Everyday tips for living with arthritis
26 April 2022
Everyone’s arthritis is different, and symptoms can vary from day to day.
There are many ways to maintain a good quality of life when living with arthritis. Here’s our top tips and hacks to help make daily tasks a little easier.
From turning on lights to opening doors
Smart speakers, like Alexa and Google Home devices, can be used to switch on and off lights or other devices. You can even use them to make phone calls without using your phone.
Some speakers can also function as a personal alarm system - you can ask the speaker to alert someone if you have an accident and can’t make it to the phone.
Opening tablet bottles and getting medication out of a packet can be tough. To make life easier you can try using a pill popping gadget and a tablet dispenser. These can also be handy to help organise your pills for the week.
In the kitchen
When cooking it can be a challenge to open cans and jars if you have arthritis in your hands.
There are aids which can help, including jar openers, electric can openers, washing up bowls with draining, so you can empty it without lifting it and kettle tippers to avoid having to lift them.
Bernie McGreavey has psoriatic arthritis and osteoarthritis, here she shares which aids help her with daily tasks:
"I’ve come to appreciate how using aids and adaptations allows me the freedom to participate in things I enjoy, to be more independent and to stay active.
I started like most people with small adaptations such as jar openers and electric tin opener, now I use an electric jar opener too. I use scissors to cut open packets as I can’t pull them apart, use scissors to cut meat as it is easier than using a knife. I’ve switched to pre-chopped onions, garlic and ginger and frozen vegetables.
I now have two types of rollators for different types of trips, a three-wheeler that folds small and is light for days out and small shopping trips. The other is a bigger sturdier four-wheeler with a seat, that is great for longer shopping trips. The reduction in pain using a rollator has been surprising and welcome."
Here’s a few more tips to try:
- Use lightweight crockery and cups with large handles that can be gripped with several fingers.
- Frozen vegetables will save on preparation and often have a similar nutritional value to fresh vegetables.
- Use a vegetable steamer – they can be lighter than a saucepan because less water is needed.
Getting ready and dressed
A few simple adaptations to your getting ready routine and wardrobe essentials could make all the difference.
If it’s challenging to dry your hair or apply makeup. Why not try:
- Sitting at a table and supporting your elbow on a pillow or cushion when using a hairdryer or straighteners.
- Using a light travel hair dryer or hands-free hairdryer holder or stand.
- Using a small make-up sponge to apply face cream or foundation, if you find it difficult to do with your fingertips.
- Wrapping elastic bands around makeup pencils or brushes to make them easier to grip.
Read more about footwear and what you should look for in a good pair of shoes.
A little help from technology
If you have arthritis in your hands it can be difficult to use a mouse and keyboard. To provide further support you can get a mouse pad or wristband to help protect your hands and wrists.
You can use mouse keys on your keyboard or get an adapted mouse with a rollerballs or vertical mice.
There are alternative keyboards you can buy which are ergonomic keyboard to help support you work or browse the internet. Also, you can consider voice to text software like Dragon, where you speak aloud, and your words will appear on screen.
To reduce swiping your smartphone or typing on your tablet you can use the speakerphone or wireless headphones for calls, and voice to text or voice messages for texts.
You could get a phone case with a grip handle or try a phone holder to help you hold your phone.
Support from your local authority
Did you know you may be able to get gadgets and equipment for free from your local authority?
Your local council may call equipment or modifications to your home ‘aids and adaptations’ or ‘community equipment’.
An aid is any equipment that can help you manage your everyday tasks. This could be:
- an easy-to-use electric can opener
- a mattress topper to help you sleep
- kettle tippers that make it easier to pour water.
Adaptations are physical changes, or home modifications, that can be made to help you get around your home. This could include:
- grab rails
- a level access shower
- a ramp
Find your local authority’s home adaptations service.
In England and Wales you can find your local authority’s home adaptations service by entering your postcode on the Gov UK website.
For information on the support available for aids and adaptations in Scotland and Northern Ireland visit the following websites:
Priority Services Register
The Priority Services Register is a free service provided by utility companies (electric, gas and water companies) to give extra support to vulnerable customers who may require assistance. For example, providing large print bills or taking meter readings. Having a log-term medical condition, such as arthritis, means you could be eligible to be on the Priority Services Register.
You need to contact your energy supplier to get on the Priority Services Register and each supplier maintains their own register.
Energy suppliers
Find out more about the Priority Services Register (England and Wales) and check your gas and electric supplier on the Ofgem website.
Water
Find out more about the water Priority Services Register and the types of support provided.
- Find the details for your water company (England and Wales)
- Register on the water Priority Services Register (Scotland)
- Register on the water Customer Care Register (Northern Ireland)
Other useful resources
Read more about aids and adaptations, including more advice on getting equipment from local councils.
Go to Ask Sara for helpful advice on gadgets and equipment to make everyday activities easier.
For accessibility information check out AbilityNet, they have useful resources to help you with using technology.
For more advice to help you with daily tasks, speak to your physiotherapist or occupational therapist.
We’re here whenever you need us.
You might also be interested in...
-
The boom and bust cycle and fatigue: your questions answered
Joseph Loades, a physiotherapist based at the Royal Blackburn Hospital answers your frequently asked questions relating to fatigue and the boom and bust cycle.
-
“Having arthritis doesn’t stop you achieving your goals”
Natasha was diagnosed with juvenile polyarticular idiopathic arthritis when she was one, so for as long as she can remember she’s been managing life with her condition.