Home Modification

Home Safety Solutions

January 23rd, 2008 by Supportive Care

Following are a few safety precautions that will help make your home a safe place. For ideas and tips on assistive devices that can help you with everyday tasks click here. Remove throw rugs. Clear floors of all small objects such as bathroom scales or doorstops, to reduce the risk of slipping or tripping. Install additional phones to avoid tripping over extension cords. Avoid wearing loose or floppy slippers or shoes. Check all stairs and thresholds for loose hardware or...Read the rest of this article »

Before Hospital Discharge—Evaluating Your Homecare Needs

January 22nd, 2008 by Supportive Care

If you are confined to bed, your hospital team (nurse or discharge planner) will assess your ability to move about and position yourself for maximum comfort and to prevent skin breakdown. They will decide whether you need a trapeze to help raise yourself in bed and will examine your ability to transfer in and out of bed, either to a wheelchair or to an ordinary chair. Walking If you are able to be up, your hospital team will evaluate your...Read the rest of this article »

Bathroom Aids

January 22nd, 2008 by Supportive Care

Bathing Aids Grab bars (Figure 12) can be fastened to the bathtub or attached to the wall for safety and ease in getting in and out of the tub or shower. A bath seat (Figure 13) will help you get in and out of the bathtub and allow you to sit in the shower. A combination grab bar and bath seat (Figure 14) is available in many styles to fit all needs and types of bathroom fixtures. A portable showerhead...Read the rest of this article »

Housework Tips

January 22nd, 2008 by Supportive Care

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...Read the rest of this article »

Eating and Drinking Aids

January 18th, 2008 by Supportive Care

Special cups with lids will help you avoid spilling liquids. The Tommee Tippee cup (Figure 1) is useful if you have difficulty in swallowing or poor coordination. The Wonder-Flow vacuum cup (Figure 2) allows you to drink while lying flat on your back or on your side. These cups can be used with straws. Use extra-long (18") straws if you tire while trying to hold a cup. You can also improvise with styrofoam cups and lids like those used in...Read the rest of this article »

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