Outside the House
Have fun outdoors in the garden by following some easy steps and using helpful products. Enhance your independence outside the home with the suggestions below.
How independent are you outside the house?
Start by asking these questions:
- Do you wear well-fitted shoes with low heels and non-slip soles?
- Are there sturdy handrails installed by the stairs and entrances to your home?
- Can you clearly see the edges of your steps? Do your steps have a non-slip surface on them?
- Do you use a key turner to make unlocking your doors easier?
Plan
When selecting plants for your garden, choose low-maintenance native ones. Think about setting up a watering system to keep them healthy. Hydroponic gardens reduce the need for watering and heavy digging. Try installing a pulley system to easily adjust the height of hanging baskets.
Prepare
It's important to prepare your body before doing any work in the garden. Start by doing some gentle warm-up exercises and simple stretches. Install a high-wattage bulb in dark spaces to ensure you can see your way around the garden.
Pace
Set your reticulation on a timer to reduce the need to drag a hose or lift a heavy watering can. Consider turning your garden into a ‘no-dig garden’. These low-maintenance gardens are made from organic material, compost, newspaper, and lucerne hay.
Stepping backwards and forwards is safer than reaching and pushing when using a weeder or hoe. Make sure your garden storage areas are set up so that everything is easily accessible. Store everything at waist-to-shoulder height so you don't have to bend down or stand on tiptoes. Plants in pots are low maintenance and can be easily moved if they are on wheels.
Simple solutions for everyday outside the house tasks
Replacing handles and latches
Replace small latches or handles on hard-to-open cupboards, drawers, and doors. Install a lever or D-shape handle to make them easier to use. Try putting a magnetic door latch on your front and back doors to hold them open while you’re going in and out.
Using assistive products
Use garden tools with ergonomic long handles, like pruners, cutters, and trowels. Installing raised garden beds reduces the strain on your joints and the need to bend or get down low.
Making gardening easier
Try using a gardening trolley and stool with a kneeling board. These products help you keep the tools you need with you while you sit or kneel comfortably in the garden.
Try these maintenance tricks
Try some simple tricks like installing gutter protection to stop leaves from collecting. If you have stripped a screw or your screwdriver is too small, use this great trick. Place a rubber band over the tip of the screwdriver to provide the extra traction you need to turn the screw.
Enjoy independence every day
You can enjoy independence everywhere and everyday. We have created some helpful guides for different areas of your home and life to help you consider what small changes you can make or assistive technology you can use to regain or maintain your independence.