Arthritis can have a significant impact on seniors’ ability to perform activities of daily living. Luckily, many inventive companies have aids for seniors with arthritis that can make what have become difficult daily tasks, simple again.
These tools and gadgets are easy to use and not only relieve frustration associated with arthritic conditions, but also contribute to safer living environments by promoting better balance, improved grip strength, and extended reach.
Here are some of the top products on the market that can help seniors suffering from arthritis maintain their independence as they age.
The Best Senior Arthritis Aids to Stay Independent
Zipper Pulls and Button Hook
These devices are very useful for seniors with arthritis in their hands as they make it much easier to button shirts and manage zippers. They hook around most sized buttons and can pull them through dresses, shirts, and collars. Pulls for zippers are universal, so they work on virtually anything, Because they are designed for people with arthritis, zipper pulls and button hooks generally feature a cushioned and a slip-resistant handle to provide better dexterity.
Sock Put-on Devices
For seniors with arthritis in their hands, back, hips, or knees putting on their socks can be difficult. These products are made of a flexible, contoured plastic shell that the sock goes over that’s connected to cords used to pull on the sock. It’s very simple to use and helps seniors dress without discomfort.
Foam Tubing
Foam tubing makes just about any utensil or tool, from cutlery to toothbrushes, easier to grip. It can be used on any item that requires some modification to benefit a senior with arthritis. High-density foam is soft and the non-slip properties help it stay securely in place, so it doesn’t easily drop from the hand. Foam won’t absorb odors and is easily washed by hand or in the dishwasher.
Writing Grips
These egg-shaped grips help seniors with arthritis grip pens and pencils to make writing more comfortable. It’s also a useful tool because it helps seniors write more legibly when filling out paperwork or signing documents. The soft foam construction provides comfort and the added grip helps alleviate any discomfort that comes with writing. Writing grips are available for standard-sized pens and pencils and even stylus pens or Apple Pencils for iPad and tablet users.
Universal Knob Turners
Grip strength is often an issue for seniors suffering from arthritis. Knob- turning devices are ideal for appliances such as stoves, dishwashers, and washing machines. They come in all shapes and sizes to fit a wide variety of common things found in every household.
Automatic Jar and Can Openers
A kitchen is definitely a place where grip strength becomes an issue and jars and cans are challenging for anyone to open. Automatic openers make opening pickles and soups much safer and simpler by taking hand strength and dexterity out of the mix.
Key Holders
With limited movement in their hands, seniors with arthritis can have a difficult time grasping and using their keys. Key holders look a little bit like a Swiss Army knife and the selected key can be accessed with the fingers through a hollow center or around the outside of the holder. The key is then folded out providing better leverage and ease of use. Once the house is unlocked or the car is parked the key is folded back into the holder.
Doorknob Grip
Because doorknobs are often small and smooth they can be difficult to grip and turn. Doorknob grips feature different shapes, often a wing-tipped design, that’s much easier for seniors with arthritis to turn. Some of these products also offer glow-in-the-dark options and provide keyhole access.
Hand-Held Reachers
Picking up dropped items or getting items from high and low cabinets can be challenging for seniors with arthritis. Hand-held reachers are lightweight and require little pressure to operate the handgrip making them ideal for seniors with arthritic hands. They also often feature non-slip and magnetic grips to latch onto items more securely.
Shoe Horns
These gadgets have been around for years and still work well for individuals who have difficulty bending over to put on and remove their shoes. With models offering handles at 24-inches or more, shoes can easily be managed when sitting down or standing with minimal strain on arthritic hands, backs, knees, and hips.
LiveWell By Blakeford is dedicated to helping seniors to stay independent and happy while aging in place. LiveWell is a customized lifetime membership program for healthy older adults in the Nashville, TN area. Curious about what LiveWell can do for you or a loved one? Read our services and contact us today to learn more!