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Home >> Arthritis   >> Further Information   >>  Living with arthritis

Living with arthritis

Arthritis And Your Home

Once you have been diagnosed with arthritis there are many aspects of your life that may have to change. Most importantly you will need to make your home more liveable so that you can still enjoy its comforts. This section addresses all the areas in the home that may need attention and suggests ways that you can make your life easier.

In the kitchen

  • Learn to plan meals ahead of time. This will lessen last minute tasks.
  • If possible use electrical appliances such as can openers, mixers, blenders, frying pans, microwave ovens, and dishwashers to get the job done with less time and energy.
  • When stirring, place a mixing bowl in the sink. A damp cloth underneath it will help to keep the bowl from slipping.
  • Ask a family member or friend to hammer rustproof nails through a cutting board so that it does not move while cutting and preparing vegetables.
  • Ask an occupational therapist for a knife that is specially made for arthritis or use a French Chef's knife. These keep hands in a good position when cutting, slicing, and chopping. Use disposable or lightweight baking pans and crockery for easier cleaning up.
  • Before baking or frying, spray a non-stick product on pans or line them with aluminium foil.
  • Use a dish rack to drain and dry dishes.
  • A cart with wheels can be used to move heavy items from place to place.
  • Use pre-cut vegetables to save time and effort.
  • If you have a small fridge, put it on a counter to prevent bending to reach items.
  • Front-opening freezers are much easier to open than chest freezers.
  • Use a food processor whenever you can.
  • If possible make use of online shopping (at least for your heavier household items).
  • Different aids can be used to help you hold cutlery more comfortably.

Suggested tips:

  • Store appliances, crockery and cutlery within easy reach.
  • Keep a stool to sit on while cooking, washing dishes or peeling vegetables.
  • Use a long-handled reacher, cutlery handles and saucepan handles.
  • Tap handles can be built up.
  • Use cloth loops on refrigerator doors to facilitate opening.
  • A double-handled strainer basket allows you to use both hands.
  • A shallow sink is better than a deep one.

Laundry and housecleaning

  • Learn to do only the chores that are really necessary e.g. buy clothing that doesn't need ironing.
  • Separate laundry baskets can be used to sort clothes before taking them to the laundry room. When the clothes come out of the dryer or have dried naturally, sort them into different baskets for each family member to put away.
  • Sit when you are sorting, folding, and ironing the clothes.
  • There are sponge mops with an easy squeezer available, or a janitor's pail with a wringer. You can even use a bucket on a wooden trolley.
  • Use a long-handled feather duster or a reacher with a duster on it.
  • When dusting use a mitt, using circular movements with your hand extended.
  • Carry cleaning supplies with you by wearing an apron with big pockets.
  • Store cleaning supplies where they are used.
  • By using an automatic toilet bowl cleaner and spray-on mildew remover you won't need to spray-on mildew remover you won't need to scrub.
  • When you have to do heavy tasks such as mopping floors, alternate with light tasks, such as dusting. floors.
  • Do just one major cleaning task a day e.g. washing clothes or cleaning the bathroom.

The living room

  • Sit in a firm, raised chair with armrests.
  • Put castors on furniture for easy movement.
  • Use a long-handled feather duster.
  • Use a reacher for moving the curtains or picking things up off the floor.
  • Move electrical sockets or use extension cords so that you don't have to bend to swich things on.
  • Ensure that you have good lighting.
  • Use as many push button appliances as possible.
  • Install hand rails on both sides of steps or stairways.
  • Use a bookrest rather than holding a book when reading.
  • Use a cordless telephone with push buttons.
  • Make sure you have a portable panic button that is linked to your armed response company in case of emergency.

In the bathroom

  • Sit on a bath chair in the tub or place a chair in the shower. Use a non-slip mat to prevent falling.
  • Use a bath mitt or a long handled brush to wash with.
  • Build up the handles on brushes and combs or extend them with rulers, foam rubber, or pipe.
  • Install taps which can be controlled with the palm, or build up tap handles.
  • Use a non-slip pad to turn taps on and off or ask an occupational therapist for tap turners.
  • Put rail bars around the bath and the toilet so that you have something to hold onto.
  • Squeeze a toothpaste tube between your palms or put a washcloth under the tube and lean on it. Alternatively you can buy toothpaste in a pump dispenser.
  • Invest in an electric toothbrush.
  • If you have trouble sitting or rising from the toilet, use a raised toilet seat and use the safety rails.
  • When putting on makeup or shaving, use a freestanding mirror so that you don't have to lean over the sink and strain your back.
  • When shaving, an electric razor causes less strain than a standard razor.
  • A shelf placed in front of the shaving mirror will provide a stable place to lean on.

Suggested tips

  • Place towels within easy reach.
  • Use an adjustable showerhead.
  • Place all shelves at a reachable level.

In the bedroom

  • Choose the right bed with help from your doctor; it should not be too low.
  • When making the bed, finish one side at a time.
  • Use fitted sheets or sew the corners.
  • Attach cloth loops to socks and put them on with a long-handled hook. long-handled hook.
  • Use long-handled shoehorns and sock/pantyhose aids.
  • Always wear shoes that fit and provide good support. Some shoes have velcro closures or elastic shoelaces; check your feet at a podiatrist.
  • Pre-tie your neckties.
  • Replace buttons with velcro, if possible, or use a buttonhook.
  • To make a zipper easier to grasp, use a zipper pull or add a loop, chain, or large paper clip.
  • A walk-in cupboard is ideal but sliding doors on castors will also be helpful.
  • Get rid of loose carpets and other obstructions.

Suggested tips:

  • Place shelving and storage at a reachable height.
  • Sit down to dress.
  • Wear splints to hold inflamed joints straight during rest.
  • Use light quilts instead of blankets or heavy duvets.
  • Use one thin neck pillow.
  • Raise your bed.
  • Invest in a firm mattress.
  • Use reading lamps with cords or press buttons.
  • Use a walking stick for helping yourself move around at night.
  • Place a chair or bench near the bed to help you get up.

Using Doors, Doorways, Keys And Locks

If you find that turning a doorknob is difficult, have someone wind a few rubber bands around the largest part of the knob. These rubber bands increase the diameter of the knob and make it easier to grasp.  To further increase the diameter, cover knobs with padded doorknob covers or foam rubbers which are available at most hardware stores.

Lever handles make doors much easier to open. There are many styles to choose from the hardware and building-supply stores.

Here are two ways to make it easier to close doors behind you:

  1. Tie a string, cord or rope from the doorknob. As you begin to walk through the doorway take hold of the cord, and the door will shut behind you as you walk.
  2. Attach a cup hook in the door near the knob and another one in the doorjamb on the hinge side. Tie a string or chain from one hook to the other. Pull the string as you go through the doorway, and the door will close behind you.

For propping heavy doors open, use a tablespoon as a doorstop. Turn the spoon upside down and push  the handle under the door.

Extra steps to open or unlock your exterior door can be eliminated by keeping an extra garage-door opener in the house. When you want to let someone into your locked house, press the battery-operated garage-door opener. Your guests can use the open garage entrance to your house.


This quick guide is supported by Pfizer.