I have difficulty climbing stairs (weak muscles from a med)
by
Kathy
+5
Now, I need to move into a rental while my house is sold. The laundry is in the basement, of course. Stairs are sturdy wood, but what can I do to make the climb easier? It is a temporary 6 month rental, so don't want to buy a portable washer dryer set, or do the plumbing and electricity needed to put the utilities on the main floor (both things I have done before).
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Check out this link: http://daynatay.blogspot.com/2013/08/10-ideas-to-help-elderly-walk-up-stairs.html
It has some awesome ideas
Don't go down in the basement! That's the title of a cheesy horror movie from many years ago. But just don't. Keep 2-3 sets of sheets handy so you don't have to wash sheets often. Same with towels and other heavy items. Wash everything you can in the sink with a little detergent, rinsing well. Hang the clothes you would normally put in the dryer wherever you can, in the bathroom, in sunlight, over a heating vent. Use a dry cleaners or laundry where they wash, dry, and fold your sheets and towels and clothes. If you have friends or relatives who say, "Let me know if you need anything," ask them to do your big laundry at your rental or at their house. Swallow your pride now. You will need a lot more help if you miss just one step and break your hip or your back. Kathy, you are worth the precautions.
Even though you may not want to, ask for help. It is temporary. I didn't have basement stairs to contend with, but after my back surgeries and (other various medical procedures), I couldn't lift a thing. It was challenging as I couldn't bend either, try feeding pets and washing pet bowls . . . So I really feel for you. Get family, friends or neighbors to take down and bring up for you if at all possible.
Thank-you for your kind reply. Kathy
maybe your best bet would be to contact your local county social services and ask for someone to come to your home and have then do the laundry one a week or every other week.
You shouldn't be manuvering the stairs, especially when carrying laundry. This is an accident waiting to happen. Please turn to a relative, friend or social services for assistance.