Vision Loss and Cardiovascular Disease

Work for short periods, with planned rest periods in between. If you cook, keep a chair or stool near the stove so you can rest whenever you need to.
Arrange your storage facilities so that the most frequently used items are placed within reach.
Simplify cleanup by thinking ahead. Careful planning enables you to use a minimum of utensils and dishes.
To reduce cleanup time and conserve energy, use oven-to-tableware or serve directly from the pot. If you mix ingredients directly in a casserole dish, you can eliminate the need to wash extra bowls, dishes, and utensils.
After preparing a meal, organize items that need to be washed. Use a cart with wheels to bring dishes and pans to the work area and return them to cabinets and storage areas.
Keep duplicates of cleaning supplies in different areas of your home to eliminate unnecessary walking from room to room.
Use a long-handled dustpan to eliminate bending.
Use a carpet sweeper or an electric broom instead of a heavier canister vacuum cleaner.
Use an inexpensive back scratcher as a small reacher.
Use grab bars in the tub area and next to the toilet and use a bathtub bench or shower chair when bathing.

Reproduced with permission of AFB Press, American Foundation for the Blind, from Maureen A. Duffy, "Additional Health Conditions" in Making Life More Livable: Simple Adaptations for Living at Home After Vision Loss [1], pp. 99-100, copyright 2002 by AFB Press, American Foundation for the Blind. All rights reserved.