Arthritis Management: How to Support Seniors with Everyday Tasks

Understanding Arthritis Management in Seniors

Arthritis is beginning to take a toll on your mom – it’s difficult for her to get out of her chair, she has trouble buttoning her blouse and she can no longer open tightly closed jars.

“We work with many seniors who have arthritis, so we understand how the condition can affect their day-to-day lives,” said Sierra Goetz, co-founder and operations director at HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN). “During this Arthritis Awareness Month, we’re joining other organizations to raise awareness about arthritis, its symptoms, treatments and ways to manage the condition.”

Practical Tips for Arthritis Management at Home

Very common in people over age 50, arthritis is the swelling and tenderness of one or more joints. It’s most common in hands/wrists, knees, hips, feet/ankles, shoulders and lower back. While there is no cure, treatments are available to help manage the symptoms. There are also simple things you can do to help you senior with the activities of daily living.

Dressing Aids for Effective Arthritis Management

When dressing, zipper pulls and buttoning aids can help fasten clothing. A long-handled shoehorn is also helpful for those who have trouble bending. 

Kitchen Solutions for Arthritis Management

In the kitchen, fixed jar openers, electric can openers, food processors and mandolins for slicing can make work easier. Reachers (long-handled tools with a gripping mechanism) can be used to retrieve items stored higher low.

Bathroom Safety and Arthritis Management

In the bathroom, tub bars and handrails will provide additional stability and security when getting in and out of the bath or shower. Faucet levers and raised toilet seats are also helpful.

Driving Assistance for Arthritis Management

When driving, a wide key holder can make it much easier to turn the ignition, and a gas cap opener can help when filling the tank. 

Leisure Activities and Arthritis Management

Leisure activities can still be enjoyable using assistive devices such as kneelers and light-weight hoses for grading, “no-hands” frames for quilting or embroidery and card holders and shufflers for card games. 

Caregiver Help in Arthritis Management

“Everyday tasks like dressing, cooking, laundry, cleaning, gardening and recreational activities typically become more challenging as arthritis progresses,” Goetz said. “When it gets to be too much, our professional caregivers can help. With our assistance, most seniors are able to continue living safely and independently.”

For more information about services provided by HomeCare Advocacy Network, visit hcan.com or call your local HCAN-supported office.

To learn more about arthritis, visit arthritis.org.