Making Everyday Life With A Chronic Illness Easier

In the Kitchen

• Consider leaving the items you use most, like coffee cups, bowls, plates, utensils, and so on, out on the counter so they’re easily accessible.
• Plan one-dish meals, and buy frozen, pre-made and pre-washed foods.
• Make more food than you need for one meal, so you can use the leftovers for future meals.
• Line cooking pans/baking sheets with parchment paper or foil so when you’re done you just can throw away the paper/foil.
• Pull up a chair when chopping fruits or vegetables.
• Consider getting a kitchen trolley for moving things like dishes or food around.

Getting Ready

• Sit on a chair while brushing your hair, brushing your teeth, putting on makeup, etc.
• Embrace your natural hair texture by letting it air-dry.
• In the shower, use a shower bench or one of those hand-held shower hoses.
• Use shampoos and conditioners that come in pump bottles, so you don’t have to pick up heavy bottles.
• Shower in the evening so you are able to rest afterwards have more energy for the next day.
• Sit on the bed or on a chair while you put on your clothes and shoes.
• Opt for slip-on shoes, front-opening, loose-fitting clothing and elastic waistbands.

Household Chores

• Try to clean one room at a time, taking breaks in between. If possible, ask for help. You could also plan a schedule for the week so that you'll only need to do one chore per day.
• Eliminate clutter so you have less to clean and dust.
• Store cleaning products in the room where you're going to use them. For example, keep the ones for the restroom in the restroom.
• Do one load of laundry per day. If you're living with somebody, consider making a deal where they wash the clothes and you fold them, so that you're able to sit down and fold.
• Buy laundry baskets with wheels on them so you can push the baskets around instead of having to lift them.
• If you have stairs place items next to the stairs and take them with you next time you’re going up or down, instead of making a special trip.

Out and About

• Park as close as possible to the store.
• If the store you’re in has electric carts, consider using one.
• Make a shopping list ahead of time so you know exactly what you're going to get in the store when you're there.
• Ask a family member or a friend to accompany you while you're shopping. Move slowly and take your time. Start at one side of the store and slowly make your way to the other side of the store, so you're not having to go back and forth.
• When they ask you if you need help out to your car at the checkout, think about taking them up on it.