Hi all, I am disabled and it took a long time to get used to it, that areas will be limited and some things are out of being part of my life. Yes, I had to change the thinking first, then the home.
Step two is to change furnishings of the home. If a cupboard was to stay put, I made sure it was solid to the floor no cleaning under or behind it. If furnishings were to be in the middle of the room, I assured they had legs that were high enough to get a dust mop under. All tables I changed to simple, straight and easy to clean.
My handicap is not being able to walk steadily so I sometimes need a walker or cane. I assured there would be spots for these things to park, until used, the less needed things are in low or high places. All rooms and needs are on the same level. Things were in groups and kept together so there was no extra stress added. The phones are in three places, then music is with remotes. I hang little pockets on a string to hold remotes.
I have a favorite chair with many things I use daily; knitting, writing paper, laptop, trash can, Wet Ones, and tissue. I found a organizer for my closets that I could put in at a height that was good for me when I am leaning on the walker. My pantry is also set up according to my needs. Some things I had wheels put on to be able to move bigger things on my own.
I hope this helps others that have to make a change in your life. Life can go on comfortably as long as we think in a healthy meaningful way.
Editor's Note: The photo is a stock image, not of Rain V.
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This is by no means a medical advice story or something that anyone else has to do. It's simply tips I have used to make my life easier and it might work for anyone who is interested in trying them.
My son has Down Syndrome so we've learned to make things simple around our home. I moved his bed to the center of his room so he could walk around it to make it, much easier than making a day bed which needs long arms to reach to the back when making it.
My roommate is in a battery powered scooter. While she tries to keep active, often her scooter has a mind of it's own.
The traditional hunter's vests have many pockets. They are so nice to use as it leaves my hands free. I carry these items with me for emergencies: a whistle, cell, pad and pen, eyeglasses, reading glasses, money, medicines, etc.
My room mate is in a scooter. When she set up the paper towel roll on the door, she probably didn't expect to have the roll fall off the spindle arms when she pulled on it.
Check out these photos.
We came up with a way to transfer heavy soda bottle contents into smaller bottles, and she doesn't even have to lift the bottles. We simply lay them on their sides, after starting the first bottle "sink side" with the smaller bottle in the sink, and let gravity do all the work!
