Health & WellbeingArthritisLiving with arthritis: Making things easier at home
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Living with arthritis: Making things easier at home

By Rachel - Silversurfers Assistant Editor Oct 11, 2017

12 October is World Arthritis Day, an annual campaign that aims to increase awareness around arthritis and support people living with this, often debilitating, condition all year round.

If you live with someone who suffers from arthritis or you are afflicted yourself, check out a few of these top tips for making things easier around the home.

Adapting your home

There are a few practical changes you can make to your home which might make it easier for you to manage your condition. For a start, move all of the bits and pieces you need on a daily basis so that they are always within easy reach.

Avoid using high cupboards or low drawers when possible and remember that while you may be able to reach many things on a good day, you’ll be grateful to have things to hand if you suffer a flare up. Invest in a long-armed pick up tool to help you fetch items without having to get up.

In the kitchen, switch to electric tools (like automatic can openers) wherever you can. It’s also a good idea to keep a bar stool in the kitchen, so you can rest while preparing food or working at the counter. A long-armed tool or stick with a rubber stopper on the end can be very useful for pushing buttons on microwaves.

Small changes can make a big difference

Installing a handrail to help you get up and down the stairs is another practical and useful addition, as are rails in the bathroom to help you use the toilet or to get in and out of a bath or shower. You could also replace round taps with long-handled ones for a better grip. Likewise, replace doorknobs with handles instead, and replace fiddly handles on drawers.

Choosing chairs with arms will also make it easier for you to get up again after sitting. If you have low chairs, furnish them with firm cushions to add height and make standing and sitting easier. With a few simple adjustments, your home can become a much more arthritis-friendly place. For more help and information, have a look at Arthritis Care.

What are your tips for living with arthritis?

 

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Rachel - Silversurfers Assistant Editor

Hello there! I’m Rachel and I’m the Assistant Editor for Silversurfers. I work behind the scenes to bring interesting, informative and entertaining subject matter to the Silversurfers community. I hope you enjoy the features we have shared with you. Please feel free to comment below and share your thoughts with us, we love to hear from you!

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