More than 54 million adults in the U.S. have been diagnosed as having arthritis. There are so many cases that it may seem like a fact of life. You live long enough and end up with arthritis in at least one joint. The problem is that it’s so much more than that.

Arthritis pain makes it hard to complete many daily activities. Most people deal with osteoarthritis, which means the cartilage wears away and causes the bone to rub on bone. It’s painful and can make it hard to grip items, stand for long periods, stand up after sitting, and move around. Driving can become risky if you cannot turn far enough to fully check your blind spots.

The kitchen can become challenging for people with arthritis. Holding a knife, spoon, or fork is hard if you cannot close your fingers far enough to grip things. Carrying a heavy stew pot from the oven or stove to the counter can be hard.

Imagine what would happen if your mom was trying to slice meats and lost her grip on the knife and cut herself. Or, your dad is moving a pot of soup to the table and drops it on his feet. Situations like this are the reason you should look at making the kitchen safe if your mom or dad has arthritis.

Make It Easier to Reach

A grabbing tool makes it easier for your parents to get items on higher shelves. Rather than climbing onto a chair or standing on the counter, your parents can use the tool to reach and grab a can, a cup, or some other item that’s on a shelf that they are struggling to reach.

Grabbing tools are also helpful if your mom or dad drops something and has a hard time bending over. With many of these tools able to pick up items as small as a paper clip, it’s a useful tool to keep on hand.

Electric Jar Openers Help All Ages 

An electric jar opener opens any jar without needing to struggle with the gripping, twisting motion. These small appliances take up little space in a cabinet and do all of the work. It’s a very handy tool if your parents like to can their own produce and make pickles and jam at home.

Get Kitchen Tools With Padded Handles 

Aim for cutlery and other kitchen tools that have thicker handles. Rubber handles are easier to grasp when it’s hard to close the fingers tight in a grip. Knives with thick rubber handles will be more comfortable to hold and reduce the risk of an injury.

Have you thought about hiring caregivers to cook meals for your parents? Caregivers help your parents as much as is needed for them to maintain their independence. A home care specialist can help you understand the services that can help your parents after arthritis sets in. 

 

If you or an aging loved-one is considering a Caregiver in Burbank, CA please contact the caring staff at Nu Care Inc. today at. 800-505-6890 

 

Sources: 

https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/data_statistics/national-statistics.html