Housework Tips

Housework

• Sit rather than stand.
• Have work in front of you rather than at the side.
• Reduce range and force when moving.
• Slide rather than lift objects.
• Try to maintain good posture when standing, bending, and sitting.
• To reduce fatigue, use fitted bed sheets to eliminate energy spent on bedmaking.
• To decrease the need for bending, use long-handled dustpans or self-wringing mops.
• Store frequently-used items close to you.
• Containerize: put everything needed for a task in a basket or box; an example would be grouping together items for morning care (Figure 21).

• Wear a cobbler's apron (Figure 22) or similar garment for carrying small lightweight items to reduce unnecessary trips about the house.

• Use a wheeled cart for moving items from one room to another.
• Alternate work and rest periods.
• Plan a basic itinerary for the day to reduce unnecessary motions and steps.
• Pace your work schedule. Don't try to complete all tasks in one day. Have a weekly plan for scheduling major tasks such as washing, ironing, shopping, and cleaning, to spread them out over separate days.

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Posted in Home Modification, How to Care for Someone at Home, Supportive Homecare