Cleaning Up
Use simple cleaning products such as disposable wipes and mop heads.
Choose one multipurpose cleaning solution for most of your cleaning.
Use smaller, lightweight containers, wheeled push carts and cleaning tools with long handles or extensions.
Work on small areas. Take frequent breaks.
Let your friends, family, neighbours, or even a maid or cleaning service do some of the work for you.
Consider a home health aide to help you with daily chores.
Doing Laundry
Doing laundry will be less challenging if you make a few simple changes.
Move laundry machines to a place where you can easily get to them.
Stackable, front-loading machines may be easier to reach and take up less space. Use easy-to-reach, labelled detergents and laundry supplies.
Have easy-to-read markings for wash settings.
Use a nearby table or cart at the right height for you to sort and fold clothes.
Use an ironing board that folds down from the wall.
Using The Bathroom
Bathrooms are usually tight places and can pose challenges. To make bathing both simple and safe, consider the following:
Sturdy hand rails
Grab bars in the tub or shower
Non-slip flooring strips installed inside and outside of the tub
Bath tub benches and toilet chairs
Easy-to-use water control knobs with easily seen settings or long-handled levers. An adjustable or handheld showerhead.
Bathing supplies that are easy to reach and use. To make toileting safer:
Use a cane, walker, wheelchair or grab bars to stabilise and balance yourself whenever you get on or off the toilet.
Install a raised toilet seat or toilet seat riser to reduce the distance and difficulty in sitting down and getting up.
Try a three-in-one commode chair with a raised seat, grab bars and a removable bucket. It can be kept near a bed or chair or used over an existing toilet with the bucket removed.
Use disposable underpants.
Keep a change of clothing handy in the bathroom for the unexpected. Some bathroom sinks can be tough to use and hard to access. Faucets can be hard to turn and bathroom products hard to use. To make your time at the sink easier, think about getting some of these products:
A one-piece faucet that has lever handles or long extensions, allowing you to turn water on and off with a fist or arm movement.
A cut-out or roll-under sink, which allows room for your legs underneath the sink while you are sitting down – especially useful if you are in a wheelchair or are seated while washing.
Squeeze bottles and soap pumps, which may be easier to use than original containers.
Suction pads to hold grooming tools or bottles in place on a counter, requiring just one hand to pick up or use. A flip-top toothpaste tube.
A toothbrush with a larger handle. An electric razor (if you shave), which may be simpler and safer to handle than a regular razor
Ask your occupational therapist and/or physical therapist for more tips.
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