5 Everyday Objects That Are Useful for Stroke Survivors

David Morten-Lawrence

“At the age of thirty, I never expected to have a stroke. Unfortunately, that is exactly what happened, and a slew of other struggles soon presented themselves during my recovery. As a highly creative writer, I chose to use my skills to help other people in a similar situation so that we can all feel less alone during the aftermath of having a stroke at a young age.”

As someone who is nearly three years on from my stroke, I feel that I have got a very good handle on what is going to get better and what parts of my bodily functions will never return to how the way they used to be.

My left arm control and lower-limb dexterity are much better than they once were, but they are still two things that can cause me to struggle with everyday tasks. As such, I have accrued many useful items that make some of these tasks much easier that I think may be useful for people with similar mobility struggles.

(In truth, it was my wife who picked up all of these items as I am far too stubborn to admit I need help with anything so all props should go to her).

1) Elastic Shoelaces

I am someone that grew up in the noughties, and so I have always preferred a heavier shoe. Brands like DC and Vans have always been my favourite styles, but these shoes have suddenly become too bulky for my weaker leg, which means that I am more prone to falling over when wearing these styles of shoe. Also, doing up any laces is difficult with a lack of lower-limb dexterity.

There was a time when I used slip on shoes, but these felt childish and they do not come in a range of styles. Plus, they are difficult to get on and off with my balance issues.
That is why my wife decided to pick up some elastic laces. You can get these in a range of styles and colours on Amazon. As such, you can wear any laced shoes that you want while still having some extra give to help do up the laces, even when struggling with lower-limb issues.

2) Giant Arrow Word Book

A big part of having a lack of lower-limb dexterity is that I can no longer write with a pen. It is always a struggle, but I have found that repeated practice has helped with the hand cramps and improving my letters.

Writing on paper is fine for exercises; however, I have found that giant arrow word puzzles work just as well. The larger space in these boxes is perfect for how I write now, and it is a bit more enjoyable than copying out random stuff onto a blank piece of paper.

The puzzles aren’t too hard, which makes sitting down for a bit to write feel like more of an achievement. These can be found in some newsagents and big supermarkets.

3) Jar Opener

As you may have guessed, opening jars can be difficult when you only have one functioning arm. There is a good chance that a glass jar may go fling across the room when I am cooking, and that is no fun.

That is why my wife bought a jar opener, a small gadget that can be found in Kirklands or any similar cookware shop.

These small tools allow me to put a jar on the counter and open any jar with one hand so that I can continue to cook without making so much mess.

4) Multi-kitchen Opener

The title of this gadget may sound ambiguous on the surface, but a quick google will reveal just how useful this object is. Like the jar opener, this kitchen tool works on cans and tins to allow anyone to open these objects with one hand, or at least with minimal effort from a weak limb. Again, such a simple idea is highly valuable to anyone who still wants to use the kitchen.

5) Liquid Pump Dispensers

Perhaps the most dangerous room in the house for me is the bathroom. I was fortunate enough to have the NHS install a handrail in our shower so that I do not risk falling due to my balance issues, but unfortunately, having to hold onto something in the shower meant using shampoo and shower gel almost impossible.

The stuff would go everywhere if I tried using one hand, or I would risk falling over if I picked up the bottle.

Fortunately, these liquid dispensers with pumps on the top can be found in plenty of homeware stores, like Dunhelm. It may mean having to empty out all shampoo and shower gel bottle we buy, but it is much safer and easier to use these every day.

These are just a few items I have discovered over the years to help me live life as normally as possible, but feel free to share any tips or ideas you have.

Get support with challenging feelings after a stroke

If like David, you are living with the challenges caused by a stroke and would benefit from speaking with others who understand, why not join us at our next virtual meeting?

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