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Should I buy a perching stool to use in the kitchen?

(53 Posts)
teabagwoman Thu 13-Apr-23 14:54:13

I have osteoarthritis in my feet, knees, hips and back. I’m doing all I can re exercise and diet but am finding it increasingly difficult to stand for any length of time. My dd has suggested that I get a perching stool to use while cooking. It would be really helpful to hear Gransnetter’s experiences of using one before I shell out. Thanks.

BlueBalou Fri 14-Apr-23 12:07:28

I have a high, foldaway stool, this one www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B08JVB3NLT/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?psc=1&tag=gransnetforum-21&ie=UTF8
I have another in the greenhouse and they’re an absolute boon.

SillyNanny321 Fri 14-Apr-23 12:08:59

I have one that was fine when I had a bigger kitchen. Sadly relegated to a cupboard as my bungalow is tiny with a kitchen so small you can reach all sides without moving. Problem with downsizing but as I hope to move in the not too distant future the stool may be used again. It really did help at the time that I needed it after a hip replacement.

Nannashirlz Fri 14-Apr-23 12:35:24

I also have arthritis and I also have it in the same places as you plus my hands. Also can’t stand too long with pain and I got a stool from charity shop £5. It’s the best thing I’ve got so I can sit in kitchen doing what I need to do. But I’ve found a lovely disabled company online and I’ve bought few aids from them too.

teabagwoman Fri 14-Apr-23 12:43:40

Thank you all for your comments. My GP has referred me to Occupational Therapy. I must say I’m very impressed, I contacted by the surgery on line and they rang me 30 minutes later to get all the information for the referral form and it’s on its way.

Summysoom Fri 14-Apr-23 12:59:57

I bought one for about £30 when I was waiting for my hip replacement. Worth every penny as I used it for when doing the ironing, food prep and folding clothes. It made such a difference to my hip pain.
I’m now pain free but have kept it as I may need it if the other hip starts to ache.

Coco51 Fri 14-Apr-23 13:03:48

I have one and I can’t manage without it. As long as you get a suitable or adjustable height. Adjustable helps to vary work you’re doing on the worktop and when you want to stir on the stove top

maturefloosy Fri 14-Apr-23 13:45:51

I use one when I am ironing as stenosis in my back means I cannot stand at that angle for long. It works great - not yet tried it for cooking but when I made marmalade and spent hours slicing orange peel it was perfect for that too.!

mokryna Fri 14-Apr-23 13:54:52

I use my kitchen stools (33 years old and countless child use) which, depending on the job and the person, can adjusted . I use one to load/empty the dishwasher/washing machine or cooking.

Alison333 Fri 14-Apr-23 13:57:28

Yes, I think you should get one. I've got one because of osteoarthritis in my knees and hip. People tend to congregate to talk in kitchens so that's when I use mine. It's got a handle either side and a slightly tilted seat so easier to get up.

hallgreenmiss Fri 14-Apr-23 14:05:12

I’ve had this for some years, I use it for any job that would involve standing for any length of time. I bought a seat pad to attach to the backrest. It looks much nicer than the hospital-style perching stools

FannyCornforth Fri 14-Apr-23 14:33:54

Salti

I bought one in a charity shop for my sister in law. Unfortunately she didn't like it and gave it back to me. I ended up using it in my greenhouse when I was potting on occasionally. If you can I would try somebody else's before you buy one to see if it suits you. There must be thousands of secondhand ones around.

I second that.
I didn’t get on with mine at all.
It’s currently in the garden 🙄

Ethelwashere1 Fri 14-Apr-23 14:51:11

They are horrid, my legs ached after sitting on one for half an hour, so hard you need a cusion .

Retired65 Fri 14-Apr-23 15:45:57

Norah

We use kitchen island stools, daily, whilst cooking.

Similar to this, easy to clean, enjoyable to sit upon.

This looks good. Any links for this? Thank you.

DeeJaysMum Fri 14-Apr-23 16:19:43

You should be able to contact the OT service within your local Social Services Department and ask for an assessment. There are a few forms to fill and a home visit, but they'll usually give you a perching still and maybe a few other bits and pieces to make life a little simpler.
I have MS, went through the process years ago, and have been provided with a set room, shower chair, perching stool, handrails, risers for my chair, etc.

DeeJaysMum Fri 14-Apr-23 16:22:02

I really should proofread my posts before hitting send....
Perching stool - not perching 'still'
Wet room - not 'set' room

Maggierose Fri 14-Apr-23 16:39:14

I was given one for after a hip replacement. Never used it. And they don’t collect them. It’s in my bedroom now with clothes slung over it.

Gundy Fri 14-Apr-23 17:30:02

At our precious age you do ‼️whatever it takes‼️ to be comfortable, get through the task, regardless of what other people say. Just do what you need to do.
Have a g’day!
USA Gundy

hallgreenmiss Fri 14-Apr-23 19:51:22

Just realised I found to post the link, 🙄

www.ikea.com/gb/en/p/ingolf-bar-stool-with-backrest-white-10122647/

Froglady Fri 14-Apr-23 21:58:52

I've one of these and find it very useful as I can't stand for very long.
Could you ask your local occupational therapists (if you have one) about the advisability of getting a perching stool or something similar and you may be able to get a prescription to get one.

travelsafar Fri 14-Apr-23 23:12:33

I have one, adult care services got it for me prior to hip replacement operation as I just couldn't stand to prepare food or wash up. I found it really useful after operation too, especially in bathroom, I could sit at sink and clean my teeth, or have a wash... couldn't climb in the bath or use shower over the bath to start with....it now lives in my kitchen and when my back especially painful I wouldn't be without it.

AnnieJacobs Sat 15-Apr-23 06:16:44

teabagwoman

I have osteoarthritis in my feet, knees, hips and back. I’m doing all I can re exercise and diet but am finding it increasingly difficult to stand for any length of time. My dd has suggested that I get a perching stool to use while cooking. It would be really helpful to hear Gransnetter’s experiences of using one before I shell out. Thanks.

Yes I would, nurture yourself, I am sure it will support you.

NotSpaghetti Sat 15-Apr-23 07:03:26

My mother-in-law has a perching stool provided through OT. She also found standing (to prtp veg etc) uncomfortable.
It is not heavy but IS stable. Much more so than most of the high-stools designed for other purposes.
She isn't very strong but can still move it round her kitchen as required.

Foxygloves Sat 15-Apr-23 07:03:27

OT gave/loaned us one for the bathroom for DH to use when shaving, brushing his teeth etc.
It was sturdy and extremely useful..
Would you not qualify for one from OT?

teabagwoman Sat 15-Apr-23 07:20:08

Notspaghetti that is encouraging, moving it about. Was one of the things I was worried about. I’ve now been referred to OT but imagine I will have some time to wait.

fluttERBY123 Sat 15-Apr-23 15:18:17

We got a whole lot of aids when DH had a fracture. There was no question of handing it back. I believe the cost of collecting cleaning, redistribution etc makes it more cost effective to just leave them. We are well set up now if we need perching stool (not used yet) walking frame, frame to.put over loo so you can lever yourself up, or frame to stop you falling out of bed.