If you’re living with arthritis, certain assistive devices and changes around your home can help you tackle everyday chores with less pain and move around more easily and safely. “When you have to do the same task every day or very frequently, the small changes or tools that allow independence become significant,” says Carole Dodge, an occupational therapist with the University of Michigan’s School of Medicine. Here are some assistive devices, safety tips, and mobility aids that might help you around the house if you have osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or another arthritic condition. You can find hundreds of assistive gadgets at hardware or home goods stores and online. The tools that might be right for you depend on things like where your arthritis is and how bad it is. If you need help narrowing down your options, meet with an occupational therapist (OT) who has experience working with people who have arthritis. “One of the things that I do when I work with somebody is I find out very specifically the tasks that they find challenging — maybe ones they’re avoiding because they’re painful or ones they cannot do at all and they have to ask somebody for [help]. Then we find a tool that’s going to allow them to do that task independently.” Some of her top recommendations for gadgets and tips around the house are: Extended-handle tools. These can help you do things like pick up items off the floor, reach objects on high shelves, and dust or clean more easily. Lightweight appliances. A vacuum or mop that’s easier to move around and carry could cause less stress to your joints. Touch-activated light switches. These can be gentler on your hands and fingers than regular knobs and switches. Almost any electric appliance can be adapted to be touch-on, touch-off, with an adapter that you buy in the electrical portion of the lighting store. Lever handles. You can replace door and sink knobs with these, so you can you use your palms rather than grip with your fingers. Foam pipe insulation. Wrap this around the handle of just about any tool — like utensils, pens, brushes, and kitchen or gardening tools — to grip with less effort and pain. You can also buy tools with bigger, wider handles. Spring-loaded scissors. These can make cutting easier. Electric appliances can save stress on your joints and make housework go faster. Some other tools and tips that might help you in different rooms of your home are: In your kitchen: Pot and pans with two handles might be easier for you to carry. Some rocker knives, which can make slicing easier, are also double-handled. Electric appliances — like a can or jar opener, food processor, blender, or dishwasher — can help you save energy and avoid stress to your hands as you do things like twist lids, scrub, mix, and chop. If you open jars or mix foods manually, a non-skid gripper mat makes the item less likely to slip out of your hands. A bottle brush can help you wash cups and glasses. A cart with wheels lets you move heavy items like plates and grocery bags with less need to lift and carry. In your bedroom: Zipper pulls and button hooks are gadgets that help you fasten clothes. You can also look for clothes with Velcro fasteners. Shoe and sock aids like long-handled shoehorns help you avoid reaching and bending to dress your feet. In your bathroom: A bath stool for your shower or tub lets you sit if standing takes a lot of energy or strains joints. Bath mitts can help you grip slippery soap. An electric toothbrush and a dental floss holder can make it easier to clean your teeth. Grab bars help keep you steady. Some types of arthritis, especially osteoarthritis in your knees or hips, can make you more likely to fall and break a bone. Dodge recommends these tips to lower your chances of falling at home: Remove throw rugs. This is extra important if you use a walker or cane, because they can catch on rug edges. Improve lighting. Make sure your rooms and any staircases are well lit, especially at night. You can buy small lights that shine on steps at any home store that sells lighting. Install a handrail by all steps in and around your home. Have handrails by steps. You probably have one indoors if your home has a second floor. It’s also a good idea to install a handrail alongside any outdoor steps leading to your home. Think twice about ladders. Use a stable step stool with a wide base if you need to climb. Ideally it should have a handle to help you balance. Clean up spills right away. Certain assistive devices and changes around your home can help you tackle everyday chores with less pain and move around more easily and safely if you’re living with arthritis. Consult with an occupational therapist (OT) to find the right assistive gadgets for you. Some recommended gadgets and tips to make tasks easier and less painful include extended-handle tools, lightweight appliances, touch-activated light switches, lever handles, foam pipe insulation, and spring-loaded scissors. Additionally, certain tools and tips can be helpful in different rooms of your home, such as two-handled pots and pans in the kitchen, zipper pulls and button hooks in the bedroom, and a bath stool and grab bars in the bathroom. To lower your chances of falling, remove throw rugs, improve lighting, install handrails, use stable step stools, and clean up spills promptly. If necessary, consult with a physical therapist (PT) to determine if a mobility device or aid can help you move around more easily and to develop a personalized exercise program. Some mobility devices that might be recommended by a PT include a cane, crutches, a walker, a knee brace, an air splint, shoe inserts, and orthopedic shoes.
Living Better with Arthritis: Enhancing Quality of Life with Assistive Devices
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