These adaptive devices can help people live more independently with arthritis.
When a person has arthritis, even simple, everyday tasks and activities can cause crippling pain. It could lead to a loss in self-sufficiency, as the person begins to rely more heavily on others for aid. Fortunately, there are many helpful adaptive devices that can both decrease pain and permit those with arthritis to do as much as possible independently.
What Are the Best Adaptive Devices for Arthritis?
Consider these adaptive devices for a person battling arthritis pain and stiffness.
Help With Household Tasks
- Lever handles: These are easier on arthritic fingers than conventional doorknobs or sink handles, as they can be easily turned with the palms.
- Personal care tools: Getting dressed might be a challenge for people with arthritis. Choose clothes that use Velcro fasteners over zippers or buttons, or items that can be pulled on without fasteners, such as pants with elastic waistbands. Place grab bars next to the toilet and in the shower for safety, and add a shower chair if standing strains the joints.
- Mobility devices: Walking can be painful with arthritis, but it’s necessary to stay as physically active as possible to maintain and build strength. Speak with a physical therapist who can recommend the appropriate tools to help, for example, a cane, walker, crutches, braces, splints, or shoe inserts.
- Grabbers: With extended handles, these practical tools are good for alleviating the need to reach out for an object. Utilize them to pick things up off of the floor or from low or high shelves, or to dust hard-to-reach places.
- Kitchen gadgets: Replace any manually-powered gadgets, including a can opener or hand-held egg beater, with electric or battery-operated models. A dishwasher is invaluable for someone with arthritis, however, if the person would prefer to wash dishes by hand, a bottle brush will help ease the process of washing glasses and cups. Purchase pots and pans with two handles as well, since these are considerably easier to lift and carry.
Preventing Falls
Fall prevention is especially vital for somebody with arthritis. The following tips can help:
- Use non-slip mats or strips in the bathroom, bathtub or shower, in front of the kitchen sink, and any place that may be prone to water splashes or spills.
- Remove throw rugs, clutter, cords or other objects that are in the individual’s walking paths.
- Ensure that the floors are clean and dry all the time.
- Avoid using ladders. A sturdy step stool with handrails and a wide base is a much better alternative when needed.
- Ensure that there’s adequate lighting throughout the home, both inside and out. Add night lights where needed so that the senior can see to go from the bedroom to bathroom, kitchen, and any other rooms they might visit at nighttime.
How Can Home Care Help?
At Anthem Home Care, we are devoted to both providing the support older adults need and encouraging independence. Our care providers are experienced and trained in a variety of home care needs, but will never come in and “take over.”
Let us help someone you love sustain a healthy balance between home health care assistance and autonomy. Contact us today at 361-643-2323 to find out more!