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In the lounge

Sit back and enjoy your favourite TV show or game in your lounge room with some easy processes and helpful products. Improve your independence in the lounge with the suggestions below.

How independent are you in the lounge?

Start by asking yourself these questions:

  • Is your floor free of clutter? Are rugs creating a trip hazard?

  • Do you struggle to hear the TV? Do you find it difficult to hear conversation at parties? Do you find background noise makes it harder to hear?

  • Do you find TV remotes hard to use? Is the TV hard to navigate?

  • Do you require large text on your computer screens, keyboards, and telephone buttons to make them easier to read?

Plan

Arrange your chair to fit you comfortably with the correct seat depth and height. If you use it for reading, place a light to brighten the page without shining into your eyes. If you sit here to watch TV, make sure your head and neck are in a comfortable, neutral position and that you can easily reach essential items like remotes and instructions. Try positioning a side table so you can safely reach drinks and snacks.

Prepare

Place the chair you use for crafting or writing with the window behind you to reduce glare and improve visibility. To enhance the visibility of small, light items, use a table or lap tray with a black non-slip mat to create contrast.

Pace

Keeping your brain active is essential for living a fulfilling, healthy life. It’s never too early or too late to start! You can enhance and safeguard your brain's health at any age.  Look after your brain by improving heart health, staying active, engaging in mental challenges, eating a healthy diet, and enjoying social activities.

Posture

We are not designed to sit in a chair for long periods of time. Maintaining a supported, relaxed posture helps prevent muscle stiffness and discomfort. Sitting for long periods slows down blood flow, which can impact heart health, brain function, and the muscles in the hips and back. Having a chair and desk that is set up for you is important but standing and moving around is the key to staying healthy.

Simple solutions for everyday tasks in the lounge

Using TV remotes

Simplified TV remotes with large buttons work with any television with an infrared remote. These types of remotes can make it easier to find what you want to watch. Try connecting your headphones to your TV so you can enjoy your favourite programs with clear sound.

Seeing and holding crafts and games

Vision Australia has an online store that sells a range of items to help you see small crafts and needles. There are standard-sized playing cards with large symbols and numbers, or you can buy larger playing cards. Cardholders can help reduce strain during longer games.

Holding and reading books

A simple book stand can ease strain and allow you to sit closer to your book. Many books, diaries and calendars are now printed in large print to make them easier to read. 

 

Using accessibility features

Kindle eReaders have accessibility features to help you read. You can choose a larger font and greater contrast. A Kindle also has a text-to-speak function and will play audiobooks for you.

Assistive products for the lounge

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  • Jumbo Playing Cards

    These playing cards are much easier to see as they're 50% taller than standard cards with ...

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  • Self-threading Needles (6 pack)

    Packet of six hand-sewing needles with a gap at the top of the eye for easy threading....

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  • LP Easy Learning TV Remote

    This simplified TV remote control can be used with televisions which have an existing...

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Enjoy independence every day

Find out how to age your way

Take our easy OpenUp quiz to get personalised advice and see suggested products, services and support in your local area or online.

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