Have someone do laundry for you. If you don’t have someone to do your laundry:

• Do smaller loads.
• Carry your loads in a plastic bag, backpack, or wheeled cart.
• Use a reacher to get your laundry in or out of front-loading machines.
• If you need to iron anything, sit on a high stool while you iron.

• Keep the items you use often within easy reach. Use a long-handled reacher if you can’t reach an item easily. Try not to store food on low shelves so you don’t have to bend down to reach them.
• Use prepared meals, frozen meals, a meal service (like Meals on Wheels), or order in food so you don’t have to cook for yourself.
• Cook only if you feel comfortable. It’s better to use a microwave or stovetop instead of the oven.
• Slide objects along the countertops instead of lifting them.
• Use a wheeled trolley or cart to move items when using crutches or a walker.
• Carry things in an apron with large pockets, a waist pouch, a backpack, or a bag attached to your walker.
• Sit on a high stool when working at the counter.
• Use containers with tight-fitting lids (like a Thermos or thermal mug with lid) to move foods and liquids to prevent burns.

• Have someone help you with shopping.
• Shop at stores that are easily to go to.
• Bring your crutches or walker with you.
• Bring your reacher to pick up items from the lower shelves.
• Use a backpack to carry the things you buy.
• Buy canned or frozen goods so you don’t have to make as many trips to shop for food.
• Use delivery or curb-side pickup to get items you need. Check the stores you shop at to see if they offer these services.

You should be able to do light housework, such as dusting and washing dishes. Hire help if you can.

Have someone help you with heavy work, such as vacuuming, washing floors, changing bed sheets, cutting the grass, and shovelling snow.

Take out small amounts of garbage at a time or have someone take out garbage for you.