Changes in and around the home

sharmaine

We've recently made changes in the bathroom so that I can (a) have something to hold onto when I get in and out the bath and (b) I can manage in the kitchen - electric tin openers/jar openers etc.

Our house is on a raised area which means I have to climb 4 steps (it feels like a small hill) to get in the house. I have nothing to hold onto (when you became disabled due to arthritis you soon realise how stupidly builders design houses). We're going to have to completely change the layout to give me more room/space. My hubby will also put up some wrought iron railings so I have something to hold onto. We've only been here 2 years and there seems to be a mountain of jobs to do. We're in the midst of having the kitchen done. Before OA I would have tackled all the decorating - however, these days I can't even climb a ladder!

My husband is a bit of a dear and even bought me a massage seat and a heating pad. Some days I feel ancient and I only turned 53 last month!

These are just some of the things we've done to make my life easier. This year as I can't bend anymore I'll have to get my hubby to plant out my veggies/flowers etc. I'm worried sick!!

How do the rest of you cope with homelife? Have you made changes at home too?

Sharmaine

tanith

Hiya sorry to hear you are in so much pain. I have had to make some changes at home , I don't get down and garden anymore so everything is either in pots or doesn't need much attention. I can no longer bathe so showering is the order of the day.

I think we all make adjustments without even realising we are doing it to be honest. Some days are worse than others.. I just do little and often.. you will get lots more suggestions I am sure...

sharmaine

Thanks Tanith.
Gone are the days of shopping all day! I do most of it online now. I do miss hunting for bargains etc. It is just too painful to spend huge amounts of time buying the weekly groceries. I don't know if its the flat floors in these big places that make me hurt so much - there must be a reason for it.

I now sit down to iron and as you say showering is easier, but a bath just soothes those aching joints! My next project is to buy a walking stick. Just getting in and out of the car is a performance - I have to hold onto the door and lever myself slowly one leg in then I sit; then I tug at the leg of my trousers and haul the next leg in!! I haven't worn a skirt in quite some time.
Sharmaine

tanith wrote:

Hiya sorry to hear you are in so much pain. I have had to make some changes at home , I don't get down and garden anymore so everything is either in pots or doesn't need much attention. I can no longer bathe so showering is the order of the day.

I think we all make adjustments without even realising we are doing it to be honest. Some days are worse than others.. I just do little and often.. you will get lots more suggestions I am sure...

jaspercat

Hi Sharmaine, I have had quite alot of adaptations put in since my RA was diagnosed, I have a grab handle put either side of the front door, a grab handle in the shower, a low level shower put in, for which I got a grant, handles either side of the bed to help me getting out of bed.

My most favourite thing has to be the perching stool in the kitchen, now I can wash up etc without relying on hubbie, your should see a Occupational Therapist who can advise you on other things you might need love Jaspercatxx

mandy_b1967

I don't do my gardening now my mum comes to do it for me (I'm 42 next week and she's 64) I can't bend or kneel and I have OA in my wrists. This year I think we will give the seeds a miss and just tidy. I have just ahd a shower put in over my bath and had all the taps changed to lever ones. I also had the door catches changed to the roll ones so I don't have to pull down door handles. I don't spend long in the kitchen, cooking is usually done with help or in stages.

Does anyone have any ideas on an easy way to peel potatoes as holding them hurts my wrist and somedays its impossible? I have tried a potato peeler and found it more difficult than a knife.
Mandy

fossillady

Hi sharmaine, I have made a number of changes in and around the house since having RA. I have a low step-in shower but also a grab rail on the bath just for the times when only a bath will do. However I cannot take a bath by myself and need assistance from hubby getting in and out. I also have a raised toilet seat with grab rail which makes a difference when you have back problems. Lever taps are brilliant for arthritic fingers and I have them in the bathroom and kitchen. In the kitchen I used to have a kettle tipper which was excellent but have now changed to a small travel kettle as it is light and I only fill as much as I need. I also have an electric tin opener, electric mixer, plug pulls, perching stool, jar and bottle openers, ergonomic knives and one handed cutlery. I also use melamine crockery as they are light and don't break when dropped. In the garden we took out the steps and were able to put in a long ramp so I could get to the top. Would you be able to put in a ramp where your steps are? If so Social Services made help you with this.

Would you be able to get a referral to an Occupational Therapist at your local hospital. They can provide a lot of advice on aids and adaptations and even provide you with some smaller items free (although I know these days they have been cutting down).
Hope this helps.

vonski

Hi Sharmaine
I have a shower with a seat, makes life much easier. A raised toilet seat, a buffet in bathroom and a grab rail, handrails on the stairs, built in oven, it's much easier to reach, a perching stool, a rise and recline chair and lifts to raise the bed. Only thing is evrything costs a fortune :roll:
Out and about I use crutches or the dreaded wheelchair which isn't that bad Have a Ranault Scenic Megane because it's so much easier to get in and out of and comfy.
My motto anything that makes life easier must be good
Love
Vonski x

lindalegs

mandy_b1967 wrote:

I don't do my gardening now my mum comes to ......................

Does anyone have any ideas on an easy way to peel potatoes as holding them hurts my wrist and somedays its impossible? I have tried a potato peeler and found it more difficult than a knife.
Mandy

Hi Mandy,

I use an Easygrip potato peeler, propping the potato on the side of the bowl in the sink - they have a different action altogether to conventional potato peelers.

You hold the broad handle in your fist and bring it down the potato or pull it across depending on which is more comfortable for you.

Hope this helps.

Luv Legs

woodbon

Hi,
I have to let my husband lift heavy things off the cooker or the oven. I am lucky, I have a fridge/freezer and the fridge is on the top so its easy to get things out, no bending. We have a memory foam topper on the bed and I have a memory foam pillow. I wont bath when I'm alone and I use the shower, a walk in one. Its flat here in Norfolk, so no garden steps! Shopping on the internet, including groceries. I can't drive too far, as my wrists hurt too much, and I changed cars to a landrover, which is sensible in the lanes, and so easy to get into!!! Big expense ahhhhh. I think lots of other things but they just happen! Love Sue

mandy_b1967

lindalegs wrote:

mandy_b1967 wrote:

I don't do my gardening now my mum comes to ......................

Does anyone have any ideas on an easy way to peel potatoes as holding them hurts my wrist and somedays its impossible? I have tried a potato peeler and found it more difficult than a knife.
Mandy

Hi Mandy,

I use an Easygrip potato peeler, propping the potato on the side of the bowl in the sink - they have a different action altogether to conventional potato peelers.

You hold the broad handle in your fist and bring it down the potato or pull it across depending on which is more comfortable for you.

Hope this helps.

Luv Legs

thats great thanks I will have a look in the catalogue I have thanks
mandy

petmad

Hi Sharmaine, I too am 53 and have OA. I live on my own in an upstairs flat with a huge garden. My upstairs neighbour has been wonderful and cuts the grass for me, I just have to leave the bushes and trees to cope on their own. I have applied for a ground floor council house...wont hold my breath while waiting.

I have a perching stool in the kitchen and gradually adding aids like can opener, electric grater etc. In the bath I have an electric bath lift, provided by social services and a rise recliner chair.

I am toying with the idea of a walking stick but given my upper body problems I don't know if this is advisable, will discuss with my physio at the next visit. Linda

colinb

lots of changes around here too..bath gone, low and long shower cubicle with a seat, raised toliet seat frames, plastic lever tap turners, perching stool..i agree..a godsend that is, stairlift fitted , walking stick/s, walking frame, wheelchair, scooter, ramp outside house etc etc..lots of silly we things around the kitchen..ring pull lever being about the handiest, along with electric can opener.
as someone else already mentioned, we got a renault scenic..after looking at sooo many cars, this was the easiest of all we looked at to get in, and out from

question is..where do you stop???lol

colinone

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sharmaine

Hello Jaspercat
I'll have a look around for the perching stool - the kitchen has always been my domain. I love cooking and now it is just a nightmare to prepare things. Do I have to see my doctor first with regards to having an appointment with an Occupational Therapist?
Getting up and down the staircase is hard work. I take one step at a time and hold on to the banister. I suppose we should really put in a handrail.
Sharmaine

jaspercat wrote:

Hi Sharmaine, I have had quite alot of adaptations put in since my RA was diagnosed, I have a grab handle put either side of the front door, a grab handle in the shower, a low level shower put in, for which I got a grant, handles either side of the bed to help me getting out of bed.

My most favourite thing has to be the perching stool in the kitchen, now I can wash up etc without relying on hubbie, your should see a Occupational Therapist who can advise you on other things you might need love Jaspercatxx

lindalegs

mandy_b1967 wrote:

thats great thanks I will have a look in the catalogue I have thanks
mandy

Most retailers sell Easygrip - Lakeland, John Lewis, etc. and I've even seen them in garden centres - so they're available all over and not just in disabled equipment shops and catalogues.

Luv Legs

petmad

sharmaine, ask your social services occupational therapist to provide one. This is where I got my perching stool, bath lift and recliner chair. We have to pay for enough, get what you are entitled to. Linda

sharmaine

Hi Vonski
It seems arthritis sufferers have to make a lot of changes. Previously I was optimistic about getting a new knee within a year or two but now I expect it could be longer and by then the other knee will be worse. This year we had cavity wall insulation and also extra insulation in the loft. I find if I get too cold my OA plays up even more. I have to keep my self quite warm. I also sleep with
my socks on. I didn't think I would be doing this at 53 (maybe 73) but OA is like that you have to find ways of coping.
I've noticed that when my back aches its hard to get comfy on the sofa. I almost need a low foot stool as putting my feet down makes me ache too. What a condition to have.
Thanks for responding and I'm definitely going to get one of those chairs for the kitchen. The kitchen is having a make over at the moment. Everything is piled into the dining room. I can't wait to get back to normal.
Sharmaine

vonski wrote:

Hi Sharmaine
I have a shower with a seat, makes life much easier. A raised toilet seat, a buffet in bathroom and a grab rail, handrails on the stairs, built in oven, it's much easier to reach, a perching stool, a rise and recline chair and lifts to raise the bed. Only thing is evrything costs a fortune :roll:
Out and about I use crutches or the dreaded wheelchair which isn't that bad Have a Ranault Scenic Megane because it's so much easier to get in and out of and comfy.
My motto anything that makes life easier must be good
Love
Vonski x

vonski

Hi Sharmaine

It's true but so unfair that this horrible disease ages you so much, your mind is still young but body wants to rest :roll:

Hope you get your kitchen finished soon but don't forget to take it slowly when putting everything back again

Love
Vonski x

sharmaine

I changed my car last year from a manual to an automatic. It's a Ford Focus Ghia and I can raise the seat etc. It also has heated seats which helps. I don't drive to far either. I agree with you having a raised seat is much better.
Because I have OA in my knees (and hands) I even find stepping down from a pavement onto the road takes time. If I miss and slip I just cry out in pain. I'm always being overtaken by other people when I'm out. I'm as slow as a tortoise because each step has to be carefully placed.

Has the memory foam pillow and mattress topper made a difference? I have been thinking about getting a mattress topper for some time. I bought a magnetic mattress cover but to be honest it wasn't much good.

My husband keeps saying to me that I should 'rest' but I don't want to just be a vegetable. He has to work as I had to give up my job last year. His job involves travelling to Kent/London. Thankfully he works from home 2 days a week so he's home a bit more with me. I couldn't cope with working full time and driving to and from work. I like to think I'm contributing by keeping on top of the house stuff but some days even that is difficult.

Sharmaine

woodbon wrote:

Hi,
I have to let my husband lift heavy things off the cooker or the oven. I am lucky, I have a fridge/freezer and the fridge is on the top so its easy to get things out, no bending. We have a memory foam topper on the bed and I have a memory foam pillow. I wont bath when I'm alone and I use the shower, a walk in one. Its flat here in Norfolk, so no garden steps! Shopping on the internet, including groceries. I can't drive too far, as my wrists hurt too much, and I changed cars to a landrover, which is sensible in the lanes, and so easy to get into!!! Big expense ahhhhh. I think lots of other things but they just happen! Love Sue

sharmaine

Hi Linda
Thanks for this information. I will ask. You are quite right we do pay for enough! Thanks for all the advice. I do appreciate it. At the moment everything seems to be done to make my life easier. Having the house cavity wall insulated and extra lagging in the roof - we've only been here a couple of years (I don't know how the previous occupants coped living without proper insulation); thermal underwear; supports in the bathroom; heat pads; kitchen tools etc etc. The list of things to make life more comfortable keeps growing. The heating system is old and will need to be changed. My husband put in a fireplace last winter which has helped. Keeping my joints warm seems to help. We also have to sort out access at the front of the house because I am finding it more and more difficult getting up and down them.
Sharmaine

petmad wrote:

sharmaine, ask your social services occupational therapist to provide one. This is where I got my perching stool, bath lift and recliner chair. We have to pay for enough, get what you are entitled to. Linda