Handbook for Women with Visual Impairment - 11.

HOME MANAGEMENT AND SHOPPING
  

By
Dr. Kusum Lata Malik

Home Management has been the sole responsibility of women-folk in the context of Indian culture. Even today, their proficiency is adjudged from the quality of their house-hold work. Now, the rise in the educational level has further increased the areas of their activities. They have to perform on both the fronts-Domestic as well as work-place. Home Management awareness can enable them to take on the double challenge with ease and proficiency.
  

Visually impaired women have been enduring the sting of social neglect since time immemorial. Now they are becoming conscious of their entity and are realizing that they can play an important and positive role in the society. Education and rehabilitation has developed a new awakening in them. Even then, home management remains and continues to be a demanding challenge. It is said that we acquire eighty percent of our knowledge through vision and the remaining twenty percent through other sense-organs. These women, despite being deprived of knowledge emanating from sight, have to bear hundred percent domestic, social and professional obligations. To carry out these duties and responsibilities efficiently, knowledge of home management is imperative.
  

Concept and Form
  

Home management is comparatively a new concept, although women have been managing house-hold duties ever since human beings started living in shelter as a family. In India, studies in this field started during the 70’s. Today, besides Delhi University, many other universities are also offering Diploma and Certificate courses in this subject. Home management deals with house-hold working as a whole.
  

A good house-hold environment is a cherished dream of every home-maker. Transforming this dream into a reality has been the focus of studies in the subject and comes under the purview of the art of home management. This art has different aspects and to facilitate the visually impaired persons, these aspects have to be given a shape. Comprehension of this subject has to be dealt with with precision and care. Constant activities, alertness and environmental awareness become salient points with reference to visually impaired; which need to be developed continuously.
  

Budget and Time-Management
  

House-hold work has various dimensions. Economic status needs to be identified in managing the house-hold. Maintaining a balance between your income and expenditure is the key to home management. Monthly account-keeping of these two areas and knowledge of the saving schemes is a must for all women. Indiscriminate following of new fashion trends should be avoided in order to remain within the limits of the budget. Only an ignorant person gets satisfaction from unnecessary buying. Wise women always ascertain the needs of a particular item before going in for shopping. This ensures a balanced budget.
  

In case you come under low or lower middle income-group, you should be very conscious and skilful in planning your expenditure like food, shelter, clothing. You have to manage educational and social commitments within a limited income of between Rs.3000 to 10000. If you are a middle or high middle class consumer, then the aforesaid expenses are to be met within a range of Rs.10 to 25000. High income group tends to overspend on their personal needs and comforts. They should be sensitive enough to divert some of their resources towards the welfare of the society.
  

Time waits for none. Nobody can predict as to how much time is left with her. Therefore, each moment is precious. Myth among the people is that two women can’t sit quietly as they normally indulge in gossiping whenever they meet. Contrary to this, today’s women are committed to their family and profession which in turn tends to be a very time consuming exercise for them. Therefore, time has to be managed in terms of caring for the house and preparing meals.
  

Daily routine of children should be so scheduled as to provide proper and adequate time for studies-watching TV, out-door games, meals and going to bed. Elders should also stick to the routine to become role-models for the youngsters. Spend quality time with the children. Occasional outings should be planned for the children to refresh them.
  

When the lady of the house is to go out, she should cater for the food in advance for the remaining family members. If you have domestic helper at home instruct and motivate them to work diligently in your absence. As a matter of principle, stick to the timing as far as possible. Even when some friend, neighbours or relative turn up uninformed we should politely apprise them of our prior commitment. In case you have time to spare, you can keep on working and conversing with them.
  

Safety Measures and Use of Domestic Appliances
  

Visually impaired women have to be extra careful while using the Gadgets to avoid mishaps. Proper knowledge of working and maintenance of these equipments is needed.
  

Gas-Burner:
  

This is an essential item for the kitchen of all income groups. There are two types of Gas Burners-with and without-lighter, the latter has inbuilt lighter in it. These burners should be used keeping a safe distance of about one foot. Always hold the knob with left hand and use the right hand for the lighter so that left hand thumb can press and rotate the knob clockwise. If the combustion does not take place while using the lighter, turn off the knob anti-clockwise immediately. Always work on a low flame while making chapatti, cooking and frying. While using the cooker, as soon as pressure is built, make the flame lower. As the cooking is over, switch off the gas regulator. It should never be kept on at night. If the burner is inbuilt and automatic, the ignition takes place by just pressing and the turning knob. At times, it flares up suddenly due to release of excessive gas supply. In that case put off the regulator. As the cooking is over, wait for half an hour and then scrub the burner with wet cotton cloth. At least, once a month the holes of the burner should be cleaned with the gas pin. These holes can be felt with the fingers. Even then if there is some problem contact the dealer. Keep the gas cylinder in the open, if possible.
  

Chimney /Exhaust Fan:
  

Earlier, the smoke from the wood and coal was hazardous to the health of housewife. With the introduction of chimney in the kitchen, she has bee rescued and relieved from this menace. It is fixed six to seven feet above the floor, on top of the burner. It sucks away grease along with smoke and odour. Smoke etc. is siphoned out of the house through the pipe in the wall. Chimney should be kept operational when food is fried or seasoned.
  

Operating the chimney does not need much skill. It has two switches-the first one is to put it ‘OFF’ & ‘ON’ and selection for the mode, the other one is for the purpose of illumination. While frying the mode should be set on maximum. Normal mode may be used for normal cooking. The cleaning of the chimney is rather cumbersome because all the grease settles on its surface. If it is cleaned regularly with soaped-scrubber and wet cotton cloth, the oily layer vanishes easily. For cleaning the inner side, cotton cloth soaked in kerosene oil or any other detergent can be used. The fences and mesh can be cleaned with hot water and detergent. Light provided in the chimney is to be used only for observing the stage of cooking.
  

Many kitchens have exhaust fans fitted in them. They can be switched on while frying and cooking as they expel smoke and strong smells out of the kitchen.
  

Refrigerator:
  

There are different models of refrigerators in the market. Their capacities vary according to their size. There are ‘Single Door’, ‘Double door’, ‘with water outlet on the Door’ and many other varieties. But one must go for the energy efficient ones by seeing how many stars they have.
  

Refrigerator should be placed one to one and a half feet away from the wall. Refrigerator is used for preserving the food items for a longer duration. To save time on daily shopping, vegetables, fruits and sweets can be stored for a week. Visually impaired women should remember the placement of the items in different shelves. Liquids like milk, curd and curries should be placed in the inner space to avoid spilling. Kneaded flour and cooked vegetables may be kept in front, water bottle in the door-shelves, dry fruits, Sujee and raw meat etc. inside the freezer. Try to consume the cooked food the same day-leftover if any should be used only after thorough reboiling. Refrigerator should not be opened frequently and for longer duration. Each time ensure that the door is properly closed. Keeping the regulator at ‘Normal Temperature’ is advisable. While cleaning the Refrigerator, we should keep in mind the following precautions-First disconnect the main plug, secondly take out the entire food stuff, thirdly take out chill tray and vegetable basket. Lastly take out ice-tray and make them empty.
  

Prepare a solution of any cleaning agent like ‘COLINS’. Two litre water shall suffice to dilute the cleaning agent. Dip a clean cotton cloth and wipe the inside of the Refrigerator. Trays can be scrubbed with vim, after letting it dry, replace the items space-wise. The top of the fridge should be dusted daily. To be on the safe side switch the fridge off while wiping the floor.
  

Ironing Press:
  

Well kept clothes enhance the bearing of a person. Visually impaired persons can iron clothes by taking due safety measures. Iron should be purchased from reputed companies, with ISI marking.
  

Iron is marked according to various textiles such as cotton, synthetic, woollen and silk. The knob is to be adjusted clockwise. You will be able to identify the marks with little attention. After use, take care that it is not placed on the wire. Keep it in a corner, so that you do not trip on it. Place it horizontally on the edge. If the base of the iron gets rusted, clean it with lime or get it replaced from the dealer. Standard companies sell stainless steal irons. Nowadays, light weight steam irons are also available.
  

Other kitchen appliances like Food processor mixy, toaster, microwave oven, washing machines, cooler or air conditioner should be used only after you have gone through the instructions given in the manual with these items. Clean the fans, tube lights once a month at least. Switch off all the M.C.Bs (circuit breakers) before cleaning.
  

Cleanliness and Health
  

Health depends on the cleanliness of the house, to a great extent. Kitchen, bathroom and toilet need special attention in this context.
  

Kitchen:
  

Kitchen management is an art and women are expected to be deft in this. Visually impaired women should acquire the skill in this art if they want to be socially accepted as an independent entity. It is not necessary that your kitchen be very large or have expensive items. It is the maintenance of utensils, containers etc. that matters. Visitors should compliment your skill of arranging things nicely and keeping the kitchen spic and span. Use harmless disinfectants to clean the sink surface and beneath also. Wipe the tiles of the walls and floor. Pay full attention to the small chores like brooming, mopping etc.
  

Bathroom & Toilet:
  

Sweep it with wiper after taking bath. Hang some refreshing agent like ‘Odonil’ to keep away insects and foul smell. Corners and walls of the bathroom should be cleaned properly.
  

Toilet needs special care. Put some cleaning and disinfectant liquid in the pot at night. Brush and rinse it in the morning. The lid of the pot should always be covered after use.
 

Disaster Management
  

Get your expensive house hold items and the house insured against natural calamities or other accidents. Insurance companies take into account all the gadgets and area of the house. Premium amount is fixed accordingly. Thus disaster management is also an important part of house management. Visually impaired women must be able to identify geographical location of their house. Some areas are within earth quake zone or are prone to floods and drought. One should be aware of the category in which one’s house falls. Make yourself knowledgeable of the causes and management of Disasters.
  

Management of Colours
 

People usually think that visually impaired persons have no sense of colour. This is a myth. When one sense organ is not active, rest of senses become super active, because of continued use.
  

Colour combination is a physical and external problem. To meet this challenge take care of these points: Paint the house in light shades to give it a well lighted look. Dark shades make it look gloomy and dingy. Drawing room, dining space and kitchen look nice in light brown, Fawn, skin colour or light grey. Pink, blue and peach give a cosy or warm feeling. Kid’s room needs bright colours. Match the shade of the walls with curtains, furniture and sofa covers. Multicolour matching is also liked by people. Computerized shades can also be selected. While buying the paints, take the help of a friend or relative whose choice is trusted.
  

While shopping the clothes for self and family take into account the body size, complexion and season. Select dark shades for winters and light for summers. Jewellery, footwear, hand bags matching with dresses, give an elegant look. External appearance is a significant factor in social acceptance.
  

Social Behaviour
   

Interaction with guests, relatives, friends and neighbours is the practical aspect of home management. This is the criterion of the skill and sensitivity of a home-maker.
  

Visually impaired persons have special challenges with reference to the concept of socialization. Often they leave their homes in childhood in pursuit of knowledge. Youth is spent in endeavours for suitable socio-economic rehabilitation. Therefore the norm of behaviour in the society is an important lesson for them.
  

Our culture lays stress on welcoming the guests. ‘Atithi Devo Bhav’ is a cherished saying.
  

‘Atithi’ means-without date. But now we have various means of communication, so visits can be planned.
   

Make yourself presentable, decently dressed, to greet your guests. Welcome them with a smile. Give them the feeling that you are delighted to meet them. Offer water and sweets if possible. Serve with love and care, whatever is cooked if it is meal time. Try to know the purpose of their visit.
  

Whenever your neighbour calls on you, do not hasten to invite him in. He may have come to convey some important message only. You can not see his face expressions. Never open the door without ensuring the identity of the visitor, through grills, mesh or window pane.
  

Domestic Helpers
  

Domestic helper related crimes are on the rise. Employment of helpers should always be subjected to verification. This can be managed by providing photograph and registering permanent address of the candidate, in the nearest police station. It is imperative even if your helper is provided by the placement agency. In case of mishap he or she can be traced easily by the police.
  

Surveillance should be kept on the helper. He should be coaxed to work according to your directions. Give him food yourself. Do not discriminate. Living or sleeping space for them should not have any exit door. If this is not possible lock the doors yourself at night. Keep the keys in safe custody. Once a month grant him an outing. Do not shout at him. Deal softly. But if he makes the same mistakes be stern, sometimes.
  

Cooking and Serving
  

The aim of cooking is not filling your stomach with anything hurriedly. This leads to mental and physical stress. Gadgets like microwave oven, toaster and cooker enable you to cook nutritious and delicious meals.
  

Meals should be cooked keeping in view the age, income and season. Children need more calories. Medium age members and elderly have different requirements. Food should be based on balanced diet principles. Include seasonal vegetables and fruits. Add a portion of soyabean flour in winters and gram flour to the wheat in summers to make nutritious chapattis.
  

While serving take care that you serve curries, dal, raita, kheer, custard in deep bowls, dry vegetable, halva etc. in flat small plates. Slice the salad in round or oval shape. Prepare 4-6 chapaties and then give a call for lunch or dinner. Use paper napkins carefully. Serve sweetdish after meals. Last of all, mouth fresheners like Saunf (Aniseed), laung (Cloves), Ilaichi (Green Cardamom) or Mishri (Sugar Candy) can be offered in a small dish. Table laying should be impressive and inviting. Every serving bowl should have a serving spoon with it. Water jug with glasses is a must for the table.
  

Shopping Sources
  

Globalization is at its peak today. Consumerism is evident everywhere. Traders try to attract the consumers in every possible way. Measures should be adopted to save oneself from becoming a mere product or consumer. Shopping is mainly the responsibility of women. So keeping in view the limits of the budget, one has to carry out this liability. Visually impaired women should first of all, try to explore and get well-acquainted with the area of the nearest market, so that in the absence of any help, they can go and buy the goods. Try to be self-sufficient. Buy the daily consumable items like milk, bread and fruits from nearby market.
  

Shopping of fresh fruits and vegetables is a little challenging. But this can be accomplished with little alertness. You can shop right vegetables and fruits by their feel and smell. Ripe fruits smell differently. Press them softly and find out the quality of the fruit. If the fruit and vegetable has wrinkles, take it as stale and sun burnt. This is applicable specially to such vegetables and fruits as Tori (Bottle Gourd), Bhindi (Lady’s Finger), Gheeya (Gourd), Tinda (Round Gourd), Mooli (Raddish), Gajar (Carrot), Banana, Pear, Apples etc. Tightness and smooth feel defines their freshness.
  

Buy your monthly rations from stores like Big Apple, Big Bazar, Subhiksha or Reliance Fresh. Their prices are comparatively less and quality is good. In the absence of these shopping centres, search a nearby shop which sells all the quality items needed during the month. Home delivery may be requested through telephone or email. You need to have a credit card or on line account for email orders. The rations here may be a little expensive but quality and service is flawless. Moreover, you save the fare, energy and dependence on others.
 

Always check the expiry, validity and packing date before buying. Take full advantage of schemes launched by companies.
 

Arrange your currency notes in your purse in a certain order of small/big denomination. This will enable you to take out the desired notes without anyone’s help. If any domestic helper is with you do not depend on him totally. He should only carry the items and show you the way. When you have to buy expensive things or clothes, take the help of a friend or relative. They can help you in making choices of colour and design. Be alert and active while shopping.
  

Gold ornaments must be Hall marked to be sure of the purity. Buy other items which have I.S.I. marking. Get the receipt of every small or big item. Do not try to save on sales tax. No shopkeeper should allure you in to buying things without a cash memo. As a responsible citizen, it is our duty to pay the sales tax. Besides this, whenever there is some complaint, receipt is always needed.
  

Keeping Important Papers:
  

Keep all the receipts properly tagged or stapled in a file. All the user manuals, warranty cards and AMC receipts should also be properly kept. Bank passbooks, cheque books, ATM cards, property papers, FDRs (Fixed Deposit Receipts) and passbooks of Recurring Deposits, all the investment related documents-all must be kept safely. You can keep the photo copies of them and note in Braille or record in audio form, the PIN number/ registration number/Customer ID number etc. One can buy a file with different slots/ pockets to store these important papers.
  

After making the payment of recurring expenditure like the electricity, water, telephone bills, children’s fee etc. you must keep them in separate files.
  

Consumer Rights:
  

Every consumer should be aware of her/his rights and legal implications. Exchange and return are the special rights of consumers. If a shopkeeper does not oblige, one can approach the Consumer Forum. This costs a Rs.100 postal order or Bank Draft. You can if you wish, present your case yourself or a Government lawyer can also help you. Complaint application must be signed by two known persons.
  

Conclusion:
  

To conclude, we can say that visually impaired women can attain efficiency in home management by being aware, alert, sensitive and systematic. Proficiency in the area would greatly facilitate their social rehabilitation and integration. Research and experience have proved conclusively that visually impaired women can be skilled and successful home makers and the foregoing paragraphs seek to present practical and workable solutions.

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