Tools to Help Do Daily Chores When Your Arm Is in a Sling

Getting chores done while in a sling can be challenging.

Performing routine household chores is something everyone has to do, whether we like it or not. Though it may seen time-consuming and physical, the tasks associated with daily chores can become even more cumbersome if you are working around an illness or injury. Using a few household helpers when your arm is in a sling can help you keep your house and life in order. Does this Spark an idea?

Dispensers

With only one available hand, you may find the simple task of getting soap and laundry detergent hard to do. Using soap dispensers positioned around the house, you can more easily get daily tasks accomplished. Have pumps set up close to your washing machine with liquid laundry detergent in one and liquid fabric softener in another to help simplify the task of getting detergent into the machine. For personal hygiene, have dispensers mounted to the walls of your shower or tub and fill with body wash, shampoo and conditioner.

Use Your Appliances

Though it may be common to hand wash a few dishes when you are not using many during a given time, use your dishwasher as much as possible. Though it may cost more, run the dishwasher as often as needed to get dishes clean and allow the dry cycle to run the whole way through. If you really don't want to spend the extra money on that self-drying option, lay some dishtowels across a counter and set the dishes out to dry. Flip everything over at least once so all items thoroughly dry before you put them away.

Automatic Cleaners

Using self-propelled and operational tools can help keep your house clean, even when you have your arm in a sling. Self-running vacuum cleaners and floor scrubbers are on the more expensive and lavish end of the scale. They are small robotic devices that take a little longer to get the job done; you can sit back and get everything done with a push of a button. To keep toilets clean, have automatic cleaning tablets installed in the water tank; these clean the bowl every time someone flushes the toilet.

Pet Care

If you own a pet and will be waylaid by a sling, but still have to care for your pets, opt for some tools made specifically for pet owners. For cats, use a self-cleaning litter box which automatically scoops through the litter at set intervals and deposits trash in a bag you can easily remove even with one hand. If you own a dog, have a sensor doggie door installed. It opens and closes automatically once the dog is wearing a collar with the appropriate sensor chip in it. You also can have invisible fencing installed around your property so that you can rest and relax while your dog or cat runs free throughout your property without running away.

References

• American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Home Safety Checklist
• Engadget: Mint Automatic Floor Cleaner Up for Pre-Order, Shipping This Summer
• Wired Magazine: Litter-Robot: Self Cleaning Cat Box