Anne (85) is an avid tea drinker who has had a number of operations on her back over the years. She can find it hard to manage in the kitchen when lifting and moving heavy objects like a pot, heavy dish, and even the kettle.
‘’It can take me a long time to find the product I want. I have to test it to make sure it’s not too heavy before I buy it, so it won’t hurt to use it.’’
Anne’s Story:
Anne is a mother of 2 and grandmother of 6 who lives alone and enjoys her independence. After a number of consecutive operations on her lower back years ago, Anne now has a weakness there that has reduced her level of mobility. She also receives treatment for persistent knee pain which can make moving about that bit harder.
Due to the pain in her back and knee, Anne is dependent on her crutches and walkers to get about both inside and outside of the house. The family has made a number of adaptations in order to make life safer and easier at home for her by adding a:
- Stairlift so she no longer needs to worry about aggravating her knee
- Wet room to reduce the risk of falls and other accidents
- Adjustable orthopedic chair to better support her back in the living room
- Sanding down door saddles to make life with the walker easier
She is an avid tea drinker who finds it difficult to use the average kettle due to its weight and the pain it can cause on her shoulder and back. Since Anne is dependent on the crutch to get about, moving the tea from the kitchen to her favourite chair in the living room can make things a little awkward. The limping motion from right foot to crutch can cause the cup to tilt and spill which increases the risk of burns, scalds, and potential falls in the kitchen.
‘’I am in with Anne, regularly. Whether it’s to tidy about, bring her shopping, or just in for a visit and seeing the tea stains on the tiles in the kitchen worries me. What if she slips on the spill or burns herself as she moves with it.’’
– Lynda (Daughter-in-law)
Lynda used to fill the kettle for Anne before she left after each visit to make life easier for her. She was delighted when she found the Uccello Kettle, she knew Anne wouldn’t have to lift it anymore.
‘’I used to have to fill the kettle for her so she wouldn’t have to do half the lifting at least but it wasn’t enough, the dangerous part was when it was boiled and I wouldn’t always be there to make her the tea. She would drink at least 10+ cups a day. When I found the Uccello Kettle and I saw that she wouldn’t have to lift it after it was boiled, I was delighted, and I grabbed it straight away.’’
Here’s what Anne has to say about it:
‘’It’s a great kettle, it’s so much safer than the usual kettle. It’s much easier to use, I love that I don’t have to lift it and strain my shoulder and my back. I think every elderly person should have one.’’
Of course, it wasn’t long before Uccello Designs launched other daily living aids like the Muggi. That is when Lynda saw the potential to help Anne again.
In the interview, she stated how many times she cleaned tea stains off the tiles and worried about Anne scalding herself or tripping over the spills. The Muggi immediately gave her peace of mind because it catches spills and drips so there would be no risk of falls or scalds.
‘’She’s kitted me out with all my gadgets in the kitchen, the kids love to come over and see me use my kettle and then slot their cups into the Muggi. The idea is so simple, it’s genius. I hate that Lynda has to worry about me so much, but I have seen a difference in both of us. I feel more confident using the kettle, there is no pain and certainly more independence. It’s a godsend really!’’
Interested in sharing your story with Uccello about how our assistive living range has helped you or your loved one at home? Contact our customer care team today via email at customercare@uccellodesigns.com.
To purchase your very own Uccello Kettle, Muggi Cup Holder or the Uccello Grip Mat, click over to our shop here now.
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