Big pens and pencils.

[Hakuna]

Hi everyone, I’ve been very unwell for a while following PEG insertion but am much better following a spell in the Hospice. All of my meds were changed and I am now on Gabapentin for the tremors which has worked brilliantly. Now only able to sip thickened drinks, everything else down the PEG. No speech but using Predictable on ipad to communicate. Not my voice but my daughters. I used to like painting and drawing but with weak hands I can’t hold the pen or pencil steady. Has anyone got recommendations for thicker pens or pencils?

[Ellie]

Good to hear you got over your poorly period - where would we be without hospices??

I used to like painting and drawing but with weak hands I can’t hold the pen or pencil steady. Has anyone got recommendations for thicker pens or pencils?

Oh, it would be great if you could continue making your works of art for as long as possible 🙂

An OT might be able to help you - maybe tubular foam around a pencil or paintbrush would give you greater purchase (think lagging around a pipe)

Otherwise, there are grips which fit around a pencil, often for kids so watch the size, but also for arthritic hands. Maybe something like this would help:

Pen grip.jpg
(😲😲 how on earth did the picture on the left not raise eyebrows in their marketing department 🤭)

Or this pen?

Big fat pen.jpg

Is Art Therapy offered in your hospice by any chance?

Really hope you find a solution.

Love Ellie.

[Hakuna]

Thank you Ellie. I’ll have a look for the grips. No my hospice does not offer art therapy. They’re rather short staffed.