Home must be a place that is restful and not a source of stress or suffering. How to Create an Arthritis-Friendly Home Environment? It does not mean that you have to remodel your home to make it more arthritic-friendly. Strain could be alleviated by simple, well-considered modifications to the layout, lighting, and equipment that will reduce the risk of falling, enable you to be active longer. The following are some of the things you can do now!
Start with the Rooms with the greatest risk
The common ones include bathrooms, kitchens and entrances since they all involve stretching, bending, and slippery floors. These areas should be given the first priority:
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Install grab bars and a hardy shower seat in your bathroom. Make sure you have non-slip mats and shower heads that can be held when you bathe while sitting.
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When you have been in the kitchen, place the most commonly used kitchen tools on the counter, use the utensils that have inbuilt handles as well as consider using a stool that will enable you to rest as you cook.
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Install ramps or take away thresholds at the entrances and make sure the lighting is outside, so that movement between the entrance and the exit is safer.
These are easy solutions that can reduce the bends, twists, and sloppy grips, all of which can cause joint strain.
Reduce Trip Hazards and Improve Movement Flow
Untidy rugs, clutter, and lighting issues, along with cords that are strung up, are all causes of injuries to joints and falls. Make a brief inspection, and
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Wipe small rugs and place them on the floor using non-slip material.
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Move the furniture to open the spaces to facilitate any mobility aids.
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Install night lights in the corridors, and motion sensor lights near the bathroom to make the night time navigation even easier.
Read more: Thumb Arthritis Test
Choose Tools and Furniture That Protect Joints
Small purchases usually provide huge relief. Find items that can minimize the need for force and repetition
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Lever-style handles for the faucet and door.
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Reacher/grabber tools that prevent the risk of bending or heavy lifting.
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Chairs with comfortable seats at the right height so that you can stand and sit without any stress.
Check out our collection of Arthritis tools here!
Make a Plan and Revisit it
Start with a short list of safety in the bathroom, access to the kitchen, and clear pathways and comfortable main chair. Test the changes during the course of the next week and note the most effective ones, and modify further. You can also book an appointment with an occupational therapist or ask your local council about home adaptation programs at the moment when you can. Specific instructions can help.
The Bottom Line
How to Create an Arthritis-Friendly Home Environment? It is all about the adjustments that can facilitate the process of making an environment friendly to arthritis so that the joints could be better defended, the discomfort could be relieved, and the independence could be preserved. The only few additions and modifications such as safer flooring, better lighting, high functionality tools and more ergonomic design will make your home the place where you can do more and with less pain.
