Tips and Tools for Everyday Life

Self-help devices

Many varieties of self-help or assistive devices are available for people with RA. These devices can help you perform everyday tasks by helping your joints move comfortably, by providing leverage when you need it and by increasing your range of motion.

The table below provides some examples of self-help devices according to location in your home.

Bedroom	Kitchen	Bathroom
Zipper pulls Buttoning aids Velcro fasteners Long-handled shoe horns Electric blanket Reachers Lamp-switch enlargers Door-knob turners	Reachers Rubber jar openers Easy-grip utensils Fixed jar openers Gripper pads Spray-can handles	Tub bars Hand rails Faucet levers/tap turners Raised toilet seats Long-handled sponges Soap/shampoo dispensers

Assistive devices are available for other parts of your everyday life as well, such as at work, in the car or at play. All of these helpful products and more are available for purchase at Arthritis.org or AidsforArthritis.com.

Other ways to simplify your life

The use of self-help devices is just one way to simplify your life with RA. Below are some other ways to accomplish everyday tasks without worsening joint pain or causing damage.

Learn the proper way to bend, lift, reach, sit and stand.
Some key tips include using your palms instead of fingers to lift or carry things, lift with your legs and use props when necessary. Your doctor or a physical therapist can also help you with this.

Balance activity with rest.
Knowing when to take a break is important if you have RA. Planning activities that require more strength for times of day when you usually feel your best may be helpful.

Organize your surroundings to suit your needs.
Whether at home or at work, keep the tools and appliances you use most within reach. When it comes to cleaning around the house, spread out chores so they can be done over the course of a few days.

When trying to accomplish your daily activities, perhaps the most important thing you can do is listen to your body. If a certain activity starts to cause you pain or you start to feel tired, take a break. If the symptoms of RA are still taking a toll on your ability to do the things you need to do, talk to your doctor. He or she may be able to recommend some different strategies for managing pain, stiffness and fatigue.

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