[Daesin]

It seems that most of my daily activities require modification to get accomplished, with some severely modified. I have cut my hair from below my waist to near the shoulder just so I can wash and brush by myself. I have changed handles in the house to levers. I struggle to get dressed everyday so regular bras have long since gone out the window. Shirts are button up when possible and pants are drawstring. These are just some of the things I have done since being injured.

But, other things I find nearly impossible. My neck shoulder and arm are pretty useless due to nerve issues. So how do you get things done?
I know that you folks have dealt with more for far longer than me so I ask for your advice on daily skills. If you have any suggestions I am open and appreciative.

Most trouble comes from:
Washing dishes.
Loading/unloading dishwasher
Loading/unloading washer dryer
folding clothes

I am trying desperately to remain as independent as possible. I don't have the funds to hire anyone to help and insurance does not cover anything like that. So, anyone? Please?

[Diandra]

Hi D,
Paper plates whenever you can. Anything that can be tossed or put on the recycle bin. I know we want to be environmentally conscious but, you need to care for yourself. Just try not to use styrofoam.

I keep one mug for coffee or tea and one glass on my kitchen counter, or next to me all day and keep reusing.

Also, maybe one of those grabbing devices with a handle. And, maybe leave glasses and dishes on a counter or shelf at easy to reach level, just throw a dish towel over them so they don't dusty.

If you do fill up your dishwasher or have pots and pans, it sounds like you live alone. Have any friends or neighbors you can ask for help or swap chores with.
My best friend and I do something we call "chore days" where we come to each others house and do things we hate to do or can't do. She is much healthier than me so she helps organize clothes closets and helps me throw out clothes instead of becoming a hoarder. I like to cook and she lives alone so she comes for meals. We just kind of work it out. It is also keeps either of us from being socially isolated.

Be creative....whenever I have a problem to solve, I pretend someone else has asked me the question and how would I answer for them.
Best of luck....I know modifications can be a drag but I always say to myself,
" well, at least I can still......". You fill in the blank for yourself....will make you feel better.

Take care, Diandra

p.s. clothes...I have an office chair on wheels that I roll the laundry basket on. I use it for each phase of laundry.

Originally Posted by Daesin

It seems that most of my daily activities require modification to get accomplished, with some severely modified. I have cut my hair from below my waist to near the shoulder just so I can wash and brush by myself. I have changed handles in the house to levers. I struggle to get dressed everyday so regular bras have long since gone out the window. Shirts are button up when possible and pants are drawstring. These are just some of the things I have done since being injured.

But, other things I find nearly impossible. My neck shoulder and arm are pretty useless due to nerve issues. So how do you get things done?
I know that you folks have dealt with more for far longer than me so I ask for your advice on daily skills. If you have any suggestions I am open and appreciative.

Most trouble comes from:
Washing dishes.
Loading/unloading dishwasher
Loading/unloading washer dryer
folding clothes

I am trying desperately to remain as independent as possible. I don't have the funds to hire anyone to help and insurance does not cover anything like that. So, anyone? Please?

[Daesin]

Diandra,
Thank you for the ideas. the office chair is great. I am going to train my cat to pull clothes out of the dryer for me, the dog is too lazy

I do live with my hubby, though medical issues have eliminated him from the chore pool...eventually he will have hospice care.

So far I have transferred to mostly plastics as glass breaks when you drop it. I lost several of my favorite mugs before the transition. Some things just wont fit in the dishwasher. I end up pinning them with my bad arm to the bottom of the sink and scrubbing with a handled brush. It kinda works.

I have already relaxed my standards of clean when it comes to the house, as much as that bothers me. There just is no option. Even simple things are a giant and painful production. Getting dust webs out of the ceiling corners for example.

Even this shall pass.

[Diandra]

Hi D,
I am sorry to hear you are also taking care of a husband who is ill.
I live with my husband who is healthy but my 91 yr old Mom with dementia lives with us for the last 3 yrs. What little extra rest time and energy I had during the day is zapped by her needs.

I actually have an answer for the ceiling cobwebs. They have these extender poles with a duster thing on the end. We have a woman who comes to do heavy cleaning once a month and she uses one. If too expensive, if you can still vacuum, just take the attachment off the end and hold the straight part as high as you can hold near the cobweb, you would be surprised how the suction can pull them in. even if a foot or more away.

Try this to help wash glasses/dishesmaybe try this...I used to tend bar and we used a version of this.
It sticks by suction cup to bottom of sink.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...JNPQ8250JFKNHN

Another tip a friend taught me. To wash the floor easily, take an old bath towel, soak in hot water and wring out as best you can, then just throw it on the floor and drag it around with a sponge mop or broom....the hot water gets all the dirt off and you can clean an area quickly. I use 2 or 3 old towels and then just wash them....or tie the towels on the dog and let him drag them around!

You certainly are not alone on needing to adjust your standards for clean.
I guess we need to adjust our standards for alot of things when we are unwell.
My worst issue is clutter....I make myself, and my hubby, nuts.

Take care, D.

Originally Posted by Daesin

Diandra,
Thank you for the ideas. the office chair is great. I am going to train my cat to pull clothes out of the dryer for me, the dog is too lazy

I do live with my hubby, though medical issues have eliminated him from the chore pool...eventually he will have hospice care.

So far I have transferred to mostly plastics as glass breaks when you drop it. I lost several of my favorite mugs before the transition. Some things just wont fit in the dishwasher. I end up pinning them with my bad arm to the bottom of the sink and scrubbing with a handled brush. It kinda works.

I have already relaxed my standards of clean when it comes to the house, as much as that bothers me. There just is no option. Even simple things are a giant and painful production. Getting dust webs out of the ceiling corners for example.

Even this shall pass.

[Hockey]

Have you ever met with an Occupational Therapist? Mine brought this catalogue of assisted living devices. I was amazed by how many products are out there.

I've got a set of large handled kitchen tools that really help with my grip issues. While I hate to be wasteful, I do use paper plates and disposable foil casserole containers to cut down on dishes. Well, really it's not that wasteful, since I was dropping and breaking my glass stuff.

There are things that can help with buttons and zippers, too. One of my favourite items are my Lock Laces. With my limited dexterity, I was having a heck of a time tying my shoes.

The Occupational Therapist came to my house, asked me what tasks I wanted to be able to do and suggested products and work arounds that might help.

[Daesin]

Great ideas....
I love the towel idea. As I walk the halls tonight I will give it a twirl. Typically I use my socks and walk around scrubbing with my toes. Its getting cold for that though. The way I drop things the towel is a better idea.
I haven't had much contact with OT. So far surgeons and PT have filled the calendar. The OT resource needs to be checked for sure.
My right arm remains strong but there are so many things that require two hands. I really took my dexterity for granted before this. Now I have shoulder envy.
Clutter...lol, Yes, we call it the flat surface disease.
Thank you so much for your kind and helpful responses. I knew someone had to know a way.
I hope you have a low pain and high joy day.
D.

[Malia]

Aloha.... I would suggest that you talk to your doctor about needing some help with chores He is the one that can get the ball rolling. Also Hospice can help with things too. I am a caregiver and hospice volunteer and am willing and happy to help wherever I can... Good luck. you are not asking for much.. like mowing the back 40...

[Daesin]

Originally Posted by Malia

Aloha.... I would suggest that you talk to your doctor about needing some help with chores He is the one that can get the ball rolling. Also Hospice can help with things too. I am a caregiver and hospice volunteer and am willing and happy to help wherever I can... Good luck. you are not asking for much.. like mowing the back 40...

Mahalo Malia,
What a huge heart you must have. Hospice is a difficult service. I take my hat off to you.
I will be seeing a specialist next month. Ortho is backing out as he cant do anything for me. I am out of his range of expertise. Plus I have a WC evaluation a few days before. I don't foresee any trouble there but I doubt he offers any extra help or advice....you never know though.
So far I have received some excellent ideas and will continue finding ways to get it done.
Thank you all for allowing me to pick your brains.
Maholo

[Hockey]

I meant to ask, do you have a Roomba? I have the vacuum one and it really is a Godsend. It also provides me with amusement because my cat likes to ride it.

There is a model that washes floors. I don't know how well it works. As they are a bit pricey, before I invest, I'd like to hear from others who have one. For now, I have a lightweight steam mop. I can handle that, but I do sometimes need help with the water reserve and changing the pad.

We don't have a dishwasher. The OT gave me a fix for washing the dishes that helps. I bought a dish tray that was small enough to fit inside my sink. I stand my plates and stuff up in the rack, fill the sink with soapy water and then scrub everything with a fat-handled brush. Yes, it's still awkward for mugs and cutlery, but I'm independent and stubborn. Which, as we all know, can be both a strength and a weakness.

[Malia]

Thank you Daesin... I appreciate that. Yes dear,,, keep asking questions... throw your needs out there... it's called...Taking care of ourselves <3 Hey, Mahalo to you to