When you suffer from arthritis, daily tasks can become difficult because of the joint pain and swelling that the chronic condition causes. Bathing, dressing and household tasks are often problematic, particularly if your arthritis affects your hands badly.
There are several living and mobility aids that can make your life a little easier, such as a lift chair that can help you sit and stand more easily. Long-handled reachers will help you take things from high up shelves, while larger doorknobs and light switches are a simple but effective tool that helps you maintain independent living.
Get a television remote control and a telephone with large buttons so even if your fingers are affected by arthritis, you are still able to use them. Go for kitchen utensils with wide grips and invest in an electric tin opener.
A bath grab bar will help you get in and out of the bath without too much difficulty and a hands-free holder for your hairdryer is a terrific aid for grooming.
Medication bottles can often be a problem as they are designed to be more difficult to open for safety reasons. Invest in rubber vials that open easily when pressed, even with only one hand. Look for over-the-counter pain relief medication sold in large ridged lids that can be opened with one hand.
The Arthritis Society in the US certifies certain products as arthritis friendly because of their packaging and ease of use. The items they have certified are an eclectic collection, including coffee jars, golfing gloves and mattresses. But the important point is that they are asking manufacturers to consider arthritis sufferers when making and packaging their products.
When you find a product or living aid that you consider arthritis friendly, it’s good to share that information with other sufferers and with groups offering support to those with the disease.
Comments are closed.