ENERGY CONSERVATION TECHNIQUES.pptx

Energy Conservation Techniques in Occupational Therapy

1. Energy Conservation Techniques Shamima Akter B.Sc ( Hons ) in Occupational Therapy & Masters in Rehabilitation Science (enrolling) Assistant Professor Department of occupational therapy Bangladesh health professions institute (BHPI)

2. Energy Conservation Techniques Energy conservation is a multi-layered skill that offers many direct benefits: preserving physical function (increase endurance, maintain strength and muscle power), promoting wellness, maintaining a sense of personal efficacy and/or enhancing performance in activities of daily living; therefore preventing muscle strain, respiratory and cardiovascular stress . Fatigue secondary to disability Back pain Aging Palliative care Rheumatoid arthritis Osteoarthritis Musculoskeletal conditions Pulmonary care Cardiac care

3. Principles Plan ahead Pace yourself Prioritize Sit when possible Use work simplification technique Maintain good posture

4. PRINCIPLES EXAMPLES Plan ahead Gather all items needed before an activity Spread heavy and light tasks throughout the day and week 2. Pace yourself Perform energy-demanding tasks earlier in the day Plan the day to balance rest and activity Break activities into smaller units that can be done over a number of days Pace yourself during activities, and do not rush Take frequent rest breaks

5. PRINCIPLES EXAMPLES 3. Prioritize Decide activities that are important to be completed and ones that can be completed later or eliminated Delegate tasks to other family members 4. Sit when possible Use a seat in the shower Sit on the bed or a chair to get dressed Consider using a high stool

6. PRINCIPLES EXAMPLES 5. Use work simplification technique Eliminate unnecessary tasks (e.g. buy permanent- press clothes, precut vegetables) Work in a well lit and well ventilated environment 6. Maintain good posture Avoid a prolonged stooped posture Avoid excessive reaching and bending by prearranging work centers to be at an appropriate height and keeping frequently used items at comfortable heights

7. Grooming Sitting by the sink or mirror when combing your hair, brushing your teeth, washing your face requires less energy. Using enlarged or built up handles for toothbrushes or combs when your grip strength is decrease will take less energy.   Use electric toothbrush as an alternative to conserve energy.

8. Dressing Try to do major part of a task while seated in a chair.  It is easier to put the weak arm in the sleeve first when dressing and to take your trong arm out of the sleeve first when undressing. Take frequent breaks in between. Loose-fitting tops with front-closing zippers, ties or buttons are most convenient. A button hook may help you with manipulating small shirt and trouser fastenings/ buttons.

9. Showering/Bathing Use a hand held shower and long handled sponge to reach behind your back and toes. Drying off with terry cloth robe requires less energy than drying off with a towel. Rest before and after your bath/shower. Use a bath seat with back support in the tub while showering to conserve energy.

10. Housework Sit rather than stand to do a task if possible. Alternate work and rest periods to allow your energy bank to replenish. Break down activities and perform them throughout the week, balancing light with heavy tasks. Have work in front of you rather then at the side. Slide rather than lift objects. Use long handled dustpans/ bathtub sponge to decrease the need for bending. Store frequently used items in containers to reduce unnecessary trips around the house.

11. Housework Continue.. Containerize: put everything needed for a task in a basket, e.g. Group together items for morning care. To decrease fatigue, use fitted sheets to eliminate energy spend on making the bed. Transporting items in a bundle buggy rather than carrying them in a basket requires less energy. Pace your work schedule:  Don’t try to complete all the tasks in one day. Have a weekly plan for scheduling major tasks such as washing, shopping, cleaning so one task can be done each day.

12. Cooking Assemble all ingredients and utensils before beginning to prepare a dish. Plan ahead with meal preparation Make large meals and freeze them for later use. Use lightweight cookware to conserve energy. Use paper plates or plastic cups for snacks/lunches to eliminate dishwashing. Use electric appliances such as can openers, blenders, food processors, dishwashers, etc. to conserve energy. Eliminate unnecessary steps if possible, e.g. let dishes air-dry rather than drying them by hand.

13. Groceries Organize your grocery list by aisle. Shop with someone who can assist with bags. Consider using grocery delivery service temporarily for heavy items. In addition, you should consider safety in your home environment.  When you are tired and weak, it is all too easy to have an accident that can delay your recovery .

14. Safety Suggestions Remove scatter rugs or use double-sided tape to secure it down. Clear all small objects such as bathroom scales, door stops from the floor to eliminate the possibility of slipping/tripping. Install additional phones to avoid tripping over extension cords.  Use cordless phones as an alternative. Check stair treads/thresholds for loose hardware since most falls occur on the last step of stairs, make it more visible by having the area well lit or painting it a different colour . Use railings where present. Have a lamp beside your bed to avoid stumbling in the dark. Check the bathroom. Use rubber mats in the tub or shower to prevent slipping.