| Chapter 1 - Living
Independently... What's It All about? |
Living independently...
what's it all about? It's about living on your own, being responsible for
yourself, controlling your own life and making your own decisions – and
taking risks! It can be challenging at times, but it can also be very
rewarding. Think about why you feel you should live independently. Is it
because people think you should, or because you want to? Ask yourself why
you want to live on your own.
|
| Chapter 2 - Moving In |
Pack breakable items to
ensure they remain secure during the move. Don't pack things in newspapers
- the black ink may get all over your belongings, like dishes, and then
you will have to wash them again. Use paper towel - when you unpack, you
can use them for cleaning in your new place.
|
| Chapter 3 - Safety in the
Home |
Burns. Place burns
(including sunburns) immediately under cool water to relieve pain and
swelling. If cool water is not available, use anything cold, such as a
cold juice bottle that can be rolled over the skin. Don't put anything
else on a burn unless you know the burn is minor. Only put something that
is cold and wet (like a damp tea towel) on the burn until a doctor looks
at it. Do not breathe on, cough over or touch the burned area. If the burn
is minor, wipe with aloe vera plant juice. Dress with a burn ointment and
sterile gauze. Never break blisters.
|
| Chapter 4 - Looking after
Yourself |
When you're on your own,
it's natural to be lonely at times. You lived with your family or other
people for many years, and you may need time to get used to being alone.
There are many ways to cope.
|
| Chapter 5 -Housekeeping |
Drying laundry. If
you do not have access to a clothes dryer or do not wish to use one, buy a
folding dryer rack from a department or hardware store. It folds up easily
when not in use. If hanging clothes up to dry, avoid using metal hangers,
which can leave rust stains.
|
| Chapter 6 - What's
Cooking!?! |
Read labels. Try to
get in the habit of reading the ingredient lists on products before you
buy them. Try not to buy products that are loaded with sugars (glucose,
fructose, sucrose, etc.). Also watch for monosodium glutamate (MSG),
sulphates, and artificial colours and flavours, which bother some people.
Ingredients are listed on the label in the order of those contained in
highest amounts.
|
|
Chapter 7 - Getting
along with Others. |
Learn to read body
language. It can help you understand others and know how they are feeling.
Also be aware of what your own body language says to others. Remember that
body language can give clues, but it's not always an accurate indicator of
how someone is feeling.
|
| Chapter 8 - Social
Occasions |
Weddings. Dress
formally, unless otherwise specified on the invitation. But do not try and
outdo the bride or groom. White is reserved for the bride. Men should wear
a tie.
|
| Chapter 9 - Managing Time, Goals
and Stress |
"Hard work, perseverance
and belief in myself. At times, I've failed, but I've learned to keep
trying. You can't grow or succeed unless you risk failure. It hurts, but
it does pass." – Ing Wong
|
| Chapter 10 - Choosing Your
Path |
Research your
options. Before you reject a possible career because you think you
can't do the job, find out more about your options. Are there some
assistive devices or technologies that would enable you to succeed at the
job?
|
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