Help with Laundry and Cleaning

Different techniques may be useful for people of varying abilities to be able to complete their laundry and cleaning tasks. There is a range of equipment out there to assist in the ease of which these tasks may be carried out.

Washing

Consider doing smaller loads of washing to Consider doing smaller loads of washing to prevent the heavy lifting of clothes. You may want to try using a long-­handled reacher to collect clothing off the floor, or to take items in and out of washing machines, to save you from bending. Further, you could use a laundry trolley to take washing over to the clothesline. over to the clothesline.

Example of a long-­handled reacher

If you have difficulty with hanging washing on the clothesline, look at using dolly pegs on your existing washing line as these are easy to manipulate. Pegless washing lines are also available.

YYou could also try airing frames and clothes horses to reduce the amount of stretching and/or heavy lifting.

To save on time and effort, the best solution would be to get a new washing machine -­ one that has push buttons and are a combination of a washer and a dryer.

Consider hanging your clothes on seperate Consider hanging your clothes on seperate hangers when you set them out to dry as this will reduce the amount of ironing you need to do.

Ironing

If you are standing up to iron, place one foot on a raised platform to reduce back pain.

AA tabletop ironing board can be placed on a low table to allow a person to be seated whilst ironing. But, if you don’t want to be carrying around a heavy ironing board, wall-­mounted ones are available. These only need to be folded out of a cupboard;; some are height-­adjustable for the person ironing.

Example of a wall-­mounted ironing board

Some people find that travel irons are the easiest to use as they are lighter than the standard iron.

Cleaning

To prevent fatigue and pain, break up your cleaning tasks into smaller and shorter sessions rather than completing them all at sessions rather than completing them all at once. How about spreading large tasks over a few days?

You could also use long-­handled brooms, mops and dust pans etc. to reduce the amount of bending and reaching. Choosing lightweight materials will also help in reducing the ereducing the effort involved and may reduce pain associated with extended use.

Example of some long-­handled tools

Disposable wipes are available in supermarkets for cleaning bathrooms and kitchens. Long-­handled dusters and disposable dusting cloths are also available.available. These are very easy for anyone to use and, in turn, reduce the amount of cleaning time required.

YYou could also consider using a lightweight or robot vacuum cleaner as an alternative to sweeping. Ensure that cords on powered appliances are out of your path as these are a trip hazard.

Example of a robot vacuum cleaner

Using Taps

Use your palm to turn taps, rather than your fingers or wrists.

TTaps that have a lever-­style handle are generally the easiest to use but, if your access is to taps with a turn-­style handle, a number of different tap turners are available to assist. They can be placed over existing taps to provide a larger surface area to grasp and better leverage. surface area to grasp and better leverage. It uses the pushing and pulling action.

Example of tap turners

Avoid lifting large heavy buckets of water by filling up smaller containers to reduce the strain on your back, and use a trolley to transport heavy items to where they are needed.

To conserve your energy and to protect your joints, remember to distribute the weight evenly across your body eg. using two hands to lift an object, keeping it close to your body. If the object is awkward or too heavy, get help from others. It is important to know your limitations.

FundingFunding

There may be support provided by governnment-­funded organisations to assist with domestic chores if you meet their eligibility criteria.

Questions?

At LifeTec, we offer free and unbiased specialist information, advice and support specialist information, advice and support from health professionals to maximise your independence and safety.

Contact us to find out more, or drop in to one of our two display centres to trial aids and equipment. We are here to help.

Last updated: Jan 2014LifeTec (ABN 25 773 960 273)Web: http://www.lifetec.org.auEmail: mail@lifetec.org.auBrisbaneLevel One, Reading NewmarketCnr Newmarket and Enoggera RdsNewmarket QLD 4051Phone (07) 3552 9000

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