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Dishwasher
At times having Muscular Dystrophy can result in making household cleaning a little more challenging. Especially when it comes to cleaning dishes which can involve standing for a long period of time and the over use of our hand and arms muscles. That is why so many of us benefit from owning a dishwasher. In my situation, this has made life so much easier resulting in me only having to load and empty the dishwasher. This took away the physical demands I was used to dealing with when washing dishes the old-fashioned way. When it comes to living with Muscular Dystrophy having a dishwasher is a necessity. That is why I am so very thankful for my dishwasher. Cost $500 and up.
Side-by-side Fridge
A simple thing such as owning a side-by-side fridge can really benefit those with Muscular Dystrophy. The ability to place things on specific shelves so we can reach them can really help in eliminating the risks we can face when bending over to get something from the back of the fridge. To me these side-by-side fridges are a much better design especially for anyone living with a physical disability. That is why I am hopeful that one day I will be able to have side-by-side fridge. Cost $1200 and up.
Side Swing Wall Ovens
When it comes to the kitchen one major obstacles at times at times can come when using your standard oven. Especially when placing a heavy casserole dish into the oven. Over the last few years I have nearly dropped many heavy dishes while trying to place them in oven which would end up create a real mess resulting in a major fire hazard. The best thing about any wall oven is that it can be set at a level that best suits our physical limitations. Now it does depend on the stage of progression with Muscular Dystrophy as eventually placing anything in the oven may one day be something we can no longer do. All I know is I sure wish I had one. Cost $1500 and up.
Food preparation such as cutting up fruits and vegetable to even grating cheese can become a real pain in the arm for those of us with Muscular Dystrophy. The T-Fal Fresh Express is a product I really wish I had as it slices and grates for you automatically with it’s powerful 200W motor. Five cone options offer unprecedented choice: thin slicing (cucumbers, potatoes), thick shredding (beets, cheese), grating (parmesan), thin shredding (zucchini, carrots), and wavy slicing cut (radishes, hard cheeses). In my case simple tasks such as cutting up vegetables of grating cheese can leave my hands and arms feeling weak. That is why I would love to have a T-Fal Fresh Express in my home. Cost $79.99
T-Fal Fresh Express
Food preparation such as cutting up fruits and vegetable to even grating cheese can become a real pain in the arm for those of us with Muscular Dystrophy. The T-Fal Fresh Express is a product I really wish I had as it slices and grates for you automatically with it’s powerful 200W motor. Five cone options offer unprecedented choice: thin slicing (cucumbers, potatoes), thick shredding (beets, cheese), grating (parmesan), thin shredding (zucchini, carrots), and wavy slicing cut (radishes, hard cheeses). In my case simple tasks such as cutting up vegetables of grating cheese can leave my hands and arms feeling weak. That is why I would love to have a T-Fal Fresh Express in my home. Cost $79.99
Walk-in bathtubs
The facts are that many of us living with
Muscular Dystrophy lose the ability to take a bath. Some may start to use specific
lifts that still allow them to get in and out of a bathtub. But for those of us
still walking even with a bit a difficulty due to the weakness in our arms and
legs simply can’t lift ourselves out of the tub. That is why many of us would
enjoy owning one of these walk-in tubs as a warm bath can really help our
muscles to relax, elevating muscles pains. These tubs are simply the only
option for some of us to have the ability to take a bath.
Cost $4,500 and up.
Cost $4,500 and up.
Walk-in/Roll-in Shower
Having Muscular Dystrophy can result in difficulty lifting our legs even when stepping into the shower. Stepping in and out of your standard tub can put us at risk for a fall. Now as our muscles weaken it becomes increasingly important to eliminate these types of obstacles resulting in the need for a walk-in/roll-in shower. This is a real key to our safety in the bathroom especially when facing difficulties to stand up to take a shower. In my current stage of progression I would sure benefit from having a walk-in shower. Cost $800 and up.
Grabber/Pick-Up Tool
Many years ago, I started using a pick-up tool and it has
truly changed my life. When it comes to living with Muscular Dystrophy the
simple task of bending over to pick something up can become a real challenge
for us. These types of tools are very beneficial for anyone facing these types
of difficulties. I no longer have waste my energy or risk a fall when I need to
pick something up. That is why owning a pick-up Tool
is very important for those living with Muscular Dystrophy.
Cost $29.00
Cost $29.00
Mobility Scooter
This compact scooter offers wireless disassembly which makes transporting it very easy. This one even allows you to change the look of your scooter with three sets of snap-on shroud panels in Red, Blue and Sahara. It offers a 300 lb. weight capacity, generous seat size and completely wireless disassembly. With easy steering, and a battery charging port which is conveniently located on the tiller under the control panel. In many situations disassembly would have to be completed by a spouse or friend. This is a great option for those dealing limited walking abilities. Cost $2200
Adjustable beds
At times the ability for use to become comfortable in bed can become very challenging. For some of us just sitting up in bed can take a lot out of us physically. Adjustable beds allow us to sit up of put our legs up with a touch of a button. A real benefit for those of us who need the extra help. Cost $1300 and up.
Mini-Van/Accessible vehicle
Eventually, owning an mini-van or accessible van becomes a real necessity. As many people already know mini-vans at times are the perfect choice for those living with disabilities. Whether still walking or using a wheelchair full-time many offers the perfect step in height for those who may struggle to get in and out of much smaller vehicles. Many will find that they are fully capable of transporting many collapsible wheelchairs. Best of all many mini-vans on the market today are also able to be converted into a fully accessible van.
Cost $15,000 (Used) $45,000 and up (New)
Cost $15,000 (Used) $45,000 and up (New)
While many of the items listed above are very pricey and for some of us unobtainable they are things that would definitely help make our lives easier. It really all depends on your stage of progression when these items do become a necessity. In a way this is my Muscular Dystrophy wishlist.