Assistive Devices for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Assistive devices for your bedroom

Button hooks

Button hooks pull buttons of all sizes through buttonholes for you. They may help you get dressed when RA makes the joints in your fingers stiff and painful.

Zipper pulls

You can add a ring, a bit of fabric, or another pull to the end of zippers. This may make it easier to grab and pull. It can help with closing:

• pants
• jackets
• wallets
• purses
• other items with zippers

Velcro

You may buy clothes with Velcro or replace some of the buttons and snaps on your current clothing with Velcro. Velcro is easier to pull apart and join together, making getting dressed more manageable.

Dressing sticks

A dressing stick is a stick or pole with a hook on the end. It can help you put your sleeves and pant legs in the right place.

You can use the hook to grab the ends of your sleeves and other clothing edges and pull them into place.

Jewelry fasteners

Tiny jewelry hooks can make it hard to put on and remove jewelry. But that doesn‘t mean you need to stop wearing your favorite pieces. Jewelry fasteners can help you hook bracelets and necklace clasps.

Sock aids

A sock aid can help you pull socks over your feet and up your ankles and legs. Sock aids come in several forms. Most types have handles to get socks up with less strain on your hips and knees.

Shoehorns

Tight shoes can be difficult to wiggle your foot into. This can be extra challenging if you have RA that causes pain in your:

• wrists
• knees
• hips

A shoehorn can help you slide your foot into your shoes more easily.

Bed risers

Bed risers adjust the height of your bed. They can make it easier to get in and out of bed without pain. This can be a big help in the mornings when knee pain may be severe for you.

Supportive pillows

Pillows can help support your joints and sleep, and a wide variety are available. The right one for you depends on which of your joints RA impacts the most.

A physical or occupational therapist can make suggestions if you’re unsure what’s right for you.

Assistive devices for your bathroom

Grab bars and railings

Grab bars in your tub and on the wall by your toilet can help you move through your bathroom. You can use them to:

• pull yourself up
• maintain your balance
• safely perform daily bathroom activities

Raised toilet seats

Getting up and down can be hard on your knees and hips. Low surfaces like toilets can be even more challenging. A raised toilet seat can make it easier to stand and sit down and reduce the pressure on your joints.

Bath seats

A seat or bench in your tub or shower can help you rest and stay safe while you get clean. It allows you to sit while you wash your body and hair, and it can prevent you from getting overly tired or fatigued.

Handles and levers

Twisting faucet knobs in your sink and shower can be difficult when RA causes pain in your hands. Replacing your knobs with handles or levers can help.

Handles and levers are easier to grip and help you avoid painful wrist and hand motions.

Electric razors and toothbrushes

Electric razors and toothbrushes can make shaving and brushing your teeth easier. You won’t need to use your wrists and hands as much, which can prevent pain. Electric devices often have thicker handles and are easier to grip.

Easy-open lids

You can replace the standard lids on your medication bottles and other bathroom supplies with easy-to-open lids. This can make it easier to get the supplies you need without painful twisting motions.

You can look for products that already have easier lids or purchase replacement lids for the supplies you already own, such as medications.

Assistive devices for your kitchen

Food processors

Repetitive chopping can cause pain in your hands and wrists. A food processor can chop vegetables, meats, and other foods to help you prepare dinner.

You can buy basic food processors that chop and dice or more elaborate processors that also grate and puree food.

Jar openers

It can be a challenge to get a lid off some jars. It can be even more difficult if the pain from RA makes it difficult for you to grab and twist lids.

Jar openers can help. You can look into manual jar openers or electric jar openers.

Lightweight cookware

Cast iron and other heavy pots and pans can be heavy and, therefore, difficult to lift or use. It can help to switch them out for lightweight cookware.

Like food processors and jar openers, lightweight cookware is available at many price points and in many styles.

Adaptive utensils

Adaptive utensils are specially designed to be easier to use. They have longer handles, grips, and other adaptations to help people with joint pain cook and eat.

Adaptive versions of cooking tools and silverware are also available.

Assistive devices for your office

Supportive chairs

A supportive chair can relieve pressure and stress on your joints while you work. You might need your chair and workspace at a specific height to stay comfortable and not irritate your joints.

An occupational therapist can help you find the right chair for your workday. They can also suggest the right height and angle to reduce pain.

Hands-free headsets

Holding onto the phone during calls can strain your hands and wrists. A hands-free headset lets you make the calls you need without using your hands.

This can make your workday less painful, especially if phone calls are a big part of your job.

Writing boards

Slanted writing boards bring your work closer to you. They help you avoid bending and straining. You can also use them to keep your pens, highlighters, calculators, and other supplies within easy reach.

Assistive devices for your car

Key turners

A key turner is a device you can place on the end of your car key. It makes it easier to grab your keys by giving you a larger surface area, saving you from painful twisting and pinching motions.

Gas cap opener

Twisting and pulling your gas cap off can be painful. A gas cap opener provides a larger surface area. You can attach it to your gas cap whenever you need to open it to make getting gas more manageable.

Heated seats

Heat can help soothe the pain and swelling of RA. Heated seats in your car can be a great way to soothe the pain in your joints after a long day at work. They can also make long drives more comfortable.

Wide-angle rearview mirrors or rearview cameras

Twisting your head and neck can be painful, making reversing, parking, and other driving tasks difficult.

A wide-angle rearview mirror or a rearview camera can allow you to see what’s behind your car without turning your head.

Assistive devices for your lifestyle

Phone holders

Phone holders or rests can hold your phone so you can use it hands-free. They allow you to:

• scroll through your phone
• text friends
• make calls without needing to grip it

Holders can also be used for:

• tablets
• e-readers
• similar devices

Bookholders

Like phone holders, bookholders give you a place to rest books so you can read without needing to grip something. Some bookholders can help you read comfortably when lying in bed or lounging on the couch.

Other bookholders can hold cookbooks and instructional books. Bookholders are available in many styles and at many price points.

Personal shopping carts

Personal shopping carts can make shopping less tiring and painful. They’re easier on your joints than heavy bags or trying to carry items in your arms.

You can also use personal shopping carts to make it easier to transport laundry down hallways. Some personal shopping carts have Velcro side flaps that allow you to unload them without bending and reaching.

Garden benches

Kneeling on the ground to tend your garden is hard on your joints and can lead to pain. A gardening bench or stool can help you avoid putting stress on your knees.

You can also look for lightweight gardening tools with large handles to help avoid pain in your wrists and hands.

Lightweight cleaning tools

You can look for a variety of lightweight cleaning tools. For instance, a lightweight vacuum can make it easier to clean your floors. Spray mops are often lighter than traditional mops and can be easier to manage.

Doorknob covers

Opening doors can strain your wrists and hands. Nonslip doorknob covers can make the twisting and gripping motion of opening a door easier.

They make doorknobs larger and help them stay in your hand without slipping.

Where to buy assistive devices

You can find assistive devices at a wide range of costs. You can check:

• medical supply stores
• drug stores
• large online retailers

A doctor, physical therapist, or occupational therapist might be able to help you find assistive devices within your price range.

Some assistive device and medical supply companies offer discount programs for people without insurance. These programs might allow you to obtain items at a very low cost.

Does insurance cover assistive devices?

Your insurance provider might cover some but not all assistive devices. Generally, insurance plans will cover assistive devices that a physical or occupational therapist ordered for you.

The devices must typically be considered medical equipment to qualify for coverage.

This means a food processor or lightweight vacuum probably won’t be covered, but items such as a raised toilet seat might be. Covered assistive devices might also include things such as:

• bed risers
• handles and grip bars in the bathroom
• bath benches

If you have insurance, your exact coverage for this type of item depends on your particular plan. Contact them or check your policy to find out.

If you don’t have insurance and you’re looking for items such as bath benches or handle grips, your doctor’s office or a local Federally Qualified Health Center might be able to get them for you at low or no cost.

Takeaway

Rheumatoid arthritis can make daily tasks difficult and painful. Assistive devices can help you perform these tasks without pain so you can maintain your independence and lifestyle.

Assistive devices can help you get dressed, shower, cook, drive, complete your workday, shop, and more.

If you have insurance, your insurance provider might cover some assistive devices. If you don’t, you can still obtain some devices at a low cost.

A doctor, physical therapist, or occupational therapist can help you determine the best assistive devices for you and the best places to purchase them.