Hello Anna,
Where is it written we have to stand up to clean? I vacuum the carpet sitting on my perching stool I have a small low level plastic stool that is around 10 inches tall that is great for getting to low lying dust and filth except the last time I used it I couldn’t get up! The only things I can’t get at is the dust on top of high shelves and changing my bedding.
my other alternative is do nothing it’s all gonna come back anyway! Do what you can when you can, it took me 2 days to clean out 2 kitchen draws that were stuffed with cutlery and utensils and I felt quite chuffed with myself for doing it! That was something I used to do very regularly In a couple of hours.
i think you need a perching stool it sounds like an essential.
Hi Dolly,
Thanks for your reply and it sounds very useful. Do you have a lin that I might be able to look these smaller perching stools up please?
Also, How do you get down on the stool and then up from it then pease? Safely?
thank you
Anna
Anna do you have a MS nurse? Or an occupational therapist? Either one of them will help you with equipment in your home that suits your needs I got my perching stool from my occupational therapist, it’s designed to be used by bigger people like me so the seat is wider. It was delivered by NRS Healthcare they have the NHS contract. I can’t add links on here every time I try they get blocked! But if you type “perching stool” into google theres dozens of designs.
The low stool is a swine! I’ve haven’t been able too use it for at least a year! I bought it 24 years ago when We used to get “Betterware” catalogues though the letter box I found them on Amazon it’s dark blue and called a “Step Stool” I used to hold onto a work top or door frame and lower myself onto it sitting in a squatting position then push up from between my legs, or pull up using a door frame, but I couldn’t do it the last time I used it! I’ve got no upper body strength so don’t trust myself anymore! So although I think they’re excellent for a lot of people maybe not such a good item for us!
You should be able to self refer to a Neuro Physio who can provide equipment. If you don’t know how or haven’t got a phone number get in touch with your MS Nurse she will have details.
Best wishes
Jan x
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Hi Anna
Any cleaning I manage to do is done from the wheelchair. I still try and stand up to clean (for eg) distant bathroom window sills that are out of w/chair reach, but generally fail.
What does help is long handled implements. So a long duster, a long scrubbing brush thing, other assorted long things!!
What you could consider is getting a rollator with a seat, then you could be sat, shoving yourself along with feet and/or hands on fixed objects and walls. That way you’d be safer than trying to keep on your feet.
Obviously, in an ideal, non Covid world, an OT would be a good resource, but you might be waiting a while for that!
Sue, Wheelchair Bathroom Cleaning World Champion - in waiting! (Not OCD in the slightest!)
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Sue, I admire your patience. Never give up, and everything will work out for you. I know someone who is also in a wheelchair and tries to do chores inside his house. He cleans up the surrounding area to the best of his ability. I was recently referred to(removed by moderator) through which we ordered a Pressure Washing of the front of the house, as well as the driveways and the terrace of the house, for my acquaintance. Seeing his desire to clean up, we couldn’t stay away from helping. I hope you, too, can cope with your problems with such a strong character.