Helpful Hints

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Use long handled devices to reach things.

Ex.  Long handled BBQ tongs

Buy an automatic jar opener to open new jars

Explore various manual jar openers

Run hot water over the lid of the jar before trying to open

Use an electric can opener instead of a manual one

Use something flat like a table knife to open tabs on soup cans or beverage cans

Use long handled scrubbers

Bath bench

Grab bars in shower and tub.  They work well on the outside of the shower/tub also.

Be sure you can get out of a bathtub!    Some people get stuck.

Raised toilet or toilet seat

Toto toilet with built-in bidet.  One unit or add-on seats to regular toilet.

https://washlet.totousa.com/view-all-products

Other brands are also available.  This is not an advertisement for Toto :)

Heated towel rack. Turn it on 15 minutes before shower for a warm towel. Also helps to dry the towel.

Under-floor electric warming mat so that the whole bathroom can be warm for bathing.  

Install French style door handles that you can push down instead of the round knobs that you have to squeeze to turn

2 story house - Consider installing a stair lift.  Helps prevent falls.  Cheaper than moving.

Having trouble turning your key in the ignition?  Use a device to build up the head of the key to make it easier to turn.

Keep something long and slim like chop sticks to fish out things you drop into narrow spaces

Steering wheel cover - the padding increases the diameter of the
steering wheel which helps with gripping and with hot and cold temperature of the steering wheel.

Heated car seats.  

Mylar "space-blankets" for emergencies really do work. Great to keep one in your car. 

Consider buying a lift chair for your existing car.  Many mobility centers have suggestions.

Buying a new car?  Here are some things to consider:

It can be hard to get in and out of a car.  Consider something where the seats are higher.  They are easier to get into and out of and there isn't a big lip to lift your foot over into the footwell.

The ease of getting into and out of a car can really impact how mobile and self-reliant a person feels. 

Test drive or rent cars you think might work for you.

Standard shift or automatic?

Self adjusting mirrors

There are various chemical pouches to keep your hands and feet warm, but you can also just put dry white rice into a tube sock and tie off the end of the sock.  Microwave for 30+ seconds to heat to your desired heat, then use has a hand or foot warmer.   Sleeping with this keeps your hands or feet warm all night.

  snapheat.com reusable hand warmers
http://www.snapheat.com/shop/sh35-3x5-hand-warmer 

Use a heated foot rest/pad under your desk, and drape a light blanket
over your lap trap warm air by your feet. The sturdiest and least expensive
foot warmer = a pet warming pad. They come in a variety of sizes and
have washable covers.

Flannel or fleece sheets and/or flannel pajamas.  

A feather or down substitute is warm and lighter weight than blankets.
 

Drink warm water or fill a mug with hot water and wrap your hands around it.

If you are in the PG&E service area, go to their website and sign up for a Medical Baseline which provides you with more energy for less cost.

See is you qualify for the CARES program for reduced rates.

Request an energy check of your house.

www.pge.com