Thought I would start this thread so we can all share our hints and tips for making life easier for us. Here are a few from me:
Check whether your shop has a home delivery service - many are free and even if you drive it will still save you carrying groceries to and from the car etc
See whether there is an occupational therapist in your area - in the UK this service is usually free and they order necessary equipment and install it etc
Break tasks down into easy segments rather than attempting all at once
Invest in a slow cooker... means you can make dinner when you are feeling reasonably alert in the morning and have it ready at dinner time with no extra effort required
See if your local pharmacy offers a service to put your pills in a dosette box - this will save you needing to remember which pills you need and when since they will all have been sorted for you. Best of all no more trying to push the pills out of foil packets
A radar key is brilliant since it allows you access to disabled toilets/restrooms etc. Purchasing one will give you somewhere to get out of the way if you need space. Also means you do not have to pay at stations and the like
Check to see if you are entitled to a blue badge (or equivalent) as this will allow you to park nearer to store entrances and often gets you free parking.
Keep a note in your wallet/purse with lists of the medication you are on, including dosages and times needed etc in case you are suddenly taken ill
Keep an identical list to the one above in the fridge in a pot... make sure it is in an obvious place and put a note by the door alerting paramedics to the lists location
I hope that these give some of you something to think of... any more from anyone else?
Use a shower chair or bench to conserve standing energy.
Every time I have to go into another room I look around to see if there are things that need to be picked up and put in the other room, saves me steps later.
I have started condensing trips as much as possible and only get essentials.
Probably the best thing I have done for myself is to not stress over making sure my house is super clean. As long as I have one designated clutter free zone I have been way happier as I am not spending that extra energy
When I feel my mind turning to mush (aka fibro fog), I try to change what I am doing. So if I am at work typing on a computer and my mind goes blank I try to stand and walk away for a few minutes.
I have to drive a considerable amount some days for work and I try to space those out to no more than 2 "long" days in a row, also easier for me earlier in the work week.
I will look forward to what other suggestions are given. Great topic idea!
Here are a couple of things I do to make my life easier.
1. I have a high stool that I use when cooking. A chair puts your face right at burner height which is too dangerous,
That is why a high stool works better.
2. I have several cutting boards. When prepping the food to be cooked,
I take cutting boards to the table to do my prep work on. Then I take it to the stove on the cutting boards or board, whatever is necessary. That way I go from a chair at the table to my stool at the stove all within a few steps of each other.
3. Last but not least, be kind to yourself. Don't push yourself beyond your limits. Rest, rest , rest!
I have a perching stool... they are really useful. Again, in the UK this is something that an occupational therapist will provide for you if you need one. xx
You must have a lot of shopping! I am lucky that the binmen take my bins for me. As for shopping I use a granny trolley... it works well since it spreads the weight.
Silicone sleeves seem like a good idea... as for clothes I am male, so things are quite easy for me... it is called closing your eyes and grabbing random items! xx
I forgot to add that if I have to shop and I am having sensory issues or fibro fog, I wear headphones and listen to calming music while I am in the store. Helps me focus and stay sane :-)
Thanks for this thread. Not only are the ideas helpful, but also normalizes things for me to keep from feeling bad for doing some of these very things that family members seem to think are drastic. I have been wanting a shower chair for a long time so my feet and legs don't hurt so bad when I shower, at times making me avoid showers..........I am going to get one :)
I do not blame you. It will hopefully help you a lot. All I can say is family members often do not understand because they do not suffer as we do. It might sound nasty to say it but they need to back off and let you do what you need to to make your life easier. If they do not like it tell them to bugger off lol xx
I use a voice recorder/ voice memo feature on my phone for everything! Shopping lists, doctors appointments, medications and new side effects. Its like a diary and saves me from writing too much. Helps for reminders and helps me remember things if I can record it. Just remember to edit the title so you know what is what.
This is an excellent post with terrific ideas.
Tip from me to you… Don’t forget to always keep a pill box with you in your purse or wallet with a day or two’s worth of your essential meds. If you’re like me and forget to take your meds at home, you will not have to run home or go without!!
I also use an independent pharmacy, they offer free delivery if I fill multiple scripts. I have 3, so it works perfectly.
I usually only cook for myself and my 5 yr old grandson. I try to keep meals to 30 minutes or less or they go in the crockpot.
Shopping is a real challenge for me, the walking and the bright lights on top of the fog...SMH I try to get in and out of the grocery store in 30 minutes or less.
My daughter found my shower chair at the thrift store oh & my highrise potty chair. When my lower back gets to hurting bad, I sometimes wish it were higher!!! Clarice said:
Thanks for this thread. Not only are the ideas helpful, but also normalizes things for me to keep from feeling bad for doing some of these very things that family members seem to think are drastic. I have been wanting a for a long time so my feet and legs don't hurt so bad when I shower, at times making me avoid showers..........I am going to get one :)
