Tips and Suggestions for Independent Living: Home Management Skills

From the CSBPS Public Information Series

Although the following tips and suggestions may be helpful for people who have impaired vision, you may have already developed your own systems that work well for you.

Pouring techniques

• Listen. The sound is loud and clear when you first pour liquids into a cup or glass.  Then as the liquid fills up the cup or glass, the sound fades out.  This indicates that the cup or glass is full.
• Feel the weight. The weight of the glass or cup indicates whether it is full.
• Feel the temperature. Feel the outside of a glass, cup, or container to see whether the liquid inside is hot or cold.
• Use your thumb or finger. Place a thumb or index finger along or over the top of the glass or cup as you are pouring.  When the liquid reaches the thumb or finger, stop pouring.
• Use a liquid level indicator. Place the prong of a liquid level indicator (such as a Say When) inside a glass or cup.  When the liquid reaches the prong and buzzes, stop pouring.

 

Measuring liquids and dry ingredients

• Mark measurements on a large glass measuring cup with Hi-Marks glue, puff paint, or assorted color tabs.
• Use nesting measuring cups and spoons.
• Bend measuring spoons to a 90˚ angle then dip into substance.

 

Peeling, slicing, and cutting

• Use a colored cutting board so the contrasts will help you to see the food item.
• To cut meat, first feel for the edge of the meat with a fork.  Then take the knife, line it up behind the fork, and being cutting.
• To peel food, begin by feeling for the edge, the turn the item counter clockwise while peeling.

 

Using dials on appliances

• Use Hi-Marks glue, puff paint, or Velcro to mark the settings you use most.  The raised dots help you set temperatures by touch.  The same method may be used for microwave ovens.
• Some appliance companies have Braille overlays for stoves and microwaves.
• Put additional lighting around the work area.