Studies

Since making our very first hand-free drinking device in August 1997 we built and tested several other variations and Drinkup prototypes, developing the product stage by stage. Both early and later models were built to conduct User Studies, so we could gather feedback from the people who kindly volunteered to use them as part of their every-day routine. We also discussed our work with community based Care Providers and Practitioners as well as Senior Staff at several NHS Trusts. The collective feedback proved to be very positive, which encouraged us to go into full production.

Throughout 2007 the first production models were again placed with our volunteers for further feedback. We also started to develop earlier interest from NHS Supply Chain and other NHS Trusts who we are now working with to assess the suitability of Drinkup within the hospital environment.

Testimonials

04 February 2008

Maureen suffers from MS and only has very limited movement in her right hand. Some of the medication Maureen takes is very dehydrating and the Drinkup has made the most tremendous difference, as it has given her greater personal control over her liquid requirements, especially during the night.

Maureen has been using the Drinkup for almost eighteen months, and apart from very short stays in hospital she has used it every single day. The Drinkup is positioned so that Maureen only has to turn her head to reach the nozzle, she can use it when she is in bed and also when sitting in her wheelchair.

We have found it really easy to keep clean and sterile. To be honest we do not know how she would be able to live without it now, it has given her complete independence over at least one aspect of her life.

We are so glad that we went to the Naidex exhibition and saw your invention and hope that you continue to be very successful. Maureen sends you a very big thank you.

Maureen & Nikk

 

03 February 2008

Twelve months ago I was asked to trial two Drinkup hands free drinking system prototypes. My sons have Duchiens MD and are unable to pick up a cup. Using the devices enabled the boys to drink freely when they wanted to. We found the Drinkups easy to use, fill and keep clean.

The increased capacity of the latest Drinkup system gives my sons greater independence to choose how often during the day or night they would like to drink, and the improved extendable arms are easy to adjust, and allow my sons to drink when they are in bed.

Ms. SP, Birmingham

 

01 May 2006

My name is Neil and I am a C4\C5 complete tetraplegic. Recently I have been trialing a new device called the “Drinkup”, designed and patented by Chris Adams Esq. Since using this device my life and the demands on my carer have improved dramatically. For one reason my carer now does not need to be woken up in the middle of the night to provide me with a drink, as this device sits nicely beside my bed and the articulated arm positioned for my access allows me to move my head to one side and take a drink whenever I require or want one. This of course removes the demands on my carer overnight and also eliminates the thought of guilt in my mind, when I do need a drink in the middle of the night, and because of this guilt I usually just end up doing without. I sometimes also use this device during the day if my carer would like to go upstairs and have a rest.

To summarise I would like to say that this, long overdue drinking aid, is an excellent design and is extremely easy to use for my carers. It can improve and change the lives of the disabled and the demands on carers alike.

Mr. NH, Devon

 

05 February 2008

Hello Chris,

I have been meaning to get back to you. My sister-in-law "Valerie" was unable to use Drinkup.

The reasons being, she hasn't enough head movement to reconnect herself to it. Having said that Drink up is an excellent device, I would recommend it. Valerie is paralysed from the neck down, if she had been just a little stronger she would have been able to manage it.

I have spoken with "Active Assistance" a care agency who specialises in spinal injured people. They are based in Sevenoaks, Kent. They too recommend Drinkup to patients. The one I purchased from you is now being introduced at our small local hospital in Williton. The Occupational therapist said she would demonstrate Drinkup on the stroke unit. Plus she could put anyone who showed interest in it in touch with you. Valerie's carers, like me were excited about Drinkup. It is so flexible, easy to keep clean, and can be used from several different positions.

Regards Margaret

 

18 January 2008

Hi Chris,

I find the Drinkup system invaluable, being paralysed from the neck down, especially at night; now I no longer have to wake my wife or carer in the middle of the night to ask for a drink when I feel thirsty or dry!

Many thanks

Mr. P, Hertfordshire

 

05 February 2008

As a severely disabled person with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) for over 20 years, my RA had got to the stage where I could not hold a cup or feed myself, this you will understand, had many complications.

Even thought I have a fairly compensative care package, there are times when I am on my own, and it is during these times that I needed to be able to take a drink. I had tried a few different ideas, straw in jug, straw in heavy bottom mug, that sort of thing, but none of these ideas ever really worked.

Once my staff had mastered how to put it all together, the Drinkup and I have lived happily together. Gone are the days when I went to bed and I used books and Kleenex to angle my other jug. Gone are the days when I had problems getting the straw close to my mouth just to see it move within a wink of an eye. In its place is the Drinkup that goes at the side of my bed, two or three adjustments, and then I can drink away.

I would give Drinkup 7 out of 10. I am very pleased and grateful that Drinkup was invented.

Thank you guys

Ms. ML, Newcastle upon Tyne