Back Injury: assistive equipmentWhen people are diagnosed with a lower back injury, the usual advice is to avoid unnecessary daily tasks.

This works for a while, but if your injury extends into weeks or months, you will probably start to go back to your usual household and recreational tasks.

You may find these tasks easier and more comfortable if you use some of the suggestions below.

Self-care Showering while sitting on a chair or stool can help you reach your legs and

feet. Long-handled toe washers and sponges also make it easier to reach your legs, feet and back.

Washing and drying your back is easier with a flannel strip with handles at both ends. Using the strip reduces twisting and reaching.

A piece of soap dropped in the shower or bath can be hard to reach. A wash mitten or soap-on-a-rope is useful in this situation. An old pair of pantyhose with a bar of soap in the end can be used in the same way.

Some shower gels are packaged in bottles with a hook that you can hang in the shower. A shower caddy or basket keeps things in easy reach.

After washing, try putting on a terry towelling robe to help dry your body. Cutting toenails can be made easier with long-handled toenail scissors.

Consider using a podiatrist for regular foot care. Creams and ointments can be applied with long-handled applicators.

See our information—Personal Care: looking after yourself

Dressing Socks and pantyhose may be easier to put on with a sock aid that helps you

reach without bending. Compression stockings can be harder to put on, but there are aids to help. Lower garments may be easier to put on using a dressing stick or pick-up stick

that reduces bending and reaching. There is a long-handled item that specifically holds open underwear or pants.

Shoes can be slipped on using a long-handled shoehorn.

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Cleaning A change in routine may be required. Consider being selective and prioritising

your jobs. Dusters with handle extensions reduce your need to reach or stretch. Long-handled brushes with sponge and scrub surfaces are available for

cleaning baths, showers, toilets and mirrors. Buckets on castors require less lifting/carrying and come with various wringing

systems. They can also be used as a bin that moves easily from place to place when tidying.

Swivel mops reduce twisting while mopping and can be purchased with a selection of cleaning pads.

A long-handled broom and pan can be indispensable for small spills. In a large or two-storey home, keep more than one set of supplies around the

house to save carrying heavy objects over long distances.

Vacuum cleaners When choosing a vacuum cleaner consider the overall weight of the cleaner,

and features such as self-propulsion or easy manoeuvrability. Look for a machine that has easy-to-change dust bags, and easily attached

accessories. A central vacuum system that has a motor built into the house and several inlet

wall valves throughout the house may be more convenient for you. Robotic vacuum cleaners that vacuum independently are also available.

Reaching items A reacher tool (with a magnet attached) can help you pick up objects such as

clothes and toys from the floor, or reach items in cupboards. Models range in length from 340mm to 900mm (13.3 to 35.5 inches). A folding reacher can be useful to carry in a four-wheeled walker or take when

travelling.

Making the bed Use a fitted sheet and a quilt instead of a flat sheet and blanket. This cuts down

on the amount of time you need to bend to tuck in the bedding. If you use blankets, look for lightweight styles that have a high warmth-to-weight

ratio and can be machine washed and tumble-dried. A lightweight, waterproof quilt that doesn’t require laundering will reduce the

need to lift heavy bedding.

Kitchen Using the dishwasher’s top rack will reduce your need to bend. Consider a

bench top or drawer-style dishwasher that can be mounted at a height that is most comfortable for you.

Store frequently used items between hip and shoulder level. A wire carousel can be installed in corner cupboards to allow easier access to items.

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A shelf that sits under the microwave and pulls out to provide a convenient surface for stirring and food preparation is available.

A trolley or tray mobile can be helpful when moving heavy items. A kitchen stool can be used to perch at the counter but be careful not to hurt

your back by over-reaching or swivelling from a seated position. Open the doors underneath the sink so that you can sit your feet inside the cupboard, allowing you to position yourself closer to the sink.

Laundry A washing machine stand will bring a front-loading washing machine up to a

more convenient height. Use a reacher to remove items from inside the machine.

A laundry trolley on wheels will help you to move clothes out to the line or around the house.

A freestanding clothesline will reduce reaching and can be folded flat for storage. Wall-mounted clotheslines can be mounted at a height to suit you and come in a range of sizes.

An ironing board that pulls out or is wall-mounted can help you avoid unnecessary carrying. Smaller bench-top boards can be set up at a comfortable height for you.

Shopping Small, frequent shopping trips may be easier for you to manage than one large

trip. Use the top basket of the trolley (or a smaller, shallow trolley) so you don’t have

to reach down too far to retrieve items at the checkout. Ask the shop assistant to pack several lighter bags rather than one heavy one. Ask a shop assistant if they can take your shopping out to the car for you. If you have a deep car boot, it may be easier to put small amounts of shopping

onto the front passenger seat. Be aware that unsecured items may become a hazard if you are in an accident or have to stop suddenly.

Home delivery and internet shopping may be available in your area. We can help you with information on car seat adaptation that enables the car

seat to swivel. We can demonstrate aids to assist getting out of a car that include swivel

cushions, a strap for the door frame and a removable lever to lean on.

Gardening Raised planter boxes and tubs can bring flowers and vegetables up to a

comfortable height. Lightweight, long-handled tools are available to suit most jobs around the

garden. A trolley can be used to move items about in the garden. A work surface at a suitable height for propagation and other tasks is essential.

Consider a tray mobile or adjustable table.

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Contacting the Independent Living CentreFor further information or to make an appointment to visit the display please contact the Independent Living Centre. The Independent Living Centre offers free advice on equipment and techniques to help you with everyday tasks.

Independent Living Centre11 Blacks RoadGilles Plains SA 5086

Phone: 1300 885 886 (SA & NT callers only) or 8266 5260

Email: ilcsa@sa.gov.au

Website: www.sa.gov.au/disability/ilc

Accessible off street parking is available.

Bus services run nearby. Call 8210 1000 for timetable information.

Copies of this publication are available from the Disability Information ServiceTel: 1300 786 117 Email: disabilityinfo@dcsi.sa.gov.au Website: www.sa.gov.au/disability Version: Apr 2016

Licensed under Creative Commons http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/3.0 Attribute to: The Dept for Communities and Social Inclusion, Government of South Australia