G Johns, an architectural ironmonger specialising in care homes, hospitals, and residential properties, provides valuable insights into enhancing the daily lives of arthritis sufferers through practical home modifications.
In the UK, a staggering 10 million people—amounting to a hefty 18% of the population—battle various forms of arthritis. The quest for improved quality of life, as well as independence for sufferers, has intensified as arthritis diagnoses rise.
Kitchen
D-handles opposed to round knobs
Due to stiffness and swelling or numbness in the wrist and fingers, round handles on drawers mean unnecessary pulling and twisting causing pain for people with arthritis. Instead, install D-handle pulls on drawers, this way you can insert your fingers and pull with your whole hand to open the drawer.
Sliding doors
The conventional door is usually installed with pull-down and towards handles which can be a source of discomfort for those with arthritis. When considering modifications for arthritis sufferers, a sliding door is a great option. The simplicity of sliding the door back and forth eliminates the need for handles, providing an accessible and pain-free entry and exit.
Add a chair
Constant weight bearing may worsen joint pain for arthritis sufferers and standing for long periods can also worsen leg swelling. Why not add a taller chair to sit on when completing tasks in the kitchen? Adding an extra chair in rooms where they may not typically belong continues, add an extra chair in the bathroom for showers or brushing teeth.
Bathroom
Switch to lever faucet taps
People suffering from arthritis struggle to grip and twist, meaning turning the average twist and lock tap that is turned tightly by the previous person is of no help to an arthritis sufferer. Switching to a lever faucet will make handwashing a breeze, with no need for gripping and twisting, a lever faucet can simply be pushed upwards to start the flow of water.
Raised toilet seat
A standard-height toilet can be agonising for arthritis sufferers, the unavoidable sitting up and down from the toilet can make arthritis-affected hip and knee joints scream. Adding a raised toilet seat can make a world of difference, reducing the need to sit down any lower than needed. If inserting a whole new toilet in your bathroom isn’t an option, then a raised toilet seat extender is available to purchase on Amazon for under £30.
Bedroom
Long-handled sponges and brushes
Certainly, one still needs to lift their arm to brush their hair, and this can indeed become quite a challenging task but one that can often pose difficulties for arthritis sufferers. Long handle sponges for the bath/shower and brushes for hair are great for providing people with precious moments of independence, offering a sense of self-sufficiency in managing their own hair.
Living room
Firmer cushions
Navigating chairs with rheumatoid arthritis can be quite challenging, especially given the prevalence of soft and spongy designs. To alleviate the strain on your back and arms when rising from a seated position, consider enhancing the support by incorporating firmer cushions on chairs and couches.
Cleaning tools
Cleaning tools that avoid unnecessary bending are a great addition to the cleaning cupboard of someone with arthritis. Long-handled dustpans and brushes enable pain-free sweeping without the need to bend over. Enhance efficiency with a rolling laundry basket that allows smooth mobility. Consider incorporating stepstools, steam mops, kneeling pads, and extendable handles for added convenience.
