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In the lounge

A few simple processes and assistive products will help you relax and enjoy being in the lounge. You can see some suggestions to help you in the lounge below.

Questions to consider:

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

Plan

Set up your chair so that it’s the right seat depth and height for you. If you sit here to read, position a light so that it illuminates the page, but doesn’t shine 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 that you can safely reach drinks and snacks too.

Prepare

Position the chair you prefer to use when crafting or writing so that the natural light from the window is behind you to reduce glare. If you use light coloured needles or pins, make items more visible by setting up a table or lap tray with a black non-slip mat to create contrast.

Pace

Keeping your brain stimulated is essential for living a fulfilling, healthy life. It’s never too early or too late to start, as brain matter can be improved and protected at any age by improving heart health, being physically 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. A supported, relaxed posture prevents static muscle contraction that can cause pain and stiffness due to a build-up of toxins and a lack of oxygen supply to the muscles. When sitting, blood flow is sluggish, negatively impacting heart health, brain function and the muscles in your hips and back. Having a chair and desk that is set up for you is important but standing and moving around regularly is the key to maintaining health and wellbeing.

Simple solutions

Using TV remotes

A range of simplified television remotes with large buttons work with any television that has an existing infrared remote. Using these types of TV remotes and trying headphones connected to your TV can make it easier to watch and hear your favourite shows.

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 that have large symbols and numbers or you can buy larger playing cards. Card holders reduce strain for long games.

Reading and holding books

A simple book stand can alleviate 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. 

Use accessibility features

Kindle eReaders have accessibility features like larger font, greater contrast, a text to speak function and also play audiobooks for you.

Enjoy independence every day

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