Gadgets That Make Daily Life Easier With Arthritis

The principles: joint protection and energy saving

Gadgets work best alongside habits that protect joints. Occupational therapists teach these principles.

• Use the strongest, largest joints. Carry with the forearms, push with the palm, and use the shoulder to open a door, not the fingers.
• Avoid tight pinching and gripping. Use built-up handles, loops and levers.
• Avoid twisting the wrist and fingers, and holding a position for a long time.
• Respect pain. Stop and rest before the pain gets severe. Pain that lasts more than an hour after an activity means you did too much.
• Pace yourself. Break tasks into short stages and alternate heavy and light tasks.
• Plan and organise. Keep frequently used items within reach, at waist to shoulder height.
• Sit when you can. Sit to prepare food, dress and wash.
• Reduce effort. Use lightweight, easy-grip tools and slide, rather than lift, heavy items.
• Ask for help without guilt.

See arthritis home care guide, activities of daily living explained and keeping independence with small aids.

Before you buy: a short method

1. List the tasks that cause the most pain or frustration. Do not guess; observe a normal day. 2. Choose the simplest solution first, perhaps a change of habit or a cheap item. 3. Match to the joint: hands, wrists, shoulders, back, hips or knees. 4. Check size and grip. Handles should fit the hand; try before buying where possible. 5. Check it is easy to clean and durable, especially in humid climates. 6. Ask an occupational therapist for advice if the problem is complex; see occupational therapy home assessment. 7. Try it for a week and keep it only if it helps. Buy from a seller with a return policy. 8. Avoid gimmicks. Many items promise much; look for simple designs from reliable makers.

The kitchen

Jar and bottle openers. Rubber grip pads, under-cabinet jar openers and lever-type openers let you use the palm and larger muscles. Electric jar openers exist, but may be unnecessary. See jar opener and kitchen aids.

Built-up and easy-grip cutlery. Thick, soft, angled or foam handles reduce grip effort. Weighted versions help tremor; see easy grip cutlery guide and eating with tremor or weak grip.

Knives and peelers. Ergonomic handles, a rocker knife, a peeler with a thick, comfortable handle, and a food processor or chopper to avoid cutting.

Lightweight pots, pans and kettles. Use two-handled pots, a kettle tipper, or a jug kettle; do not carry heavy pots. See kitchen setup for seniors and auto-off kettle and stove safety.

Tap turners. A lever or extension for round taps.

Non-slip mats to hold bowls and chopping boards.

Trolley or cart to move items without carrying.

Tin openers and bottle cap openers with large handles; ready-to-open packaging when possible.

Perching stool at the counter.

Mug with large handle or two handles.

Pill organisers with easy-open lids; see pill organiser guide.

Dressing and personal care

Button hooks and zip pulls. A small hook with a thick handle threads a button, and a loop on a zip makes it easy to pull. See dressing aid guide.

Sock aids and long shoehorns. Let you put on socks and shoes without bending; see choosing shoes for older feet.

Elastic laces and Velcro shoes.

Clothes with front fastening, magnetic buttons, elastic waists and loose sleeves.

Dressing sticks to pull on clothes.

Long-handled sponge, brush and comb to reach back, feet and hair.

Electric toothbrush and floss holders. Thick handles help; see oral care for frail older adults.

Pump dispensers and lever taps, instead of screw-top bottles and bars of soap.

Toilet aids: raised toilet seat, grab bars, toilet aid for wiping; see raised toilet seat guide and grab bar buying guide.

Shower chair and handheld shower; see shower chair buying guide and handheld shower guide.

Reaching and picking up

Reachers (grabbers). A long-handled tool with a trigger and jaws, for picking up items from the floor or high shelves without bending or stretching. Look for a light, sturdy model with a comfortable trigger and a non-slip tip. See reacher grabber guide.

Long-handled dustpan and mop.

Keep items at waist height to avoid reaching.

A tray or bag on wheels for carrying.

Pick-up tools for the floor for dropped items.

Home and mobility

Key turners. A large lever that fits over a key and gives leverage.

Door lever handles. Replace round knobs with levers.

Chair and bed height. Use raised chairs, cushions or risers to make standing up easier; see choosing a chair for an older person and bed height and getting out of bed.

Walking aids, with comfortable grips and correct height; see how to choose a walking stick and walking aids for knee arthritis.

Rails and grab bars on steps and in the bathroom; see handrails and stair lifts.

Light switches with large rocker plates.

Trolleys for carrying.

Phone, reading and leisure

Phone holders and stands, so you do not have to hold the device; voice control and large-print settings; see phone and remote aids for arthritis and phone accessibility features for seniors.

Stylus pens for touchscreens.

Book holders and page turners.

Cushioned or thick pens and pencils.

Playing card holders.

Large-button remotes.

Gardening tools with long, padded handles and kneeling stool.

Needlework and craft aids: magnifier lamps and thicker handles; see magnifier lamp guide and how can hobbies help seniors with arthritis.

Supports, splints and gloves

Wrist and thumb supports for painful activities; see wrist supports.

Compression gloves, which give light compression and warmth to hands; some people feel less stiffness. Check size and skin reactions.

Knee sleeves and braces, with caution; see knee support buying guide.

Heat packs, with care; see heat or cold for joint pain.

These are not substitutes for exercise and medical care.

Choosing what suits you

• Weak grip: built-up handles, loops and levers; jar openers; electric tools.
• Painful thumbs: large-handled tools, jar grips, key turners.
• Hip or knee pain: raised seats, reachers, sock aids, long-handled sponge, grab bars.
• Shoulder pain: reachers, long-handled combs, front-fastening clothes.
• Back pain: reachers, trolleys, higher work surfaces, perching stool.
• Hand tremor: weighted utensils, non-spill cups.
• Poor vision: contrast and large print aids.

Safety and sense

• Check the weight limit and quality of aids such as reachers and raised seats.
• Do not use a gadget in a way that it was not designed.
• Replace worn rubber tips and grips.
• Keep tools in a regular place.
• Introduce one change at a time.
• Be patient: new techniques take practice.
• Do not rely on aids to do the whole task; keep moving and exercise; see exercise with arthritis and grip strength and hand exercises.
• Do not ignore signs of change: more joint swelling, heat or fever need a doctor.

When to ask a professional

An occupational therapist is the best person to advise on aids, joint protection and home changes, and may be able to trial equipment with you. A doctor should review new or worsening joint swelling, fever, deformity, sudden loss of function or severe pain. A physiotherapist can teach exercises and pacing. A pharmacist can advise on medicines and splints. Ask about local services and community support; see volunteers, neighbours and community help.