Johns Hopkins Health Alert
Arthritis Household Helpers
Arthritis can make day-to-day activities challenging, but a number of assistive devices are available that can make those tasks easier and help preserve your joints and your energy. Here’s a brief list of valuable aids you might want to consider.
Arthritis Helpers in the Bedroom and Around the House:
- Long, flexible shoehorn. By wedging a long shoehorn at the back of your shoe, you can pull it on without bending over. On some models, coils at the neck of the metal shoehorn bend with your foot as the shoe slips on.
- Sock aid. Slip your hose or sock on the plastic end of the aid, which is covered with terrycloth to prevent the sock from slipping. Place your foot in the sock and then pull on the two long loop handles.
- Zipper and button puller. An easy-to-grip fat handle operates pincers that can grasp zippers and buttons.
- Easy-grip toenail clippers. Large, angled blades and easy-grip handles allow your hand to rest in a comfortable position and don't require you to squeeze as hard as you do with regular clippers.
- Handle doorknob adapter. The lever handle of the adapter slips over your doorknob so that you only have to push down on the handle with the side of your hand or push up with the back of your hand to open a door.
- Touch lamp adapter. This adapter screws into a light bulb socket, converting a one-way bulb metal lamp into a touch lamp with three brightness levels. All you have to do is touch any part of the lamp's metal to turn it on or off or to change to a different level of brightness.
- Writing aid. The U-shaped handle of the pen allows your forefinger to rest in its grip, which reduces stress on your joints as you write.
- Key turner. A plastic handle fits over your key, providing extra leverage for easier turns. The turner also holds multiple keys and works on household as well as car keys.
Where to Buy These Arthritis Aids:
- Aids for Arthritis. This Website, organized by room, offers a wide selection of arthritis assistive devices. Order online at the website or call, 800-654-0707.
- Oxo International. This company offers a line of kitchen and garden products called Good Grips, designed with nonslip handles. Contact them at 800-545-4411 or go to the website.
- Sammons Preston. This company offers medical supplies, including arthritis aids for daily living. Call toll-free, 800-323-5547 or go to the website.
- Wright Stuff. This store offers household devices designed specifically for people with arthritis. Call toll-free, 877-750-0376, or go to the website.
Posted in Arthritis on May 17, 2010
Reviewed October 2011
Medical Disclaimer: This information is not intended to substitute for the advice of a physician. Click here for additional information: Johns Hopkins Health Alerts Disclaimer
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