Life Hacks for Living with Arthritis
Goals for the Meeting
Challenged with Daily Activities? �You’re Not Alone!
Morning
Motion Is Lotion: Gentle Morning Stretches
Ankle circles
Wrist and finger stretch
Head to toes stretch
Overhead stretch
Bathroom Hacks
Install grab bars around the toilet, shower/tub and sink to help with stability and support.
Consider a raised toilet seat to reduce strain on knees and tips when standing and sitting.
Take a look at your sink and tub handles and think about installing a lever handle which is easier to grip and turn.
Oral Health
Consider adaptive tools to make your oral health routine easier.
Electric toothbrushes are easier to grip and require less manual handling. You can use a tennis ball for a more flexible grip.
Floss aids and threaders can make it easier.
Large handled toothpaste tubes with larger caps or pumps.
Discussion ��What are your favorite morning routine tips for managing arthritis?
Getting Dressed and Ready for the Day
Explore adaptive clothing items including magnetic closures, front-fastening bras, and pre-fastened buttons.
Try elastic laces in place of shoelaces to eliminate tying as well as slip-on styles such as loafers, mules and sandals.
Look for shoes that offer good support for your feet.
Getting Around Easier: Aids & Techniques
When taking walks, be sure to pace yourself since short, frequent walks are better than one long one.
Try to use good posture throughout the day which means head up, shoulders relaxed, back straight.
To reduce the risk of tripping, remove clutter around your home including rugs, cords, and banister décor.
Even when inside of your home, utilize your cane, walker, braces or any other assistive walking device.
Assistive Devices for Around the Home
Home Chores and Home Maintenance Hacks
Yard Work
Cleaning
Laundry
Discussion ��What is your favorite hack that you use inside of your home?
Office and Work Tips
Find a chair that fits you and offers adjustable height and armrests.
If you sit at a desk, explore a sit-stand desk.
Stand and stretch every 20-30 mins.
Try an ergonomic keyboard and computer mouse.
Enlarge your computer and phone screen fonts.
Try a footrest to improve blood circulation.
Correct Sitting Position
Keep your shoulders relaxed.
Maintain back support.
Ensure arm support.
Keep your thighs horizontal.
Feet flat on the floor or on a foot stool.
Ergonomic Tips for Arthritis at Work
Keep your tools organized and within reach to avoid unnecessary movements.
Ensure adequate lighting to avoid eye strain and stooped posture.
Try to find ways to modify tasks to reduce repetitive movements.
Correct Lifting Technique
Keep your back straight.
Bend at the knees.
Keep load close to your body.
Keep your feet wide.
Lift with your legs.
At Work Stretches
Kitchen and Cooking Hacks
Buy pre-chopped produce.
Use a food processor to chop.
Use kitchen shears to cut meats and veggies.
Use slow cookers, air fryers, or toaster ovens for ease.
Slide items onto counters instead of lifting.
More Helpful Kitchen Prep Tools
Dycem
Rocker Knife
Jar Opener
Electric Jar Opener
Electric Can Opener
Loop Scissors
Discussion ��What is your favorite kitchen hack? Any good, easy recipes that you can share?
Arthritis and Travel
When riding in a car, try a seat cushion and steering wheel cover.
Use cruise control and plan for frequent breaks.
Pack light and use wheeled luggage.
Think about what mode of transportation is most
comfortable for you.
Evening
Create a nightly wind down routine.
Prepare your clothing for the next day.
Power down electronic devices.
Try a warm shower before bed.
A travel pillow may help to maintain posture during rest.
Sleep in compression gloves and garments.
Ease of Use Certified Products
Look for the Ease-of-Use Seal!
Products and packaging with this seal are certified by the Arthritis Foundation as easy to use for people with arthritis and chronic pain
Rigorous testing ensures these products meet the highest standards for accessibility.
Find certified products at arthritis.org and retailers nationwide.
Ease of Use Certified Products
You can find certified products in retail locations throughout the U.S Some examples to look for:
Amazon.com
Home Depot
Target
Walgreens
Costco
Lowes
CVS
Target
Paying for Assistive Devices
Insurance plans will cover assistive devices that a physical therapist or occupational therapist ordered for you
Discussion ��What is one life hack that you have learned today that you will try?
Thank You