Assistive devices with new glasses

Assistive devices can be many things. Something that makes the day easier or the mood better. Some things you buy consciously because you need help, other things you may discover along the way that you simply cannot do without. Two of our regular experts Charlotte and Kirsten look at assistive devices with new eyes here on the blog.

A friend who makes a huge difference

by Charlotte Secher Jensen

As a gout patient, I have tried many different remedies.

Many are chosen from and few are included. But the few that are chosen fit my needs perfectly. It's hard to choose just one thing that really makes a difference. Is it my braces, the shoe inserts, the glasses, a specific kitchen item, the standing chair or the weighted blanket?

None of these. If I had to choose one aid from the various ones I have, his name would be Marvin. He has many titles. Among them are home-trained assistance dog, family dog, heating pad and friend.

In everyday life, he picks up things for me, for example, and he supports me when I have to get up from the floor. He is always by my side as a faithful support, both on good and bad arthritis days. His body heat and breathing help me to calm down in the evening and keep me warm and safe.

He signals when I need a break and doesn't waste energy on whether I'm happy, sad or in pain. He adjusts to that. He makes sure life is never boring, full of walks/exercise, smiles and joy of life.

He makes a huge difference in my everyday life.

Marvin the service dog

Constant companions

by Kirsten Pedersen

My most important tool/aid in everyday life is my good grip potato peeler. For the past 20 years I have used this potato peeler more or less every day. It has of course been replaced over the years, but it is a permanent fixture in our kitchen. It can peel both towards and away from me, it has a thick grip, and in no time manages to peel our potatoes regardless of whether there are 2 of us or 10 for dinner.

It is my constant companion when we go on vacation where we have to provide our own food, and no other potato peeler works as well for me.

As our children have moved away from home, potato peelers have also disappeared, so I know they have the same passion for this particular tool from the kitchen drawer.

A constant companion in my bag is my iPad. It is my calendar, my guide, my to-do list, my contact via email and text, my access to social media, my doorbell in our house, and it helps with various accesses to various public institutions.

It follows me everywhere, and without it I'm lost. Because then I can't make appointments, can't find my way, and I just know that I have to turn around and get it if I've left home without it.

I am now at an age where the size of the screen is crucial for me to see what is going on, so the iPad is what helps me.