Chronically ill people spend more time in their homes than healthy people. That makes it even more important that our home environment meets our health needs. At times having a healthy home is difficult to achieve because a limited income constricts our housing choices. There are ways to improve your environment no matter where you live.
One way to control your environment is by using cleaning products that are not toxic. http://www.care2.com/greenliving/5-simple-alternatives-to-toxic-cleaning-products.html Those with Environmental Illness are especially sensitive to chemicals and their health can be severely effected by exposure to cleaning chemicals. They are the canary birds of our current society warning us of the dangers of the proliferation of chemicals present in every day life. Like the canaries in the coal minds warning of gas in the tunnels these individuals show us the danger of chemical overload can present to our bodies.The following link is to the Environmental Resource Center and contains lots of information on the subject: http://www.ei-resource.org/ .
Another housing consideration is if your housing is accessible enough so you are able to function well in it. I live in a mobile home and it meets my needs well since it is all on one level. This has enabled to do my laundry without being exhausted by stairs. It has a small square footage which makes it easier to clean. I am able to live in a quiet environment which allows me to rest more thoroughly.
Is your home helping you to be more functional? If not are there simple solutions to make the home safer? Brighter lights for those with dimming eyesight might be as simple as a light bulb change. Taping down scatter rugs would make walking safer for someone no longer steady on their feet. Installing wall bars in the bathroom could keep a person independent in the bathroom.
Sometimes simple renovations or purchases can make a home more comfortable. Flooring could be changed to make it more walker or wheelchair friendly. A more accessible tub or shower could be installed. A chair that lifts could be bought to assist rising out of the sitting position.
It just takes a minute to sit down and think about your problems and how you can address them. Often an Occupational Therapist is a good person to give advice in this area. http://www.saot.ca/OT.htm
What do you do if your housing really is contributing to your health issues? You may have to consider moving. You may have come to the time when you require more care or a home without chemical problems in the air. Many local governments have housing for the disabled you may qualify for or assisted living facilities. The final decision will be yours. Will your home help your health or damage it?
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