Helpful Gadgets for Arthritis - Around the House

By Anna Hazard

View the Rest of the Series

Part 2: Grooming
Part 3: Travel
Part 4: Electronics

Introduction

Arthritis and other joint and limb conditions can make completing what most would consider simple tasks -- such as getting dressed, opening doors & jars, or exiting cars -- a complicated, time consuming, and often painful procedure.
 
Luckily there are now a myriad of specifically tailored ableware devices, from the simple to the elaborate and most having reasonably inexpensive options, that can aid in making daily tasks far more simple, efficient, and relatively pain-free.
 
Such devices can also be helpful for children who lack an adult's body strength or for anyone who may need a bit more leverage, a bit more grip, or a bit more reach when completing a certain chore or task. (Who doesn't have a handy jar opener nearby?)
 
First up are universal items that would be generally helpful to have around the house.

Around the House

Universal Utensil Holders & Handles

• Large (usually soft) handles that make gripping far easier for those with arthritis or other hand impediments. They can be added to eating utensils, pens, toothbrushes, and other such implements & tools.
• Maddak Built Up Handles(4 Pack) | Gripeez Ergonomic Grip | Maddak Arthwriter | MaxiAids Large Universal Holder | MaxiAids Weighted Universal Holder

Universal Hand Grips & Arm Supports

• Grips that fit snugly around the user's hand or arm and can be attached via pockets, loops, or heavy duty velcro to handheld objects such as phones, brushes, and remotes for an easy grip.
• Maddak Universal Hand Clip | Maddak Universal Hand Cuff | AliMed Universal Elastic Cuff | Grip Solutions | Lend-A-Hand Universal Assistive Device
  

Long Grip Grabbers & Reachers

• Extends a user's reach by allowing them to pick up objects without having to bend over, stretch, or climb stools. Various models are available that have been customized to work with those who have weakness or other difficulties with their hands.
• Lightweight Rainbow Reacher | HealthSmart GripLoc Sliding Reacher | Helping Hand Arthri Grip Pro Reacher | Vee-Zee C5 Folding Toggle Reacher
  

Universal Knob Turners

• Gripping aid for those who have arthritis or other hand conditions that will aid in turning knobs, dials, taps and locks that would otherwise be difficult to use.
• Aidapt Universal Knob Turner |  ETAC Universal Turner | Fabrication Turning Knob Operator
  

Doorknob Grippers

• Soft gripping levers places upon rounded doorknobs to make turning them far easier for those with hand weakness or other impediments. Good for children & seniors alike.
• Able Life EZ Door Knob Grips | Great Grips Two Lever Doorknob Grippers | Sammons Preston Rubber Doorknob Extension | Maddak Doorknob Extendor
  

Universal Openers

• Multi-functional tools that can be used to more easily, open jars, cans, bottles, boxes, and other packages with less pain and hand strength required.
• All Out Universal Opener | Purrfect OpenRX | NANDInfotech Perfect Opener | Arthritis Jar Opener
  

Easy Grip Drinkware

• These are mugs, cups, and other drinkware that have been specifically designed & shaped to be easy to hold especially for those who may have arthritis or other hand weaknesses.
• 16 oz Easy Grip-in Mug | Thumbs-Up Arthritis Cup with Lid | Vivi Duo Cup Handle | Maddak Hand to Hand Mug | Independence Cups & Mugs | Independence 2 Handled Clear Mug | Granny Jo Dignity Mug | Nosy Glass