May is Arthritis Awareness Month, and Homecare Advocate, is uncovering some great assistive devices that could benefit anyone with arthritis! We’re doing a 3-part series on these handy helpers. Last week we focused on getting up and going; this week is things you can use in your home.
Helpful home assistive devices
Cranking a manual can opener by hand can be challenging for arthritic hands. Electric can openers are easy to use and take up a minimal amount of space.
These easy-grip reachers are great for picking up items that are difficult to reach. The rubber grip tips can grasp a variety of objects, which is helpful for items on the floor, in upper cabinets, or even in-between the space of the wall and your refrigerator. Plus, these have metallic tips that can pick up small metallic objects.
food chopper/blender
Not only are food choppers great time-savers, but they also provide a pain-free way to prepare vegetable-rich meals. Another great way to get your daily recommended fruits and veggies is a power-shake (such as this yummy Carrot Cocktail).
Large-grip utensils make a world of difference for someone who has difficulty holding onto traditional narrow spoons and forks. The utensils shown here have rubber padding for easy gripping and features a rocker knife for a smooth cut. You may also find decorative utensils with larger handles.
Bottles and jars can be difficult for anyone–so those with arthritis may have a particularly difficult time removing the lid. Bottle openers provide a firm grip on the bottle, taking stress and strain off of your hands. For prescription medicines, talk to your pharmacist about easy-open bottles that are not childproof–just be sure to store them in an area that a young one won’t accidentally find.
door handles with levers
Now available in a variety of beautiful finishes and styles, lever-shaped door handles are a wonderful substitution for the traditional doorknobs. They are easy to grasp and turn.
Confidently travel between the floors of your home without triggering arthritis pain in your hips, knees, and ankles with a customized stair lift. These lifts can be designed to fit a variety of stair-cases, including straight, curved, platform, and more.
at lift chair3-position seat lift chairs not only provide a comfortable seat, but their electric remote allows you to raise yourself up without straining your hips and arms. You can order your own color of fabric and choose upgrades such as heat & massage and more. For more information on insurance coverage and more, check out our post on seat lift chairs.
Be sure to tune in next week for our series finale, taking you out of the house and into the world.
::AWP::
“Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine.”– Anthony J. D’Angelo
