Living with stiff or arthritic hands can significantly diminish joy, confidence, and freedom. Among those over age eighty-five, about half of all women and one-quarter of all men are afflicted with the pain of osteoarthritis in the hands. To support your loved one’s independence, try these expert hacks and gadgets:
Equip the kitchen. Look for specialized grippers for opening containers: An electric can opener or spring-loaded scissors for opening food pouches. For carving or chopping, an electric knife or vegetable chopper. Choose tools, spatulas, and the like with cushy, large handles. Add “foam grip tubing” to utensil handles (also useful with pens, toothbrushes, etc.).
Modify the physical environment. Exchange doorknobs for levers or add slip-on, lever-style doorknob adapters. Install faucets with sensors that allow taps to control water flow and temperature. Try easier to grip, dimmer-style light switches. Go hands free with a robot vacuum!
Seek out adaptive devices and clothing. Look for adaptive “turning tools” to assist with keys and other small items. Purchase looser, slip-on adaptive clothing. Avoid zippers in favor of large buttons and elastic waistbands.
Update the computer. Add an ergonomic keyboard or try a table or touchscreen monitor for easier mousing and keyboarding. Easier yet, use voice dictation software whenever possible.
Add smart home features. Smart door locks with a keypad, voice activation, or biometric identification (fingerprint) can take the place of keys. The need to pinch and turn small dials can be replaced by smart lights and a smart thermostat coordinated by voice assistants such as Amazon Alexa. There are even smart stoves and ovens that can be controlled by a smartphone app.
Consult an occupational therapist. A home visit can provide tailored strategies and tools based on individual needs.
With the right devices and support, your relative can have a life that’s more manageable and less limited.