Ideas For Creating a More Comfortable Home

When people think of pain management, they often think of medications, treatments, and remedies. However, a pain management program, should also take into consideration those things that affect a person's ability to live comfortably in their environment. For instance, folks with arthritic conditions or back problems often have pain and limitations with reaching and bending. Activities of daily living can be a challenge. If these people were to consider making some changes in their home, they may find ways to function and live more comfortably. Being able to avoid physically stressful and risky movements will help in overall pain management.

• If you are renovating your home, consider purchasing a large shower that can accommodate a small shower chair. If you have a tub, be sure to have ample supports and grab bars. And make sure any tub seats are securely attached. Being safe and comfortable is important to avoid spasms or risks of falling.
• Consider putting outlets high enough on walls to allow for easier use and less bending. Watch how furniture is positioned. If you have to lean over furniture to plug in appliances and cleaning tools, consider moving things around to make those outlets more accessible.
• Careful planning for kitchen storage can make food prep, cooking and cleaning tasks easier and more comfortable. Place rarely used items up and out of the way. Place frequently used utensils, dishes and pots and pans at optimum levels for easy access.
• For back pain sufferers, standing at the sink can be painful. Take some of the pressure off your back by opening your under the sink cabinet door and placing one foot on the bottom of the cabinet. It is amazing how much pressure can be relieved by lifting the one foot up a few inches off the floor.
• Pull-out shelves and lazy susan turntables can be very helpful for heavy or hard to reach items. Remember that lifting heavy objects far from the body causes a lot of strain on the back muscles. Pull-out shelves enable you to bring the heavy object closer to your body before lifting it.
• To assist in reaching and grabbing things, consider a set of grabber tongs.
• If you have problems bending over to put on your shoes, perhaps a foot stool may help. You might consider keeping a pair of shoes on a small stool rather than on the floor. That stool can also come in handy for resting your feet while fastening and/or tying laces.

These are just a few ideas for creating a more comfortable home environment. I am sure there are many other things that could also make a difference. If you or someone you know is having discomfort managing in their home, consider trying some of these ideas. You may find pain relief in ways you may have never considered before!

Related Topics: Modifying Your Home When You Have MS, Home Modification and Repair

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