Robotic vacuums

My friend Ellen had a fall while skiing and has her arm immobilized. A few spills on the floor become all the more irritating when you don’t have 2 arms free to even sweep them up, let alone vacuum, she observed. I brought over my robotic vacuum and it cleaned away while we visited yesterday. She was pleased that it cleaned easily under her couch and went seamlessly from floors to carpet.

I myself wasn’t eager to add one more gadget to the household. However an unexpected arm surgery a few years ago and arthritis in my hands have made this gadget a life saver.

Big plus- it goes under the bed and couch and does a decent job. it also spot cleans small areas if you just spill in one area of the kitchen. I did not buy the internet enabled version. There are several name brand robotic vacuums out there, and they go on sale often. Or use the frequent coupon on line for Bed, Bath and Beyond.

Yes, I also own an upright vacuum. Mine is a lighter weight Dyson that is easy on my hands and back.

Here are more great home and cleaning tips from the Arthritis Foundation. They are my best source for all kinds of information.

(www.arthritis.org)

http://blog.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/cleaning-tips-minimize-joint-pain

Go-To-Gear for the Kitchen

If you ever watched Julia Child’s cooking shows on PBS, you saw an oven rack “puller” like the one made here from a wood scrap in our home. You don’t have to be a senior or have arthritis to appreciate great gripping oven mitts and tools that also prevent burns and dropped pans. Overall, the “good grips” (OXO) tools, like the non slip oven mitt on the left, are my favorites and seem to be the most ergonomic and “hand saving” of all the gadgets out there.

A few high quality cutting tools can make all the difference in getting things done in the kitchen with less grip and fuss. The Kuhn-Rikon peeler I bought 10 years ago continues to be sharp and peel anything with ease. The Messermeister knife cuts almost anything with a light touch. Finally, a super-sharp scissors with a comfortable grip tackles most other jobs.

What tools make life easier for you around the house or yard?

Blessings, Mary Beth

Icy Walkways

My next door neighbor has two black eyes from falling on ice while walking his dog. He’s an active guy but the ice is sometimes hard to see (black ice in Minnesota in below freezing weather). There is more ice on sidewalks and driveways even when using a snowblower this year after a thaw and refreeze cycle.

Yak Trax, available at WalMart or Fleet Farm

I used to roll my eyes at people using these Yak trax, but sportsmen have used these for years for ice fishing and hiking. I now have these gadgets installed on my garage boots. Just remember to take them off indoors.

Guy input: My husband suggests using a walking stick with sharp point for walking on snow or ice patches, and uneven ground.

A good railing is smart, but sometimes we just bring groceries and people in through the garage door (with opener), especially when it gets icy. Icy melt kept by the front door is another good idea- use the kind that is pet safe and doesn’t damage your concrete steps.

Opening Cans and Jars

(& America’s Test Kitchen top can opener)

updated July 2023

Use a wooden spoon or utensil to open tab cans for easier grip

Those little tabs on cans aren’t always easy to lift. Use a little lever action with a wooden spoon handle or a narrow knife for less work (and no spilling).

America’s Test Kitchen on PBS gave top ratings to the Hamilton Beach electric can opener for ease of use and NO SHARP EDGES. My model is a Hamilton Beach 76606ZA, or newer. A winner in my house as it doesn’t get food on the blade, so rare cleaning is required.

Opening juice concentrate and frozen tabs on containers was always difficult until I used a pliers like my Craftsman robogrip pliers, available on Amazon. Other pliers by Stanley work the same way, and stay in my kitchen drawer.

oxo good grip, great for the cabin or RV

The Oxo good grip portable jar opener is my favorite and is easiest to use. It’s $12, before coupon at Bed, Bath and Beyond and available at Amazon (Amazon Choice) for 14.99 in July 2023 :
https://www.bing.com/search?q=oxo+good+grips+jar+opener+with+base+pad&aqs=edge.0.69i64i450l7.51226j0j4&FORM=ANAB01&PC=LCTS

The EZ off under the counter mount jar opener is also excellent, and an “Amazon choice” at $18 price point, and a real hand saver.
https://www.amazon.com/EZ-Off-Opener-Sizes-White/dp/B000X6K9J8/ref=sr_1_6?crid=28HRDMPZ19ESA&keywords=under+counter+jar+opener&qid=1689796581&s=home-garden&sprefix=under+the+counter+jar+opener%2Cgarden%2C581&sr=1-6

Blessings, Mary Beth

Laundry Safety in a Multi-Level home

Safety tip of the day: Wearing multi-focal glasses on the steps may distort your vision and throw off your balance. Hold the railing and adjust your glasses so you can see your feet.

Carrying laundry up and down steps is a top cause of falls in the home. If you’re recovering from a surgery or have a weak or tender spot, it’s even tougher to carry a laundry basket safely on the steps.

Retired occupational therapist Barbara D. came up with this mesh “bag drag” tip due to arthritis in her hips. Use a separate mesh bag for clean and dirty laundry, while holding on to the railing. Voila!

How to get laundry up and down stairs without falling

Safety tip of the day: Wearing multi-focal glasses on the steps may distort your vision and throw off your balance. Hold the railing and adjust your glasses so you can see your feet.
Update: Contributor Ellen shared how a relative fell on the stairs after getting a new pair of tri-focals. In some cases, you may want to put your glasses up on your head especially when going down stairs.

Another option: consider installing a stackable washer and dryer on your main level.

Blessings, Mary Beth