If you are living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), you may need extra help to start your daily activities. It is a chronic, inflammatory disease that affects the joints in the hands, wrists, and knees. You may experience stiffness in your joints, pain, and difficulty doing your regular tasks like cleaning, cooking, etc. But the good news is that with the help of some assistive devices, you can now complete your daily tasks with less pain and enjoy independence.

Here is a list of some self-help devices that may ease the life of a person living with rheumatoid arthritis.

Assistive devices to help you get around

  • You can use a cane or crutches for an easy walk. It provides support for painful knees and hips.
  • Always wear comfortable orthopedic shoes or use orthotics in your shoes to ease the pain in your feet. 
  • You can also use Reacher while moving around. It is a long rod with a grip handle and a claw at the end which can also be used to grab things. 
  • Use taller chairs to comfortably get in and out of your seat. 

For the kitchen

  • To work comfortably in the kitchen, buy pots and pans with handles. This makes it easier to carry them around. 
  • Avoid opening the jar caps with your hands. You can use electric jar openers while preparing food.
  • Rearrange the kitchen in a way that you can access all the required things easily.
  • Replace your round doorknobs with normal ones so that you do not have to twist your wrist to open the doors. 

In the bathroom

  • You can use a shower seat while taking a bath. This will help you get clean without any support and without the fear of slipping.
  • Always use non-skid shower mats in your bathroom for a safe shower.
  • You can upgrade grooming supplies. For example, you can replace your normal toothbrush with an electric one to avoid wrist twists and turns. Also, you can use electric razors to make your grooming easier. 
  • Add a grab bar near your tub and toilet seat to help you get in and out safely. You can also raise your toilet seat with a grab bar on both sides for more safety. 
  • Use long-handled sponges that can reach your feet easily so that you do not have to bend much for cleaning them. 
  • Replace your heavy shower doors with an easy-to-pull curtain.

For the bedroom 

  • While dressing, you can use zipper pulls, big buttons, or even clothes with Velcro for fast and easy clothing. 
  • You can switch to the lights in the room that works with voice commands. Replace your normal bed lamp with one that can turn on and off by voice or touch. 

You can use various other assistive devices as well for gardening, golfing, driving, etc. RA is a chronic disease, so just be patient and keep doing your regular exercise. These devices are designed to assist you in your daily activities. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any changes in your life. Visit icare4u for more information.