Arthritis is the single greatest cause of disability in New Zealand, with more than half a million New Zealanders affected by arthritis at some time in their life.
There are over 100 different types of arthritis, so symptoms vary. But most people with the condition experience joint pain which may also be accompanied by stiffness, swelling and decreased strength as well as fatigue which can affect independence.
Even simple daily tasks like dressing, cooking and showering become increasingly difficult and can also contribute to general fatigue.
Using adaptive equipment can make these daily tasks easier and safer to accomplish and help conserve energy so you can do the things you enjoy.
Adaptive equipment to make daily life easier for people with arthritis
Button hook
Buttoning shirts and trousers can be fiddly for people who experience arthritis. But the button hook can help you dress independently.
Simply thread the tool through the button hole, hook the button on the end of the tool and gently pull the button back through the hole.
Angled utensils
Angled utensils make meal times easier and more comfortable. The wide handle is easy to grip, and you’ll find the angle of the utensil makes it easier to scoop food on to the fork or spoon.
Angled utensils promote a more natural wrist and arm movement and unlike normal cutlery, they don’t require a twisting motion of the wrist that some people with joint problems may find difficult.
Wheat bag
The wheat bag is ideal to soothe sore bones, muscles or other aches and pains that you may have from arthritis.
The wheat bag is simply placed in the microwave for 2-3 minutes with a cup of water and is ready it be used instantly.
Wheat bags are available in a variety of designs.
One Touch can opener
For many people with arthritis, simple kitchen tasks like twisting jar lids and opening cans are a real challenge.
Don’t let arthritis keep you from the kitchen or stop you from enjoying some of your favourite meals.
The One Touch can opener is fully automatic — just one touch of a button and this device will effortlessly open any can with ease.
Arthritic gloves
Arthritic gloves provide relief to people who experience rheumatoid arthritis or swollen joints in their hands.
These gloves are designed to compress joints and stimulate circulation to reduce pain. And the practical, fingerless style lets you do what you need to do as you go about your day.
Arthritic gloves are available in small, medium or large sizes.
Talk with us about some of our other daily living aids
- JarKey jar opener
- Aircycle inflatable exerciser
- Elastic spring shoe laces
Other helpful resources Arthritis New Zealand
Download our brochure about living independently with arthritis
This article formed part of a project completed as part of 3rd year student Occupational Therapy fieldwork. Two Occupational Therapy Graduates have collated this resource in order to help service users navigate the unique range of equipment Life Unlimited has to offer.
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