FACTOR FITNESS - So you can enjoy sports safely

There are simple things you can do in order to make kitchen tasks easier, and sometimes it's just a matter of standing back and thinking about the environment and the processes you go through.

For instance - are things you use frequently in the most accessible cupboards? Is the kitchen worktop the best height for you, or would you be better off using the kitchen table? Could you sit on a stool for some tasks? If so, what is the best height for your stool?

Once you have identified the elements that cause the difficulty you can look at addressing them. Hundreds of people every year benefit from using a perching stool at home - sometimes for kitchen tasks, sometimes to sit at the bathroom sink. They are lightweight and adjustable, so you can use one at the most appropriate height, and help you to preserve your energy whilst remaining independent. Perching stools are available from Social Services OT's, and can also be purchased privately as before.

This is a very common problem for people with a variety of physical disabilities, and there are scores of different pieces of equipment on the market.

I suggest you contact your local social services Occupational Therapy team in the first instance, although you should be aware that because of the huge demand for their services some teams have to give bathing a low priority. In some areas there are disability living centres which are staffed by qualified therapists, or bathing clinics. You can go there and try out various pieces of equipment to identify what best suits your needs, which may then be provided by your local social services. If this is not an option, and you are looking at self-funding then there are shops around the country who can supply appropriate aids.

In particular "Keep Able" have stores all over the country, again you can get advice from trained staff. There is a list of their stores on the website: www.keepable.co.uk