April is Occupational Therapy Month, and we would like to take this occasion to talk about what occupational therapy is and some products we have to advance the therapy and recovery of the person you care for who has suffered a stroke.

What do occupational therapists do?

The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) defines occupational therapists as professionals who “help people across the lifespan participate in the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of everyday activities (occupations).”

We are all about helping in life activities

Many of the aids we sell here at The Wright Stuff can help your loved one do normal daily activities that would otherwise be too difficult for them to perform. When you provide your loved one with adaptive equipment and tools to do things such as cook, clean, bathe or go for a walk or a drive, you are helping them occupationally.

Occupational assistance for stroke patients

The AOTA recommends that those caring for stroke recovery patients should help them to be as independent as possible, as it not only makes it easier on the individual but also provides opportunities for exercise and physical rehabilitation. Every little bit of activity counts.

One positive area to help gain independence for your loved one is to encourage them to be inspired in the kitchen! We offer several tools for those who have had a stroke to use in the kitchen.

Help them cut, prepare food with one hand

Multi-Function Food Preparation Board

Adaptive cutting boards, such as the Multi-Purpose Food Preparation Board, are particularly useful. The Multi-Purpose Food Preparation Board allows the user to use one hand predominantly, which is important for stroke patients with paralysis on one side. This cutting board holds steady for one-handed peeling, slicing and grating.

Swedish Cutting Board

The Swedish Cutting Board offers the same features, as well as a vice for holding larger produce, bowls and jars.

A simple way to hold mixing bowls

Mixing Bowl Holder

Another option to hold bowls securely is the Mixing Bowl Holder, a simple holder made of durable silicone. Whisk your ingredients without your bowl constantly moving along your countertop.

A non-slip pad can solve many problems

Tenura Large Table Pad

The Tenura Large Table Pad also holds items like plates and bowls in position, but it happens to be useful for situations outside of the kitchen as well. It can be used for stable footing during transfers from chair to bed or when going from a sitting to standing position.

Occupational therapy involves fun and creativity. We encourage your loved one who has had a stroke to see an occupational therapist, and we hope to get your creative and problem-solving juices flowing by taking a look at our products.