Fortunately, there are many simple devices available that offer increased leverage and a more comfortable grip to help you overcome these difficulties and perform common domestic tasks. They can help seniors who have difficulty closing their fists or who experience acute pain when lifting heavy objects and performing tasks that require a reasonable amount of force.
As adults age, it's normal to lose muscle mass, which means your hands aren't as strong as they used to be. Arthritis, together with other conditions, can cause wrist and finger deformation and painful joints.
Consequently, many older adults find they can't hold small objects properly and may experience severe pain when applying force to turn stiff knobs, handles and lids. They may also have insufficient strength to perform common household tasks.
Here are six ways to overcome these challenges and retain your independence to live a normal life.
If it's difficult to fully close your fist and you can't firmly hold utensils such as knives, forks and spoons, consider using adaptive utensils with large-diameter handles. These are comfortable to use and help you maintain a secure hold on your cutlery. Foam grip tubing and multipurpose holders are other good ways to hold small items like your toothbrush or razor and craft tools such as paintbrushes, craft knives and small tools.
A frequent problem seniors with grip challenges have is the inability to firmly hold a pen or pencil. One way to solve this is to fit foam tubing over writing utensils so you have a better grip. Another method is to buy a pen or pencil gripper that fits into your thumb and forefinger or use a shaped plastic holder that slides over your pen. These aids let you hold your pen firmly and steady your writing.
There are many aids for the kitchen to help with the frustration of working with sore or deformed hands. One of the most common issues is opening jars and screw-top containers, especially those with a vacuum seal. Amazon stocks a wide range of adjustable jar openers that reduce the strain on your hands when opening jars.
Be careful to choose an opener that suits your hand size, as some are quite wide. Also, consider a pull ring lid opener that relieves the strain on your fingers when opening these types of cans. An electric can opener is great for canned foods, and other food preparation tools include palm graters and arthritis-friendly kitchen knives.
Seniors may struggle to operate round or shaped knobs on appliances and doors, as they can be difficult to grip properly and stiff to turn. Solutions include nonslip doorknob covers and rubber doorknob extensions.
For turning cooker and appliance knobs, use a universal knob turner. These generally have a rubber grip that fits over the knob and a handle for leverage. Another useful device is a key turner, which has a large plastic handle that attaches to your key to reduce the force needed to lock and unlock doors.
Dressing is an area where many seniors with grip and stretch issues need help. Thankfully, many simple devices ease this chore. Button hooks that you slip through your buttonhole and hook over the button let you easily fasten buttons. A simple DIY solution for zippers is fitting a large key ring over the zipper head. Simply hook your fingers through the hoop and use the strength of your arm instead of your hand to pull the zipper down. A hook attached to a piece of wood is another easy solution.
A sock aid helps you open the mouth of your sock and pull it over your ankle without needing to bend over and use your hands. A long-handled shoehorn can help ease your feet into your shoes. It's especially useful for putting on dress shoes and tight-fitting sneakers.
Every senior with grip issues should have a reaching or grabbing aid that can be used to pick up dropped items. They’re also great for housework and organizing hard-to-reach items like shoes and items on high shelves and cupboards.
Another useful aid is a hand or finger brace to support your hand while you’re doing chores. These splints reduce the strain on sensitive joints and relieve pain. There's a wide selection for different medical conditions.
While assistive devices can make life much easier for seniors with hand grip and stretch issues, therapy and appropriate medications also help. If you’re having trouble with your hands, speak to our on-site therapists here at Autumn View Gardens in Creve Coeur, Missouri. Physical therapy and hand exercises can reduce inflammation and pain. Also, consult your doctor to determine the reasons for your grip challenges. Medication can often reduce the inflammation and discomfort experienced by older adults with arthritis and other degenerative conditions.
