Functional Friday: "Sip" Happens

We made it to Friday and you know what? We deserve ALL the coffee, y’all!!

Speaking of, how long does your coffee routine take in the morning? Do you constantly knock over your drinks? Personally, I’d consider it a pretty effortless task (for now, at least) and some mornings, it’s downright essential! It takes me exactly 1 minute and 21 seconds (yes, exactly that, I timed it), to get a cup, pop in a K-cup, brew the coffee, add my cream and Truvia, and stir. For my mom, and those with RP or other forms of vision loss, this task may not be as easy. Combine hot liquid and glassware, it could easily lead to disaster or injury. Because we have refined my mom’s coffee making process, she can complete the task in less than 2 minutes. Pretty efficient, right?

Now, how do we make this seemingly simple task of making that morning cup of coffee easier for those with vision loss? It’s important to look at environmental modifications and compensatory strategies in order to maximize function with this task. Bottom’s up!

Environmental Considerations:

• Place your workstation next to the sink, if able, for easier access to water and easier cleanup in the event of spills.

• If your coffee comes in a bag, use a plastic container or canister for storage in order to provide a sturdier grasp on the container. This will help prevent spills and provide a back-stop for easier scooping.

• Keep frequently used items in the same place and educate others in the household to put things back where they belong (Easier said than done! Am I right or am I right?!). This helps prevent putting cumin instead of cinnamon in your coffee!

• Label your spices and sugars. (Stay tuned for a future blog post about kitchen organization for low vision!).

• Consider use of single-portion sugars/creamers/coffee pods.

• Consider use of a single-cup coffee maker, such as a Keurig. This helps to eliminate steps in the coffee making process. There are also reusable pods if you prefer to cut down your plastic waste.

Photo Descriptions:

• Left: Photo of my mom's personal coffee set-up with a blue Keuirg coffee machine, white coffee mug, and pump-style coffee creamer.

• Center: Photo of a canister of coffee, bag of coffee, filters, and white measuring cups on dark orange placemat.

• Right: Photo of the center coffee set-up; however, blurred to simulate vision loss. While this photo simulates moderate vision loss due to glaucoma, RP can present similarly. For more comparisons, visit see.now.org for their vision simulator!

Adding Contrast:

• Use a dark, solid colored placemat for improved contrast (plastic placemats are recommended over cloth for easy cleaning).

• Use white measuring spoons/cups to provide contrast against black coffee grounds.

• Use black measuring spoons/cups for sugar and creamers.

• Use a white coffee mug to provide improved contrast against coffee to prevent over-filling.

• Use contrasting puffy-paint, hot-glue, or Sharpie to label measuring cups/spoons.

• Choose a tumbler or glass that contrasts against frequently used surfaces to prevent accidentally knocking over your coffee

Photo Descriptions:

• Left: Comparison photo of a black coffee mug with black coffee and a white coffee mug with black coffee. Note the importance of contrast!

• Center: Photo of white measuring cup with black coffee grounds and a black measuring spoon with black coffee grounds to show the importance of contrast. White measuring spoon is marked with a large, orange "T" in tactile paint.

• Right: Photo of a bright coral coffee thermos against a light colored countertop.

Liquid Management:

• Fill items over the sink, if your appliance allows.

• Use a funnel as needed to fill portions of the coffee appliance.

• Use a liquid level indicator (These can be purchased from websites such as Amazon, MaxiAids, Walmart, and RehabMart).

• Use your finger in the rim of the cup, water reservoir, or coffee filter/pod to prevent overfilling (Use caution; this is not a recommended technique for hot coffee).

• Use puffy-paint or a hot-glue gun (with caution, please) to create tactile levels inside of a measuring cup for specific amount of liquid.

• Use pump-style creamer for decreased mess and increased portion control.

• Creamer Hack: If your favorite creamer doesn’t come in a pump-style, just buy (or wash and re-use) and empty pump bottle and pour your favorite inside using a funnel!

Photo Descriptions:

• Left: Photo of clear, plastic measuring cup with orange tactile paint on the inside of the cup at the 1, 2, 3, and 4 cup mark.

• Right: Photo of white coffee mug with liquid level indicator on the side.

Hot Liquid Transport:

• Place hot cups of coffee (or other drinks) against the backsplash or in a corner to prevent accidental spills.

• Use plastic or stainless steel tumblers to prevent risk for broken glass.

• Use tumblers with lids to prevent spills if knocked over. I have seen many people saying positive things about the Mighty Mug, a “Mug That Won’t Fall;” however, I have not personally used this product, but it sounds great in theory!

• Consider use of styrofoam or plastic coffee cups with lids.

• ·Use your hands to find your drink on the tabletop by starting with your hands on the table versus “up-high” searching. If you bump the glass from the bottom, it is less likely to tip over; whereas hitting the top of the glass will likely cause it to topple over.

• Use slow, controlled movements when sweeping your surface with your hand. (I know, I know, again, easier said than done.)

One of the best things about the above tips, is that most of these strategies are low to no cost! I was able to go my local Dollar Tree to find black and white measuring cups, a plastic measuring cup, and a plastic canister. I even saw plenty of cups with lids but if I would have come home with another one, my husband may have disowned me. Puffy-paint and hot-glue guns can be purchased at local craft stores, Walmart, Target, etc. for under $5.00 and can be reused multiple times. These inexpensive changes can significantly help refine the coffee-making process to make life a little easier if you or your loved one has any form of vision loss.

I made this post "espresso"ly for you all and I hope these tips gave you a "latte" of new information!

Stay functional and fulfilled, my friends!

Love,

Ali

Disclaimer: Please remember that while I am an Occupational Therapist, I am not your Occupational Therapist. Please keep in mind, these recommendations are meant to be extremely generalized and are merely strategies that have worked for my loved ones with vision loss. Additionally, I have no affiliation or connection to any product or brand mentioned in my post.