Dollar Store AT

Over the Easter weekend I went to visit my Grandfather who has Macular Degeneration and therefore has significant vision challenges. He and his wife continue to live on their own with minimal support. I found it interesting to talk to him and hear about the different issues and challenges he faces on a daily basis around the house. I thought I would see what could be found at the Dollar Store to assist him with some of these concerns.

Issue 1: Using the Microwave
My grandfather is unable to see the numbers on the microwave keypad. The keypad is smooth without anything on the keypad that someone would physically know what key their finger was on.
Solution: Number Stickers. At the dollar store you can get stickers that have letters and numbers in the package, sometimes they can be made out of felt or rhinestones. placing these on the keys would allow him to identify what  number he is pressing. He would also need a shape sticker for the cook, start and cancel button. This solution will not allow him to make gourmet meals in the microwave but would allow him to heat up left overs or pop some popcorn.

Issue 2: Finding the Zipper on his Coat
He has the muscle and movement capability of zippering his coat but he takes a while to find the zipper pull. He will locate it and then loose it in his grip.
Solution: At the dollar store you can get numerous ideas for creating a larger more visual zipper pull. Some ideas I found were key chains or even pipe cleaners. 





Issue 3: Identifying the House Key
He still lives on his own (his wife lives with him but with medical issues as well) and has numerous keys for the house. He has a front door, back door, and shed key that all look the same.
Solution: I noticed this solution on pinterest as part of a life hack and discovered that the Dollar store sells many different nail polish colors as well as paint. The three different keys could be painted different colors so he was better able to identify what key was the correct one without having to try them all before finding the right one.



Issues the I did not find solutions for at the Dollar Store

• He has a talking watch that speaks the time to him every hour, or he can press a button that will tell him the time. He doesn't have such a thing for his remote control. He always leaves his tv on channel 8 so when he turns it on his counts up or counts down from channel 8 to get to the one he wants. A talking remote that would tell him what channel he was on would be greatly beneficial.
• He has pots and pans that have clear see through lids. He still likes to cook and can use the knobs on the stove. He went to make eggs the other morning and ended up cracking the egg and pouring it on the lid because he didn't realize that the lid was on. I am sure there is a solution at the dollar store, I just didn't see one when I was there.      

Perhaps you don't know anyone who has vision difficulties and therefore you don't feel this post applies to you. I would say to take the idea that not all assistive technology is expensive. Take a trip to the Dollar Store with a problem or challenge and an open mind and you might be surprised how many issues can be solved or made easier by thinking outside the box.