Mobile Therapy Services, Sharing Energy Conservation Tips

Mobile Therapy Services

Providers of skilled PT, OT, and SLP in the comfort of your home with treatment plans individually designed to provide optimal and realistic functional gains.  Our focus is to restore, maintain, encourage and adapt movement to promote maximum mobility and function through exercises, utilizing items within the home. We would like to share a sample of our home instructions with you.

 

— ENERGY CONSERVATION TIPS —

 

Correct Breathing

• Long exhalation (breathing out) vs. short inhalation (breathing in).
• Ratio of breathing 2:1.  Breathe out for a count of 6.  Breathe in for a count of 3.
• Trunk flexion (bending down) while breathing out.  Trunk extension (straighten up) while breathing in.
• Breathing out when reaching for a cup of water.  Breathe in when straightening back to drink the water.

Rearrange Your Environment

• Keep frequently used items in easily accessible places.
• Replace existing heavy items with lighter ones; for example, use plastic plates and cups rather than china and glass.
• Install long handles on faucets and doorknobs.
• Adjust work spaces, such as raising a tabletop, to eliminate awkward positions; bad posture drains energy.
• Install pull-out or swing-out shelving in cabinets.
• Wear an apron with pockets to carry around cooking utensils or cleaning tools.
• Consider moving your bed to the first floor to eliminate stair climbing.

Eliminate Unnecessary Effort

• Sit rather than stand whenever possible: while preparing meals, washing dishes, ironing, etc.
• Use adaptive equipment to make tasks easier; try a jar opener, a reacher, a shower chair to allow you to sit while bathing, or a hands-free headset for your phone.
• Soak your dishes before washing, then let them air dry; or use paper plates and napkins.
• Use prepared foods when possible.
• Get a rolling cart to transport things around the house rather than carry them.
• See if your grocery store will deliver your groceries.
• Use store-provided wheelchairs or scooters when you shop.

Plan Ahead

• Gather all the supplies you need for a task or project before starting, so everything is in one place.
• Call ahead to stores to make sure the items you need are available.
• Cook in larger quantities and refrigerate or freeze extra portions for later.
• Work rest breaks into activities as often as possible.  Take a break before you get tired.
• Schedule enough time for activities—rushing takes more energy.
• Try keeping a daily activity journal for a few weeks to identify times of day or certain tasks that result in more fatigue.

Prioritize

• Eliminate or reduce tasks that aren’t that important to you.
• Delegate tasks to friends or family members who offer help.
• Consider hiring professionals, such as a cleaning or lawn care service, to cut down your workload.