| I. |
Self-Care |
| |
Choose
combs, brushes, etc. with large handles -- they are easier to
grip. |
| |
Use
pipe insulation from a hardware store, as it can be used to
enlarge utensil handles. |
| |
Put
on a terry cloth bathrobe if you can't dry your back. |
| |
Use
a bath brush for feet and back -- get one with a long handle. |
| |
If
you have difficulty manipulating medication containers, ask
your physician to write, "Do not put in child-proof container." |
| |
Ease
toileting and bathing by using adapted bathroom, i.e., elevated
commode, safety rails, tub bench, hand-held shower and grab
bars. |
| |
|
| II. |
Clothing |
| |
Select
larger clothing than usual, as it is easier to put on and take
off. |
| |
Select
clothing that opens in front and opens all the way so that you
do not have to step into it. |
| |
Select
clothing with large flat buttons |
| |
Difficulty
with small fasteners? Adaptive equipment is available. |
| |
Ease
zipper manipulation by using a large paper clip or ring on zipper.
|
| |
Buy
pants with elastic waistbands. |
| |
Sore
shoulder, hip? Put sore arm/leg in first and take out last. |
| |
Use
a long shoe horn if bending over is difficult or not allowed. |
| |
|
| III. |
Bathroom
safety
Most
accidents occur in the home, and a large majority of them
occur in the bathroom. Assure safety with bathroom mobility
by considering the following equipment.
|
| |
Grab
bars in the bathtub as they are essential safety items for all. |
| |
Non-skid
strips in bottom of tub. |
| |
Shower
chair and hand held shower. |
| |
Raised
toilet seat and/or toilet safety rails, as they can provide
additional support. |
| |
|
| IV. |
Cleaning |
| |
Use
tongs to pick up objects from the floor. |
| |
Do
not reach when using the dust mop. |
| |
Use
light weight, long handled tools. |
| |
Use
tea cart to transport cleaning equipment. |
| |
When
shower curtain gets dirty, throw it in the washing machine with
a towel. |
| |
Carry
a light basket with all the cleaning supplies you need. |
| |
Use
a professional cleaning service occasionally. |
| |
Put
pail on a rolling dolly. |
| |
|
| V. |
Meal
Planning, Preparation, Service, and Clean-Up |
| |
Use
surface appliances rather than a low oven when possible. |
| |
Use
fireplace matches to light gas oven. |
| |
Gather
all supplies and position them where they are to be used before
starting the first step of the job. |
| |
Use
tea cart to transport heavy objects and to save steps. |
| |
Slide
filled pans along stove and counter tops instead of lifting
them. |
| |
Use
a pull cart to bring food home from the supermarket rather than
carrying shopping bags. |
| |
Use
an electric appliance when possible (i.e., blender, mixer, can
opener, etc.) |
| |
Use
prepared mixes, frozen foods, or packaged foods. |
| |
Plan
one dish meals. |
| |
Prepare
extra portions for easy reheating later. |
| |
Use
light weight pots and pans with Teflon/Silverstone coating. |
| |
Wear
apron with pockets so that you can carry objects. |
| |
Eliminate
unnecessary steps: |
| |
a. |
Let dishes
drain dry |
| |
b. |
Use paper
dinner napkins instead of linen ones |
| |
c. |
Use placemats
instead of tablecloths |
| |
d. |
Soak pots
in hot water and detergent to eliminate vigorous scouring |
| |
|
| VI. |
Laundry |
| |
Pin
socks together before washing. |
| |
Sort
clothes on a table, never on the floor. |
| |
Use
sinks that are at a proper work height. |
| |
Sit
to iron. |
| |
Use
fabric softener to avoid wrinkles. |
| |
Use
three baskets to collect dirty clothes: to avoid sorting light,
medium, and dark colors. |
| |
Raise
front loading washer/dryer on cinder blocks. |
| |
|
| VII. |
Communication |
| |
Use
book stand or music stand to hold books. |
| |
Use
large print books and magazines, or use a magnifying glass.
|
| |
Use
writing aids with large handles (that are built up with firm
tape). |
| |
Use
a card holder which is commercially available, or use a scrub
brush. |
| |
Ease
telephone speaking by using a phone holder. |
| |
|
| VIII. |
Storage |
| |
Store
items where they are used. |
| |
Use
pull-out storage bins for vegetables, etc. to avoid reaching. |
| |
Hang
pots on wall, if dust is not a problem. |
| |
Install
pull-out or swing-out shelving. |
| |
Keep
measuring utensils in containers where they are used. |
| |
|
| IX. |
Shopping |
| |
Call
department store ahead of time and reserve a wheelchair. |
| |
Call
ahead and make sure items you want are available. |
| |
Keep
memo pad and pencil in all rooms to keep shopping list up to
date. |
| |
Shop
at non-peak hours. |
| |
Have
grocery store deliver groceries. |
| |
|
| X. |
Correct
Body Mechanics Save Energy |
| |
Sit
and stand correctly by using good posture. |
| |
Lift
with your legs while keeping your back straight. |
| |
Avoid
reaching. |
| |
Push,
don't pull. |
| |
Use
both hands to carry items when possible. |
| |
Slide,
don't lift. |
| |
Hold
objects close to your body when carrying. |
| |
|
| XI. |
Pace |
| |
Work
and move at a moderate pace. |
| |
a. |
Fast walking
takes 1-1/2 times as much energy as slow walking. |
| |
b. |
Walking
up stairs takes 7 times as much energy as walking on level ground.
|
| |
Take
frequent short rest periods while you are walking to avoid getting
tired, instead of a long rest period after you get tired. |
| |
Use
slow, flowing motions rather than fast, jerky movements. |
| |
Plan
ahead to avoid rushing. This allows you to work at a relaxed
pace. |
| |
Alternate
light and heavy work throughout the day and week. |
| |
Avoid
sudden bursts of activity. |
| |
|
| XII. |
Work
Heights |
| |
Use
work surfaces that are at a level that allows you to work without
bending or raising your hand above the elbow. |
| |
Adapt
counter space or use a lapboard for wheelchair patients. |
| |
Order
desk arms on a wheelchair to allow an individual access to appropriate
tables. |
