When it comes to arthritis, we all know that it can effect how we get about and operate throughout the day. The good news is that there are a number of daily living aids, gadget and assistive devices specifically designed to help. With many of these aids, you don’t have to worry about the cost. Some are funded by your local authority and others can be purchased ex VAT.
Living with arthritis can mean that some of your joints are permanently swollen and in pain. This can result in stiffness and in extreme cases, deformity of the joint, especially with rheumatoid arthritis. Sadly, this can mean reduced mobility in in your hands and fingers. This can mean that daily tasks like dressing, cooking and cleaning can become difficult if not impossible to do.
This is where daily living aids can help. The are here to compensate for any physical limitations you may have, whether it be with dressing, eating or drinking. The good news is that there are a number of mobility/daily living aids stores all over the country. You can pop in and they will be able to guide you towards the perfect aids for you. You can also talk to an Occupational Therapist who can assess your personal circumstances share a list of the best aids for you.
What Kind of Daily Living Aids are Available for Arthritis?
Eating & Drinking Aids:
For those who love to be in the kitchen, there are a number of aids and devices out there to make it easier and certainly less painful;
- With knives, forks and spoons that have large handles to make holding a gripping easier.
- Angled chopping knives to make cooking prep safe and easier too.
- There are a number of extra grip and non slips mats available to keep items in place and help you to open stubborn jars.
- Along with tipping kettles (like our Uccello Kettle) that means you never have to lift or hold a hot heavy kettle, there are special cups and glasses you can buy so that you can always enjoy your next brew.
Dressing Aids:
The mornings can be tough with arthritis, many times you may find your joints stiff and uncomfortable but there are a number of devices you can use to make getting dressed easier and less painful;
- Sock buddy – this will stop you having to bend and crouch to pop a sock on. All you need to do is put your sock in the device and drop it beside your foot. You foot slides into the buddy and voila sock on.
- Button & zip hook – little items like buttons and zippers can be annoying to try grip and move with swollen or stiff hands. The nifty hook makes life so much easier and trust us when we say, your hands will thank you.
Walking Aids:
If you have arthritis in your feet, knees or back, there are a few walking aids that you can bring home to help out. They can range from:
- Spongy shoe inserts that will help to cushion your feet when walking, running etc. This can reduce the impact of walking and take the pressure off your lower joints.
- Walking sticks/canes can help to take the weight off of a inflamed knee or hip at home or when out and about.
- Walking frames, these can help talk the weight off of sore or swollen joints. They can also double as carrying device if your hands or arms are feeling sore. Let the walking frame do all the work.
Gripping Aids:
In this day and age, everyone is looking for items and gadgets to be smaller. But, when it comes to arthritis, the smaller they are, the harder they are to use. This is why there are a number of gripping aids you can get to make these items easier to access and use.
- The Keywing – this can fit on any key you have whether it be the car, the house or for the shed, the Keywing makes gripping and turning easier and can help to reduce pain in your hand.
- The Plugull – we are all worried about the current energy crisis right now and trying to keep our own energy costs down. That might mean having to unplug everything you are not using. This can also mean a lot of gripping and pulling which can cause havoc on arthritic hands. The Plugull, is a strong easy to grip plastic that sits between the plug and the socket. You easily unplug anything by looping your finger through the hole and pull the plug towards you. No more gripping.
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