When you have arthritis, it’s the little things—buttoning a blouse, opening a jar, gripping a pen—that can keep you from doing the things you like or need to do. Fortunately, there are scores of devices on the market—mostly based on simple, ergonomic designs—that provide the assistance you need to carry on your everyday pursuits in every room of the house as well as outside.
In the Bedroom
Good Grips Button Hook can help you button—or unbutton—shirts and blouses. Another Good Grips product, the Extra-Long Shoe Horn, is excellent for people who have trouble bending over.
If you have shoulder pain, the Swedish Long-Reach Brush and Comb make hair grooming possible without moving your shoulder or lifting your upper arm.
In the Bathroom
An electric toothbrush can make dental care much easier when it’s hard to grip a traditional toothbrush—and many dentists recommend them for providing superior care. Electric toothbrushes are made by Sonicare, Oral-B, and Braun, among other companies. Some even come with a two-minute timer.
If you have difficulty getting up from the toilet, a raised seat may be for you. Look for models with arm rests and a clamp-on locking mechanism for extra stability.
In the Kitchen
Opening containers can be a real challenge for people with arthritis. For cans with ring-tops, Gold Violin stocks a ring pull that’s perfect for use with cans of tuna fish, soda, or cat food. A number of companies, such as Swiss Magic, make jar openers that are useful for tightening as well as untightening jars. Black and Decker’s Gizmo Can Opener offers totally hands-free operation.
Slice and dice without a knife. You can operate the Toastmaster Chopster Mini Food Chopper with just a push of the bottom. Another product, the ingenious Easy Chopper, requires no power except your own.
In the Office
A number of companies offer pens with larger, cushioned grips. They include Pilot, Avery, Cross, and Sanford.
Pen Again and Evo offer a series of fork-shaped pens. Instead of having to grip the pen in your hand, the pen grips your index finger, enabling you to write without having to exert pressure.
In the Garden
When it comes to cutting, pruning, and lopping, Fiskars garden tools incorporate patented technology that increases you cutting power.
U-shaped gardener’s kneelers make it easier for you to get close to your flower or vegetable beds, while providing the support you need to get up safely. Turn them upside down and you have an instant garden bench.
Radius pistol-grip garden tools lessen the strain on your wrist when weeding or planting.
