Designing Your Home and Life for Doing

You may find at times there are things you want to do, like carry the laundry basket, get the laundry out of the washer, reach a bowl up on a shelf, put on a seatbelt, zip up a dress with the zipper in the back, dry your hair, sit at a computer or keyboard effectively, do yoga poses like everyone else, take the dog for a walk, etc. etc. When we aren't able to do things that mean a lot to us, or just to get us through the day, it may be helpful to step back and look at the activity itself. As an Occupational Therapist, I learned activity analysis as part of my training and have used it in many aspects of my professional and personal life. It is a way of looking at things that might benefit anyone, no matter what their circumstances. I have come to think of it as Personal Design for Doing!

As the arthritis in my shoulders progressed, I found there were many activities, like those listed above, I couldn't do or couldn't do the way I was used to doing them. I felt frustrated and maybe even a little angry and sad every time I couldn't do something that I previously had been able to do quite easily. Over time I slowly began to think about the things I couldn't do and arrange things so I had the best chance of doing at least part of the activity. I looked at how I was doing laundry and modified it by using a long kitchen tong and carrying a few things at a time, or asking someone to carry heavy baskets for me if needed. I rearranged my shelves so I was able to reach all of my favorite things. After my husband died I stopped wearing dresses that zippered up the back, although this week, 5 months after shoulder replacement surgery, I was able to zipper a dress up the back! (Before I have the next shoulder surgery I will find a good zipper tool, I have heard there are some good ones.) I revised how I practice yoga, for the last year my yoga practice has been pretty "arm free" (standing or on my back poses). I have recently started doing simple poses that put a little weight on my arms, but I may never do another down dog! The good news is, all of these changes have enhanced my life and how I feel.

Prior to shoulder replacement surgery, and after attending the pre-surgery information session (very helpful), I looked at every aspect of bathing, dressing, simple meal prep, computer use etc, and developed one handed ways to do most things. I also started using Dragon Naturally Speaking, a voice system for using the computer. It was not difficult or expensive to do these things, but it did take me opening up to the challenge, giving myself time to get used to new ways of doing things, getting creative, and having a sense of humor! I also learned to ask for support when needed (not easy for a lot of us). Some photos of how I set up for one handed bathing, brushing teeth, flossing may give you some ideas!