Managing everyday activities Te whakahaere i ngā hohenga o ia rā

Managing everyday activities can be challenging if you are recovering from an injury, illness or surgery. Sometimes ageing can also affect how you continue to manage these things.  

There are a variety of options you could use, including:

• changing the way you do things, or when you do things
• using a piece of equipment to help you
• re-arranging the area you are working in
• getting someone else to help you.

It may help to think about strategies for conserving energy if you find you are getting tired throughout the day and week.

Conserving energy

There is a wide variety of equipment available to help you maintain your safety and independence at home. Equipment can help you:

• make tasks easier
• move around your home as well as get out and about
• manage things better around the home.  

Talk with your healthcare provider about a referral to an occupational therapist, or speak to one directly. 

An occupational therapist can assess your needs and recommend the most appropriate solutions for you. If you meet specific criteria, they may be able to apply for funding to get equipment provided or modifications completed.

Home equipment

Occupational therapists

Supporting disabled and injured New Zealanders — Enable New Zealandexternal link

Equipment and aids — Disability Support Servicesexternal link

• Having a firm, supportive mattress may make it easier to get in and out of bed, and also to move around in bed.
• If you have a soft mattress, consider putting boards between the mattress and base.
• Raise the bed up on blocks if it is too low.
• If you are having trouble getting into and out of bed, or moving around in bed, consider whether a bed lever might be a good option for you. 

Bed levers

• Have a phone beside the bed so you do not have to walk to other rooms to get the phone.
• Have frequently used items within easy reach when you are in bed. Having a bedside table to hold things like a lamp and your glasses is often helpful, especially if you have to get up through the night.
• Using a duvet rather than blankets will make it easier to make the bed.

• Arrange your kitchen drawers or cupboards so the things you use often are kept between knee and shoulder level.
• Perhaps leave some heavy items on the bench so you do not have to lift them.
• Buy ready-peeled and cut or frozen veges and pre-prepared meals and soups. 
• Prepare part of the meal ahead of time.
• Sit on a stool to prepare food, cook and wash dishes.
• Cook larger amounts of food and freeze it in meal-sized portions.
• Use a trolley or walker to carry items around the kitchen.
• Let your dishes air dry so you do not have to dry them.

Quick easy meals

• Do small loads of washing.
• Put the washing basket on a chair at the washing line so you do not have to bend down.
• Use a clothes horse or airer instead of a washing line.
• Sit down to fold and iron clothes.
• Choose easy-care clothing that does not need handwashing or ironing.
• Ask for help with folding large items such as sheets.
• Use microfibre towels, as they dry easily and are light.

• Use long-handled tools.
• Use an easy kneeler.
• Raise your garden beds or create gardens in pots to make gardening easier.

• Spread chores out over the week, doing a little every day.
• Use long-handled dusters and cleaning attachments.
• Use a long-handled reacher to pick things up off the floor.

• Plan ahead and prepare a shopping list.
• Shop online for food and other items, and have them delivered.
• Ask for help with reaching for high and low items, and carrying heavy items.
• Do small shops often, rather than doing all your shopping at once.
• Ask the checkout operator to spread the weight evenly when packing your bags.
• Sit at the bench when you are sorting groceries at home.