10 Arthritis Aids To Preserve Independence

Arthritis can make everyday tasks impossible Did you know that almost half of adults 65 years old or older have arthritis?Arthritis pain and stiffness can make normal activities like buttoning a shirt, writing a note, turning on the light, or eating a meal very difficult or impossible. For an otherwise healthy older adult, these limitations can be extremely frustrating. Seniors and caregivers regularly search, find or create arthritis aids and like us, are always alertfor ways to improve quality of life as we age. Not all handy aids are expensive, specially-designed products. However, here are a few gadgets you might like to know about. 10 arthritis aids help seniors stay independent We found 10 useful arthritis products that make activities of daily living easier for seniors. Being able to accomplish tasks independently boosts self-esteem and improves mood. Plus, there will be fewer things they’ll need your help with!

1. $9 Zipper pull and button hook Button shirts and close zippers independently with an easy-grip tool.

2. $9 Sock aid This simple aid helps seniors put on their socks without needing to bend over.

3. $7 Lamp switch turner Arthritis makes it difficult to use standard lamp switches. This product enlarges the switch and makes it easy to turn lights on and off.

4. $13 Foam tubing This foam tubing can be used to make almost any type of utensil or tool easier to grip. Amazon reviewers have said that it’s helped with eating utensils, toothbrushes, hair brushes, pens, pencils, tools, etc.

5. $8 Writing grips These egg-shaped grips slip on to pencils and pens to make writing easier and more comfortable.

6. $7 Universal knob turner This helpful tool can be used to grip and turn many different types of small knobs like on stovetops, microwaves, dishwasher, or washing machine.

7. $26 Automatic jar opener Don’t let hard to open jars stop your older adult from preparing their own meals. This handy automatic jar opener takes the work out of opening most jars. Since it sits on top, the jar can be any height.

8. $120 Black & Decker automatic jar opener This jar opener is more expensive, but Amazon reviewers love it. With this one, the shape of the jar doesn’t matter. With the opener in #7 above, the jar needs to be cylindrical so the opener can grip on.

9. $9 Key holder Make those small, slippery keys easy to grasp with this key holder. The extra length also gives more leverage to make it easier to turn the key in the lock.

10. $10 EZ Doorknob grips These door grips magically transform slippery, hard-to-turn knobs into something you can easily grip or even open with just a finger or elbow.

By Connie Chow, Contributing Writer and Founder of DailyCaring.com Sources:Arthritis Foundation, CDC Images: Massage Envy, Amazon (buttonhook), RehabMart (sock aid), Miles Kimball (lamp turner) Note: Images shown above are not always of the product that’s linked. Images are typically chosen to best illustrate how the product is used.