Living with arthritis is not easy, especially when daily tasks are almost impossible to manage. Here are just a few of the tools you might want to consider adding to your senior’s arsenal.
Jar Openers
Jars might be a big problem for your senior if her arthritis is flaring up. The problem is that the jar requires your senior to use grip strength and turning strength, which can be difficult at some times. While there are rubberized tools that can help, automatic jar openers might be a better idea. These fit over the jar and use automated strength to pop open jars.
Knob Turners
Doorknobs present a similar problem as jars do. They require some grip strength and some additional strength to operate. Using a knob turner eliminates both problems, though. Your senior only has to lightly squeeze or even press in lightly on the knob turner and then turn the knob. This can reduce the effort she needs to use by quite a bit.
Key Turners and Other Lock Options
Most keys are way too small for seniors to operate with precision when arthritis is flaring up. Key grips and key turners hold the key and make turning it much easier and less painful. You might also consider using electronic locks that only require your senior to punch in an electronic code to unlock the door.
Button and Zipper Devices
Your senior might have some favorite clothing that’s difficult for her to operate. Buttons and zippers are just the type of tiny detail that your senior can have trouble using when arthritis problems are bigger than usual. These tools maneuver the buttons and the zippers for your senior, so that she doesn’t have to.
Sock Helpers
Socks seem easy enough to put on, but arthritis in other parts of your aging family member’s body, like in her hips or in her knees, can make bending to put them on difficult. Sock tools hold onto the sock and your senior uses natural movements to pull the sock onto her foot and leg.
Pen and Pencil Grips
Your senior might not want to type everything, so being able to continue to use pens and pencils is important. Because most pens and pencils are thin, that makes them difficult to grip. Using a slip-on grip widens the pen body and gives your senior something to hold onto that isn’t slippery or too small to manage.
Some of these tools, as helpful as they are, can be frustrating to learn how to use properly. Your senior might also benefit from having the help of home care providers while she’s learning to manage arthritis and assistive devices. They can show her other tips and tricks that help.
IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE ARE CONSIDERING HOME CARE IN BROOKFIELD, IL, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT BRIGHTSTAR CARE LA GRANGE. CALL TODAY: 708-551-2500.
Jar Openers
Jars might be a big problem for your senior if her arthritis is flaring up. The problem is that the jar requires your senior to use grip strength and turning strength, which can be difficult at some times. While there are rubberized tools that can help, automatic jar openers might be a better idea. These fit over the jar and use automated strength to pop open jars.
Knob Turners
Doorknobs present a similar problem as jars do. They require some grip strength and some additional strength to operate. Using a knob turner eliminates both problems, though. Your senior only has to lightly squeeze or even press in lightly on the knob turner and then turn the knob. This can reduce the effort she needs to use by quite a bit.
Key Turners and Other Lock Options
Most keys are way too small for seniors to operate with precision when arthritis is flaring up. Key grips and key turners hold the key and make turning it much easier and less painful. You might also consider using electronic locks that only require your senior to punch in an electronic code to unlock the door.
Button and Zipper Devices
Your senior might have some favorite clothing that’s difficult for her to operate. Buttons and zippers are just the type of tiny detail that your senior can have trouble using when arthritis problems are bigger than usual. These tools maneuver the buttons and the zippers for your senior, so that she doesn’t have to.
Sock Helpers
Socks seem easy enough to put on, but arthritis in other parts of your aging family member’s body, like in her hips or in her knees, can make bending to put them on difficult. Sock tools hold onto the sock and your senior uses natural movements to pull the sock onto her foot and leg.
Pen and Pencil Grips
Your senior might not want to type everything, so being able to continue to use pens and pencils is important. Because most pens and pencils are thin, that makes them difficult to grip. Using a slip-on grip widens the pen body and gives your senior something to hold onto that isn’t slippery or too small to manage.
Some of these tools, as helpful as they are, can be frustrating to learn how to use properly. Your senior might also benefit from having the help of home care providers while she’s learning to manage arthritis and assistive devices. They can show her other tips and tricks that help.
IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE ARE CONSIDERING HOME CARE IN BROOKFIELD, IL, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT BRIGHTSTAR CARE LA GRANGE. CALL TODAY: 708-551-2500.