Let’s focus on making our homes more amenable for those with chronic pain.
In a world where over 20% of US adults grapple with chronic pain and nearly 7% endure high-impact chronic pain, a surprising ally emerges – home design and technology. Simple adjustments like installing grab bars in a bathroom, which cost under $20, can provide significant relief for those with pain in their thighs, back, or shoulders. And–tweaking our homes to accommodate chronic pain sufferers better doesn’t have to be costly, need professional work, or disrupt our aesthetic sensibilities. Imagine your home subtly modified, effortlessly blending form and function. Home adjustments, thus, become a beacon of hope in the struggle against chronic pain, offering ease where it’s needed the most.
Where to Start
Suppose you have health issues like osteoarthritis, back problems, or muscle pain all over (as can occur with fibromyalgia). In that case, it can interfere with your daily activities, including showering, cooking a meal, and getting dressed. If you are thinking of doing a little remodeling at home, the first step is to enlist the help of an occupational therapist. They will quickly identify the parts of your home that you must prioritize based on your home’s layout and contents and your reported daily activities.
One of the most important tasks they can help you with is saving energy so that you have enough left at the end of the day to dedicate to the things and people who matter to you. If you rent a home, ask your landlord to be present during this visit—especially if you have an officially recognized disability. Landlords must accommodate disabled tenants by making necessary changes at their own expense. Tenants also have the right to make reasonable modifications at their expense to enable them to live comfortably and safely in their homes.
Making Daily Life Easier
A few accommodations that can make a big difference when living with chronic pain include lowering sinks and countertops in the bathroom and kitchen, respectively. What’s more, in the kitchen, there should be enough legroom beneath the sink or countertop in case you need to do the dishes or prepare food in a sitting position. If you work from home, then the positioning of your work spot can make a big difference. Relocate close to a restroom or outside spot where you take your breaks. Make your space as comfortable as possible, ensuring you have a good heater/air conditioner for the warmest and coolest seasons. Lighting is also vital, especially if you have chronic headaches or eye pain.
Boosting Safety
As reported by the National Institutes of Health, chronic pain (especially multisite pain) is a risk for falls. For instance, among seniors, falls are often related to osteoarthritis, neuromuscular effects on balance and gait alteration, and poor cognitive function. One of the most important ways to enhance safety and decrease pain when getting in and out of the shower is by installing a walk-in shower. It can also help to buy a highboy toilet seat (if squatting is painful), install grab bars throughout the bathroom, and (if you have a tub) fit an adjustable transfer bench by the tub so it’s easy to get in and out. You can also reduce your fall risk by installing slip mats on steps and guard rails on outdoor steps. Embrace a minimalistic rather than a cluttered design, and get rid of throw rugs—which can move and cause a tumble.
Widening Doorways
It can be costly to knock down walls, but doing so is vital if your pain requires you to use a wheelchair. The work may not be as complicated or expensive as it seems. Still, it is essential to consult with a structural engineer to determine a wall’s load capacity in case additional support is required. It may be sufficient to replace a thick door frame with a narrower one or easily create a new opening adjacent to the existing one.
Conclusions
If you have chronic pain, your home’s layout and features can greatly affect your happiness and comfort. Invest in the renovations you need to save energy for the enjoyable moments in your life. You don’t need to make all these changes at once, but consulting with an occupational therapist can help you prioritize the renovations that should be prioritized.
Author Jennifer Dawson
Published by International Pain Foundation, Team IPain, iPain Blog
