Organizing For Seniors – Tips for Daily Tasks
By
When I hurt my back last summer, I was completely unprepared for the difficulty in accomplishing daily tasks. At first, the pain was so unbearable the only thing I could do was remain flat on my back in bed. Thankfully, my family kept the house running and my friends and mother-in-law provided meals for us. This experience made me realize how precious our bodies are and to be thankful for just being able to move around. Whether you have an injury, sugery, an illness, or difficulty getting around due to aging, here are some tips that helped me once I was able to get out of bed.
Even the smallest tasks seem like mountains when you’re not up to par. Difficulties in the kitchen include unloading the dishwasher (that bottom rack is so low), reaching items in the bottom drawer of the refrigerator or freezer, and obtaining items on the lower shelves of the pantry. Organize the kitchen so items used on a daily basis are at waist level. If a wheelchair is necessary, this tip is imperative. Bending and reaching is difficult, and I remember cringing every time I had to bend down to retrieve an item.
Bathrooms are another area of difficulty. Think about installing an elevated toilet seat (it does make a difference), hand rails in the bathtub or shower (or even next to the toilet, if necessary) or utilizing a shower chair in the shower. For me, the shower felt so good, but I couldn’t bear the pain of standing for 10 minutes. Trying to wash my hair was virtually impossible with one hand (I was holding on to the wall with the other for fear of falling down), but once I had the shower chair, I felt much more comfortable. Also, having someone assisting or at least paying attention in case of a fall or difficulty is crucial.
Think about the laundry room, as well. Bending down to load front loading washing machines and reaching in to get clothes out of the dryer is difficult. I could fold the laundry but couldn’t bend to get it out of the dryer.
A cane (with a rubber tip) really helped me move around the house. A cane with a 3-pronged base is more stabilizing than one that’s straight. A grabber or reacher tool is a great idea, I never realized how many things I wanted that were just out of reach or how many times I dropped items and didn’t want to bend down to pick them up. There are many great tools at this website: www.goldviolin.com.
Thankfully, I’m almost fully recovered from my injury, but I know the time will come when I’ll have difficulty moving around and accomplishing daily tasks. Please let me know what other tips or suggestions you’ve discovered with yourself or ill or elderly parents.
Sincerely,
Kelly
