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Household Helps for Disabilities; Invisible and Visible

© Peggy Hoehne

There are many different kinds of disabilities and many different kinds of helps that are needed. Perhaps the best known, or most visible, is the person who uses a wheelchair. The use of the wheelchair requires certain household adjustments. Wider doors, lower cupboards, and entrance ramps, to name a few.

There are many other disabilities that are invisible. Some are Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, diabetis, and Multiple Sclerosis. Michelle Struik explains some of the misinformation about these invisible disabilities in her article Hidden Disabilities: We are NOT Lazy!

All of these disabilities require the sufferer to make certain adjustments. We will focus on some of the things that can help them with household chores.

How can we help them?
Some of the ways the healthy partner or close friend can help:

• Reassure them that you believe the illness is real.
• Let them know that you will be there for support.
• Pay special attention to the sufferer's needs, especially in times of pain and weakness.
• Communicate that no matter how sick the sufferer may look or feel, he or she is valuable as a person.
• When you are going for groceries, call and ask if you can pick something up for them.
• If they can't get out, bring the outside to them. If they feel up to it; bring lunch, pizza and a movie, or something else they will enjoy.
• Call and ask if they are up to a visit. While you are there do something to help. Wash some dishes, vacuum the floor, do a load of laundry, or whatever needs doing.
• Don't forget about them. Even if they are too tired or ill for visits, send cards and letters. Remind your friend that you are there for them anytime they want you.
• Read the Suite 101 article Disability Etiquette for more suggestions of what to do and not to do.

Fragrance Free Alternatives
People with Multiple Chemical Sensitivities experience serious physical and neurological symptoms when exposed to the chemicals used in most scented products. Even if you haven't noticed a sensitivity to these products, you may be surprised at how much better you will feel if you eliminate them from your life.

Get more information on this subject at Suite 101 topic, Fragrance-Free Nation.

In the Suite 101 article Allergy News Update author, Colleen Kaemmerer, asks, "Did you know that "fragrance free" may not mean what you think it does?" See her article for more information.