Life hacks for Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Eating and drinking

Mince hard-to-chew food in a blender for easy swallowing^1,2

Muscle weakness can make chewing and swallowing difficult. Try mincing meat, salads and hard fruit in a food processor to a pâté-like consistency.

Use straws to make drinking out of cups easier¹

There is no need to lift up cups and bottles if you add a straw!

Use adapted cutlery to make mealtimes easier³

Weakness in the fingers and hands can make gripping cutlery difficult. Strap-on or contoured grip cutlery can make eating easier.

Make healthy, soft food dips for easier swallowing^1,2

Homemade hummus and guacamole are some great-tasting, simple to make, healthy snack ideas that do not require any chewing.

Around the house

Install grab bars to make getting around easier⁴

Grab bars are an inexpensive way to make getting around the home easier – whether that is getting into and out of a wheelchair, getting into the shower, going up the stairs or getting out of bed.

Convert a ground-floor room into an accessible bedroom³

This eliminates the need for climbing stairs, which can be difficult as muscles weaken.

Put corner protectors on sharp-edged furniture⁸

Corner protectors help prevent cuts and bruises from falls, which may become more common as DMD progresses.

Get a pressure-relief mattress for sounder sleep⁵

Muscle weakness can make it more difficult to find a comfortable sleeping position. A pressure-relief mattress may provide greater support and comfort.

At school

Use a gripping aid for tablets and keyboards⁶

Muscle weakness can make using a smartphone, tablet or computer more difficult. Mouldable gripping aid shapes can aid touchscreen use and typing.

Put paintbrushes through a tennis ball for better grip⁷

Limited grip strength can make activities like painting challenging, but there is no need to miss out on art class! Try poking paintbrushes through an old tennis ball for an easier grip.

Speech-to-text apps or programmes can document what you say⁹

As writing and typing become more challenging, you might want to download a speech-to-text app, which ‘types’ what you say.

In the bathroom

Get a hair-washing tray for easier and more comfortable hair washing in the sink¹⁰

Quicker, less messy and more comfortable, hair-washing trays are an inexpensive way to modify your bathroom.

Install a walk-in bathtub for easier bathing¹¹

While they are one of the more expensive home modifications, walk-in bathtubs make getting in and out of the bath a whole lot simpler.

Get a shower chair or stool to stay safe in the bathroom¹⁰

Shower chairs or stools can make getting cleaned up a lot safer and easier.

Toilet safety rails provide extra stability at a low cost³

Adjustable, removable bars that fit right around the toilet can add that bit more of convenience.

For caregivers¹²

Prepare for difficult conversations

Be clear on what is important to you by making notes before difficult or serious conversations – whether it is with family members, friends or healthcare professionals.

Make a ‘self-care’ list

Keep a list of activities that make you feel good on those days you need a pick-me-up. Examples could be having a massage, listening to music, going outside or seeing a friend.

Schedule regular time off each week

Caring for someone with a disability can be tiring – both physically and emotionally. Taking breaks is an important way for you to stay healthy – both for yourself and your loved one.

At the doctors

Make the most of doctor’s appointments by coming prepared with a list of questions¹³

Keep a list of any questions you may have about your child or young person’s care so that you can voice any concerns when the time comes.

Keep a ‘medical folder’ of important information^13,14

Keeping all forms and medical information together makes it easier to find the information you need, when you need it.

Ask for copies of doctor’s notes so you can look up information at home¹⁴

That way you can pay extra attention to what the doctor is saying instead of worrying about remembering medical conditions or test results.