Add in the fatigue that often comes along with RA, and it’s no wonder that getting simple things done can seem so hard, says Kristin Malone, an occupational therapist in Lockport, Illinois. Falling is also a risk with RA. According to a study published in April 2020 in the journal Medical Science Monitor, more than 50 percent of people with RA enrolled in the study experienced falls. The good news: Simple modifications around your home can make it easier for you to manage if you’re exhausted or in a lot of pain and help you conserve energy, which is key with RA, Malone says. Here’s a room-by-room look at RA home modifications and assistive devices that cost little or nothing but can make life easier and safer with RA.
In the Kitchen
The kitchen doesn’t have to be intimidating. Use these smart adaptations designed to make it easier to open cupboards and cans, close containers, lift bags, and maneuver while cooking.
Pick your pans. Pans with a nonstick surface require less scrubbing to clean. Pans with double handles are easier to lift and move in and out of the oven or on the stove top.Take a seat. Standing at the counter to prep can be tiresome and put unnecessary stress on your joints. Try sitting on a stool while you work in the kitchen.Let it drip dry. Buy a dish rack and let plates, pots, and pans air-dry. You’ll conserve energy this way and prevent yourself from having to manipulate towels.Go electric. Electric can openers can save you from having to “squeeze and turn cans,” Malone says. Opening a can with a handheld device puts a lot of pressure on the thumb joints, which tend to be problematic for people with RA, she says. The Arthritis Foundation also recommends using a food processor or mandoline for slicing.Try roll-out shelves. Consider installing shelves that slide out, so you don’t have to reach far inside cabinets for the items you need. A lazy Susan is a less expensive alternative that spins items toward you.Serve “à la carte.” A serving cart on wheels can help you bring food to the table or dishes from the table to the dishwasher. Look for a used cart online if new ones are too pricey.
Cover your floors. “Placing nonslip rugs in front of the tub or shower can help prevent falls,” Malone says. Choose a rug with a rubber or nonskid backing. Don’t use towels for cleanup: They may absorb any water that spills over, but they can be slippery. Be sure to install nonskid strips on your bath or shower floor, too.Raise your toilet seat. “A raised toilet seat can be an option if you have difficulty getting up and down,” Malone says. Another option: Install a grab bar on the wall near the toilet.
In Living Areas
A living room that’s warm and inviting can make all the difference to your state of mind. Take these sensible steps to create a welcoming space for relaxing and unwinding.
Lighten up. Buy some lamps to brighten the dark areas of your home. “If things are shadowy, they’re more difficult to see,” Malone says. Be sure your stairs are well lit, because changes in elevation can be tricky to navigate if you can’t see them well.Board it up. If you have RA, you might find it harder to get out of chairs that are soft and cushy. If you don’t want to invest in firmer seat cushions, buy a wheelchair pad at a drugstore or medical supply shop and place it on top of where you sit. Or ask a home improvement store to cut a piece of plywood that you can slip under your couch cushions to increase firmness.Guard against tripping hazards. Give your living space a good inspection and remove all lamp and TV cords that could cause you to trip and fall. Move or get rid of any area rugs that could be slippery and unstable as well.Put a cell phone charger in the room. Keep a cell phone charged and nearby so you can easily get to it when it rings. Voice recording options are also available on many phones, which can save you from the strain of having to text on a small display.
In the Bedroom
In an ideal world, your bedroom is a safe refuge from the world, where deep and restorative rest can occur. Sound sleep is also vital to your RA. Make these adjustments and upgrades to help ensure sound slumber night after night.
Stress less when getting dressed. Zipper pulls, buttoning aids, and Velcro fasteners can make it easier and safer to get dressed, the Arthritis Foundation suggests. And move a chair into or near your closet so you can sit down while putting on or taking off clothing, especially things such as shoes and socks.Use your leverage. Knobs can be difficult to turn if you have RA. Install lever handles to make bedroom and closet doors easier to open and close.Buy duplicates. Having duplicate sets of common household items, such as cleaning supplies and small electronics, saves you from having to lug them around the house. And you’re less likely to trip and fall if you’re not carrying a ton, Malone says.
To identify home products likely to make your life safer and easier, no matter which part of the house you’re in, look for items marked with the Arthritis Foundation’s Ease of Use seal.
