatic Bottle Opener for crown cap (beer) bottles, to the 5-in-1 for bottles of pop/soda, the Cap Off for squash bottles, and the silicone Bottle Opener for everything in between… all of our openers can help you get that gorgeously refreshing drink open, without the mess.
Next up at #2 is the Nimble. This is a must have for opening packaging. Grab it out your handbag to open food packets at a picnic, or use at home to get into a parcel. Small, simple, effective!
In at #1 – the EasySpray! Always remember the obvious… suncream, suncream, suncream. Some people find it easier to get full coverage with an aerosol suncream. However, aerosols can be tricky to operate with reduced hand function. Enter: the EasySpray. And even better, you can use it for deodorants and perfumes too – your getting ready routine, sorted.
And remember…
Keep it cool! Did you know Stroke Survivors can have a higher risk of being seriously affected by the summer heat? Keep up to date with advice from your local authorities and Stroke Foundation on how to keep cool when it’s hot!
If you like the look of these and want to check out all our other incredible gadgets – and guess which ones we were fighting to include in this list – head over to our shop and have a browse.
