Make daily chores safer, convenient

            JACKSONVILLE , FL - Nobody says physical changes of growing older come easy, Newswise noted. That doesn’t mean you can’t do it your way - with a little help from assistive devices. Mayo Clinic Women’s HealthSource shares tips and tools to make chores safer and more convenient. A kitchen cart on wheels is a good way to transport many items, such as from a cabinet to a counter or plates and silverware to the table. Look for peelers, knives, and other utensils with larger, rubberized handles. Specially-designed kitchen knives with large handles can make food preparation safer. Cutting boards with spikes in the center to hold a fruit or vegetable in place may help. Grab bars in your shower or tub help you get in and out. A special seat inserted in your tub allows you to sit down while bathing. If you have a walk-in shower, consider a fold-down seat that attaches to the wall. Put foam tubing, available at hardware stores, around your toothbrush and hairbrush handles to make them easier to grasp. A sturdy bedrail, bought at medical supply stores, can make it easier to get in and out of bed by giving you something to hang onto. A high, firm bed is easier to get out of than a lower, softer one. Loop a key ring through your zipper to make it easier to grip. Buttonhook: This eliminates fumbling with buttons. Slip the hook through your buttonhole, catch the button and pull it back through. A shoehorn that’s at least 18 inches in length can ease getting your shoes on without bending over. The tools and tips are a small sample of what’s available. An occupational therapist can customize an assessment of your needs and make recommendations. Ask a doctor or local hospital for a referral.