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Tools for One-Handed People

Losing a hand or losing the ability to use one hand can put a person in a difficult situation. If you have newly been hurt or injured, you may fear that you will always need help to perform everyday tasks. There are assistive devices available that can help you to have more freedom and complete activities on your own.

  1. Food Prep

    • Preparing meals can definitely be a challenge if you only have use of one hand. There are special cutting boards designed specifically to help people who can only use one hand. These cutting boards come with attachments to hold fruit, bread and other foods in place while you cut. It can also be used to hold a cup of yogurt or pudding in place so that you can peel off the lid. There are even some boards that come with extras such as cheese graters built in.

    Hair Drying

    • Even if you only are able to use one hand, you can still enjoy the freedom to dry your hair on your own with a hair dryer stand. You will need to plug in your hair dryer and insert it into the stand to turn it on. Sit down right in front of it so that you can use your active hand to comb your hair. Many stands are flexible so that you can put down your brush and move the dryer when necessary.

    Use Existing Items

    • Although there are many items specifically made for one-armed people, don't be afraid to get creative and use items that you already own to improve your quality of life. Hold open a notebook or pad using a clipboard. By doing this you will be free to write without having to worry about the pages blowing shut. You can even use a clipboard as an aid for keeping a magazine fully open. Use an old-fashion paper weight to hold light things down on the table such as a single sheet of paper or a cardboard plate.

    Other Products

    • If there is an activity that you are struggling with, don't be afraid to bring it up to your doctor. He may be able to recommend a product that can help you to achieve your goal. There are products out there that can help you to perform hundreds of activities. Other common products include one-handed devices to help put on clothes and shoes. There are also plenty of aids that can help make typing and computer use easier for you.

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