When you have arthritis, it can be difficult to attempt even the most basic of everyday tasks without help. Not only is this frustrating, but it can also dramatically affect your quality of life. 

Arthritis is a debilitating condition that causes pain and inflammation in the joints. Millions of people in the UK are affected by the condition, including children, but it is most frequently seen in those over forty-five. Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for any of the types of arthritis, although making lifestyle changes such as a change of diet, medicine and sometimes surgery can help you slow down its progress.  

Inflammation in and around the affected joints is accompanied by tenderness, stiffness and often severe joint pain. And as the main joints affected tend to be hands, spine, hips and knees, it isn’t surprising that many people living with arthritis experience mobility issues that prevent them from engaging fully with their usual activities and routines. 

Fortunately, a wide range of readily available gadgets has been developed to provide ingenious ways in which you can overcome some of the daily challenges of living with arthritis. 

Dressing:

Reaching and bending can be particularly challenging. 

  • Dressing stick – this helps with fastenings, and reaching for sleeves behind the back 
  • Velcro fastenings on clothing and shoes are a simple and effective solution when painful or stiff joints reduce dexterity 
  • Sock and tights aid helps to reach toes when bending is difficult 

Bathroom:  

  • A raised toilet seat with arms can replace the existing seat to reduce the strain on knees and hips 
  • Levers make turning taps on and off much easier for fingers that struggle to grip 
  • Wider lever flushes or remote infrared flush activators  
  • An electric toothbrush requires less grip and arm movement. 

Kitchen:

There is always lots of gripping and twisting needed in food preparation. 

  • Wall mounted jar and ring pull can openers take away the need to grip as they use a simple lever mechanism 
  • Arthritis friendly cutlery has been ergonomically designed to improve comfort and reduce grip 
  • A kettle tipper allows safe pouring without the need for holding and lifting  

Out and about: 

  • A key lever fits onto your key so less effort and grip are required to turn it in the lock 
  • Walking sticks with soft easy-grip handles can provide support when walking 
  • A seat belt reacher can be attached to your seatbelt to reduce the need to twist and stretch 
  • Portable easy-up seat cushions can help with getting up out of a chair while reducing the strain on knees and hips 
  • Warmth and compression gloves are designed to relieve arthritic pain in fingers 

Technology:

Using laptops and computers to access the world is essential for people living with arthritis. However, with often reduced dexterity, using a mouse or a keyboard can be problematic. 

  • Ergonomic keyboards are really good for people who still have fairly good movement, but who find typing painful, as they create a more natural and comfortable hand position. 
  • Ergonomic mice – ordinary mice aren’t naturally comfortable to use so a range of mice has been developed including ones that keep the hand and wrist still but are controlled by thumbs and fingers rolling a ball. Vertical mice maintain more of a handshake position, while ‘hand shoe’ mice cradle the hand and remove the need to grip anything. 
  • Voice input – allows you to dictate rather than type 

Whilst arthritis is a debilitating condition that can impact negatively on the quality of your life, these gadgets can at least go some way to helping you maintain your independence and hopefully enable you to continue living as fulfilled and active a life as you wish. 

 

Contact the team at Assist Care Group to find out how we can help you and your loved one.