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A Guide to Assistive Tools that Can Help Arthritic Loved Ones at Home

Home Care in Lighthouse Point FL

If your loved one is dealing with arthritis, she might be surprised at just how many tasks are more difficult for her now. The good news is that there is a whole world of adaptive tools out there that can make life easier for her.

Wheeled ItemsHome-Care-Lighthouse-Point-FL

Any home items that your loved one needs to move or use regularly are easier to use with wheels. Instead of wrestling with the trash can or other household item, your loved one can simply roll it wherever it needs to be. Make sure that wheeled items have a way to lock the wheels as well for safety when the item needs to be stationary.

Hand Rails

Hand rails are invaluable for your loved one, especially if she suffers from arthritic knees or hips. You never know when she may experience a loss of balance from a sudden weakening in those joints, and a hand rail can keep her from falling. Work with your loved one’s home care providers to spot places in the house that could use an extra hand rail.

Bathroom Tools

Showers and bathrooms in general can be dangerous parts of the house for your elderly loved one. Make sure that there are hand rails within easy reach of every part of the bathroom, tub, and shower stall. Consider adding tub or shower benches as well so that your loved one can rest during a shower or get out of the tub more easily. Raised toilet seats help to make accessing the toilet easier, too.

Handling Doors and Door Knobs

Doors and door knobs can be very difficult for people suffering from arthritis, particularly in the hands. Grasping a door knob and making it turn can seem impossible. Try using door knob tools that compress around the knob with the least bit of pressure to make opening the door much easier. Even better, replace the standard knobs with levers on interior doors. Those are easier to open and your loved one can even use his elbow if necessary. Key turners can make turning deadbolt keys incredibly easy, too.

Kitchen Tools

The kitchen can be a painful spot in the house, too, especially if your loved one still enjoys cooking. Use a grabbing tool to pick up items that are too small for your loved one to comfortably grasp. There are also handles that you can slip over the handles on pots and pans to help your loved one to grip them more safely and easily. The same kinds of tools make knives safer and easier to use.

When your loved one has arthritis, it’s important to look for adaptive devices that can make life easier and less painful for her.

If you or a family member near Lighthouse Point, FL are in need of home care services, call the caring professionals at Star Multi Care today at (954) 870-4770. Providing Service in Ft. Lauderdale, Boca Raton, Pompano Beach, Delray Beach, Coconut Creek, Taramac, Margate, and surrounding Florida cities.

Stephen Sternbach

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