More than 22 percent of men and women in the U.S. have one of the forms of arthritis. Of those cases, almost half are in adults over the age of 64. Approximately 4 out of 10 adults with arthritis find their activities are limited because of it.
When it comes to arthritis pain, the area most affected depends on the type of arthritis. If your parent is suffering from osteoarthritis, it’s most common in the fingers, knees, and hips. This can make it hard to walk fluidly or grasp small items like a toothbrush or kitchen utensil.
Gout is prevalent in the feet and ankle and can make it hard to walk. Another common form in seniors is rheumatoid arthritis. It’s most common in the fingers, knees, and wrists. It can lead to balance issues and can make it hard to hold smaller items. When focusing on tools, you’ll want to look for items that aid balance, mobility, and daily use of small items.
Button and Zipper Tool
Buttoning tiny buttons or pulling up a zipper is hard when fingers are still. A button and zipper tool has round rubber handle that is easy to grasp. One end has a hook that catches the end of a zipper to make it easy to pull it up. The other end has a slide that surrounds a button and makes it easy for the user to pull the button through the hole to button pants, shirts, or jackets.
Cutlery and Kitchen Utensils
The small handles on forks, knives, and spoons can be very hard to hold securely. Purchase arthritis-friendly cutlery that has round rubber handles. They can often be adjusted to find the right angle for the user. Pair them with bowls and plates that have suction to keep them from sliding around a table while your parent is eating.
Jar and Bottle Openers
Opening jars and bottles can be impossible when you’re dealing with arthritis in the fingers and hand. An electric jar opener is easy to use and twists the lid off automatically. The machine expands or shrinks to match the size of the lid. If electric isn’t ideal, there are jar openers with a round handle and device that slides over a lid to make jars easier to open. There are also models that attach to the underside of a cabinet.
Senior care services help your parent complete important daily activities. If arthritis pain is too much, a caregiver can step in and help complete tasks like food preparation and linen changeovers. That’s one of the best ways to make sure your parent is safe when aging at home. Look into senior care services today.
For more information about hiring Elder Care in La Costa, CA, call the friendly caregivers at La Jolla Nurses Homecare who can help your aging parents remain in their own homes, at 858-454-9339. We are a home care agency providing quality and affordable senior care in La Jolla, CA, and the surrounding communities.
Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/data_statistics/arthritis-related-stats.htm
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