Gliding shelves: Any suggestions to make it easier for me to open and access drawers?
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Any suggestions to make it easier for me to open and access drawers?
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Products mentioned in our answer below are provided to inform you about the types of technologies available and have not been evaluated by CanAssist. They may or may not be appropriate for your particular situation. Some technologies and devices may require an in-person assessment. Speak with your health care provider for additional information and support.
Compared to roun
d door knobs, taps and handles reduce the strain it takes to open doors. Your local hardware store and large retailers such as Canadian Tire and Home Depot will likely carry a wide variety from which to choose. You may want to visit a store to determine which types work best for your hand size and grip.
Other solutions to consider are slide-out shelves or drawers, which are designed to make items easier to reach. Below are direct links to some examples of companies that offer these pr
oducts:
- DIY Shelfworks is a Canadian company that offers shelves that already come with the bracket attached, making them easier to install.
- A sister company, called Gliding Shelf, will do the installation if you prefer. The company has authorized dealers in the Lower Mainland and on Vancouver Island.
An important strategy is to ensure that your kitchen and other storage areas are organized with frequently used and heavier items at an easy to reach height. Keep light and less often used items in the very bottom drawers or upper shelves to minimize the effort needed to access your items.
It may, in some cases, be possible to receive funding for certain home adaptations. For more information about financial aid programs and supports, please visit our Financial aid for equipment page.
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