From Shaky To Steady Handwriting

It doesn't matter what disease entity or injury creates an inability for someone to perform the simple task of handwriting.  A task that we take for granted everyday...just think about what your life would be like if this simple skill was taken away from you.  Signing checks, charge slips, notes and cards to friends/family, and important documents.  Let alone if you are someone who did not grow up with the Internet and keyboarding and you rely on writing to communicate in letters and etc. 

I realize "others" can do this for someone, however, giving up the ability to "write" might be the result of an ailment that has added other disabilities.  Anytime you can restore a simple task that has been taken away or even enhance the fractured ability of an everyday task is huge in the day and the life of one that has been compromised. 

In looking at writing aids, I found a simple pen that can assist certain people with tremors and the opposite of this: pain and stiffness caused from something as common as arthritis.  It is called the Steady Write® Pen from Ableware (Maddak Manufacturing).  www.ezcaremedical.com  

The larger pen "holding" area and the triangular base provide common sense additions to one who suffers from these conditions.  If this task seems like a menial task for one to lose, think again and simply try this as an alternative to nothing!  It's an inexpensive addition to something like a "reacher" or "rollator" which are things often thought of first to help with other simple everyday tasks.  Restoring or enhancing writing skills not only restores the ability to communicate, but should  increase one's cognitive thinking.

Here are a few additional FREE tips to help as well!

Think BIG to write NORMALLY!  (This applies mostly to those with Parkinson's as this disease causes what's referred to as micrographia which is the tendency to write smaller and smaller.)  See Bev Yuma's Handwriting Blog and UTube Video

• Avoid plain paper - try lined.

• If you can still use a regular shaped pen, try changing the grip on the pen.  It may help to hold the pen between the thumb and index finger and use the thumb more by wrapping it around the pen as much as possible. 

• In regards to the actual writing instrument, consider trying different ones. For example fine points, medium point or felt tip marker styles. 

• Remember occupational therapists and reputable medical suppliers that are familiar with assistive devices are good resources for valuable writing aids and advice. 

Additional and Helpful Resources: 

Arthritis Foundation
National Parkinson's Foundation

Author:  Cindy Teague-Kelley, Owner
EZ Care, LLC
The Uniform, Shoe & Medical Store