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Following an injury or surgery, you may need to complete daily tasks one-handed for a period of time. These activities can become challenging and time-consuming. You may need to adapt how you complete tasks/activities or even seek help from others. This leaflet provides tips and suggestions to help complete daily activities independently. 

Bathing and showering

  • Protect dressing or splint from getting wet by wrapping in a plastic bag or cling film.
  • Use pump-dispenser products.
  • Squeeze shampoo/conditioner directly onto scalp/hair.
  • Sit down to dry yourself. Put the towel on your knees and rub unaffected arm/hand against the towel.
  • Use toweling dressing gown. 

Dressing

  • Dress injured/affected arm first. 
  • Choose loose clothing with elastic or Velcro instead of buttons or zips.
  • For casual wear, track suits, jeggings and leggings are ideal.
  • Do up your bra at the front and then swivel it around, OR do up your bra, step into it and pull up. 
  • Leave tie tied after removing so that it can be slipped over the head and adjusted next time.
  • On trousers/ skirts, fasten the top button first and then pull up the zip.
  • Choose slip-on or Velcro fastening shoes.
  • Use a shoe horn to get shoes on (sit if needed).
  • Use a bum bag instead of handbag or wallet.

Hygiene

  • Use boxed tissues instead of toilet roll.
  • Put toothbrush on wash-basin, use a flap cap toothpaste and put required amount on to the bristles.
  • Use an electric toothbrush. 
  • Tape a nail file to a work surface and run your nails along it to shape/ file it. 
  • Use laundry/shopping bag to carry washing upstairs/downstairs. 

Eating and drinking

  • Bowls with raised edge help to scoop food.
  • Use non-slip mats to prevent bowls and cups slipping.
  • Use 3 in 1 utensil (e.g. spork). 
  • Soft foods such as mashed potato and pre-cut meats are easier to manage.

Meal Preparation

  • Buy pre-prepared food items (e.g. chopped vegetables, meat, fruits).
  • Have others open jars/ tins and transfer into tupawear containers. 
  • Have others bulk prepare meals for the freezer. 
  • Fill kettle with a jug if you find lifting it with one hand is too heavy. Alternatively, use a small travel kettle.
  • Soak dishes in hot water after use as soon as possible to make cleaning easier.
  • Place washed dishes on a tea towel on a flat surface.

Contact details

Hand therapy departments:

0300 6133396 for Frimley

0300 6140540 then Option 2 Wexham or Option 3 for Heatherwood

Contact us

If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Hand therapy service.

About this information

Service:
Hand therapy

Reference:
UU/053

Approval date:
19 February 2026

Review date:
1 February 2029

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Important note 

This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.