SUGGESTIONS FOR ENERGY CONSERVATION

Basic Activities of Daily Living

Bathing

• Wash hair in the shower, not over sink
• Sit to dry off
• Use a terry robe instead of drying off
• Use shower organizer over the shower head to avoid leaning or reaching
• Use safety strips on the floor of the tub
• Install a grab railing
• Use a shower bench or lawn chair to sit while showering
• Use moderate temperature water, rather than hot
• Use long handled sponge or brush to reach feet and back

Grooming / Hygiene

• Sit
• Don't lean forward unsupported
• Rest elbows on counter or dressing table
• Use long handled brushes or combs to avoid holding arms overhead
• Use elevated commode seat

Dressing

• Loose fitting clothes allow you to breathe more easily
• Organize early so you won't have to rush
• Lay out clothes before starting to avoid extra steps
• Bring your foot to your knee to apply shoes and socks so you won't have to lean over
• Wear slip-on shoes
• Use a long handled shoe horn and sock aid
• Fasten bra in front then turn to back
• Wear button front shirts rather than pullovers
• Use a reach er and/or a dressing stick

Mobility

• Wear low heeled shoes
• Wear shoes with a shock absorbent sole or insole
• Use a wheelchair for long trips (the mall, etc)
• Maintain good posture when driving
• Use cruise control if possible
• Install hand rails
• Install ramps
• Place chairs strategically to allow rest stops (along a hallway)
• Disconnect automatic door closing mechanisms

Advanced Activities of Daily Living

Housekeeping

• Spread tasks out over the week
• Do a little bit each day
• Delegate heavy work
• Hire help
• Use a wheeled cart or carpenter's apron to carry supplies
• Do whatever you can sitting down
• Use a long handled duster, mop, dust pan, etc.

Shopping

• Make a list first
• Organize the grocery list by store aisle
• Use the grocery cart for support
• Use a power scooter if the store has one
• Request store assistance with shopping and getting to the car
• Shop less during busy times
• Shop with a friend
• Delegate shopping

Meal Preparation

• Assemble all ingredients before you start
• Use mixes or prepackaged foods
• Use cookware you can serve from
• Use smaller appliances (mixers, toaster oven, microwave)
• Use electric knife and can opener
• Buy energy efficient designed utensils
• Transport items on a rolling cart
• Store frequently used items at chest level to avoid bending and stretching
• Line oven and burner drip pans with aluminum foil
• Sit while preparing food
• Rest elbows on table or counter
• Let dishes soak rather than scrubbing
• Let dishes air dry
• Use a dishwasher
• Delegate dishwashing
• Use a jar opener
• Use rubber mat or wet towel under mixing bowls to help steady while stirring or mixing
• Don' lift heavy pans off the stove, ladle the food out at the stove
• Use place mats instead of tablecloths, they are easier to place on the table, and easier to clean
• Use lightweight utensils
• Prepare double portions and freeze for later
• Leave heavy containers where they can be accessed without lifting (on the countertop, etc)
• Drag garbage bags instead of lifting (or use wheeled can)

Laundry

• Use a laundry cart on wheels
• Use an automatic washer and dryer
• Sit to transfer clothes to the dryer, if possible
• Use commercial pre-wash instead of scrubbing
• Wash bras and socks in a lingerie bag to avoid tangling
• Drain hand washables and press the water out instead of wringing
• Sit to iron
• Adjust the ironing board height
• Use an iron with a spray attachment
• Slide the iron onto a fireproof pad between times to avoid lifting
• Use a lightweight iron
• Hang clothes on the doorknob instead of the top of the door

Childcare

• Plan activities around the table or in the living room to allow sitting
• Instead of going to the zoo, go to the beach where you can sit or lie down
• Delegate some of the childcare responsibilities, if possible
• Take advantage of programs like Mother's Day out
• Teach smaller children to climb up on lap instead of being lifted
• Teach children to make a game of some of the household chores

Workplace

• Plan workload around your best times of the day
• Arrange workspace for ease
• Take periodic rest breaks

Leisure

• Wear comfortable clothing
• Use adaptive equipment
• Select less strenuous activities
• Go with a friend
• Use a wheelchair or golf cart

Please feel free to give us a call anytime you have any questions or problems concerning your disease or treatment.

We would be more than happy to assist you in any way that we can.

patient & families > fatigue > conserving energy