While loved ones get older, families may notice small changes that indicate a need for extra support.
Struggling with activities like buttoning a shirt, opening jars, or climbing stairs can signal the effects of arthritis on daily life. These changes are natural but raise concerns about well-being and independence.
At The Legacy at Forest Ridge in Schertz, TX, our team provides personalized care plans to help seniors manage arthritis-related challenges while maintaining their dignity. Whether through our assisted living or memory care programs, we are here to guide families through this transition.
Join us as we explore how aids for activities of daily living (ADLs) enhance self-sufficiency for seniors with arthritis and how community living provides a seamless solution.
Defining Daily Activities of Living for Seniors with Arthritis
Activities of daily living (ADLs) are essential tasks that help individuals maintain independence. For older adults with arthritis, even basic ADLs like dressing or eating can become difficult due to joint pain and stiffness.
Identified in the 1950s by Sidney Katz, the Katz Index of Independence was one of the first tools developed to assess an individual’s ability to perform ADLs. Health care professionals still use this index widely to evaluate seniors’ needs.
Challenges with ADLs often increase with age:
- 3.4 percent of those aged 65 to 74 need help with ADLs.
- 7 percent of those aged 75 to 84 require assistance.
- 20.7 percent of adults aged 85 or older need it.
For seniors with arthritis, common areas of assistance include bathing, dressing, and mobility. Recognizing the essential and instrumental needs is the first step to ensuring proper care for your loved one.
Essential Daily Living Activities for Seniors
- Mobility: The ability to walk, transfer from bed to chair, or move safely around one’s environment.
- Personal Hygiene: Bathing, grooming, and maintaining oral hygiene.
- Dressing: Choosing appropriate clothing and dressing independently.
- Eating: Feeding oneself or using assistive devices to eat.
- Toileting: Managing bathroom needs.
- Continence: Controlling bowel and bladder functions.
Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs)
While ADLs focus on basic self-care, instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) include tasks essential for managing a household. These include:
- Meal preparation
- Medication management
- Managing finances and paying bills
- Shopping
- Housekeeping and laundry
- Using technology
- Transportation
Arthritis Aids and Gadgets
ADL aids for daily living with arthritis make life easier. Whether it’s osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or another form of the condition, seniors and their families should know they’re not alone.
Finding the best arthritis aids for daily living can transform the home into a more accessible and comfortable space.
Arthritis Aids for Every Area of the Home
Kitchen
- Ergonomic Utensils: Easier to grip knives, peelers, and spoons minimize wrist strain.
- Jar and Bottle Openers: Devices that clamp and twist help with opening tight lids.
- Electric Can Openers: Reduce the need for manual twisting or pulling.
- Cutting Boards with Holders: Stabilized boards keep food in place, requiring less grip strength.
- Food Processors: Chop or puree ingredients for hands-free meal preparation.
Bathroom
- Grab Bars and Handrails: Installed near toilets and showers so older adults can get extra stability.
- Shower Chairs: Equip them with a stable, seated option for bathing.
- Long-Handled Bath Brushes: Help seniors reach without twisting.
- Raised Toilet Seats: Reduce the need to squat, easing pressure on the knees.
- Electric Toothbrushes and Shavers: Reduce wrist strain and are typically easier to grip.
Bedroom
- Sock Aids and Button Hooks: Help put on socks, shoes, and shirts without bending or gripping.
- Bed Rails: Provide assistance for getting in and out of bed.
- Heated Mattress Pads: Soothe stiff joints during the night.
Living Room
- Reachers and Grabbers: Extendable tools for picking up items without bending.
- Stand Assist Frames: Help seniors rise from couches and chairs.
- Lumbar Cushions: Contribute back support to ease lower back pain.
Throughout the Home
- Anti-Slip Mats: Prevent falls in slippery spots like kitchens and bathrooms.
- Door Lever Handles: Replace round knobs for easier access.
- Voice-Activated Devices: Control lights, locks, and appliances without physical strain.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Aids for Daily Living
Living with rheumatoid arthritis can be challenging, but assistive devices are a good idea for making tasks easier. Tools like ergonomic grips and compression gloves are designed for hands and fingers, while joint-friendly gadgets like jar openers make activities easier on your joints.
Finding the Right Arthritis Aids in Schertz, TX
Whether you’re exploring arthritis aids for daily living or specific tools for rheumatoid arthritis, these solutions will create a more accessible home.
For those seeking local solutions, the following stores offer a range of adaptive aids and mobility products in and near Schertz, TX:
- MobilityWorks for wheelchair-accessible vans and rentals
- PrimeCare Pharmacy & Medical Supply
- Wheelchairs, Etc.
- Restoring Mobility
For more convenience, items can also be ordered online from retailers like Amazon or health care suppliers by searching for “daily living aids for seniors with arthritis.” Specialized websites generally present free shipping and financing options for larger purchases like:
- Mobility chairs
- Adaptive furniture
- Transfer equipment
Home modifications can also help older adults manage arthritis-related challenges. However, the costs and disruptions may not always be worth it for every family.
Purpose-built environments like The Legacy at Forest Ridge provide a more complete solution through personalized care in spaces designed for older adults.
How Community Living Supports Seniors with Arthritis
Assisted living communities in Schertz are perfect for when seniors need more consistent support.
Assisted Living
Our Schertz assisted living community offers:
- Personalized care plans tailored to each resident’s ADL needs.
- Assistance with dressing, bathing, and medication management.
- Spacious private apartments designed for comfort and accessibility.
- Chef-prepared meals in the dining room or delivered.
- On-site team members, including health care professionals, for peace of mind.
Connections Memory Care Program
For those living with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, our Connections memory care program emphasizes personalized support. While some residents remain mobile and independent, others benefit from additional help with daily living ADLs.
Our team works to balance well-being, autonomy, and community connection for every individual.
At The Legacy at Forest Ridge, we have on-site rehabilitation services to help residents regain or maintain their independence. With guidance from physical and occupational therapists, seniors improve their ability to perform ADLs and reduce their reliance on mobility aids.
These services enhance quality of life, allowing residents to stay active and engaged.
Discover Aids for Daily Living in Schertz, TX
At The Legacy at Forest Ridge, we’re committed to senior community living and helping families navigate the journey. Whether through our assisted living or memory care services, our Schertz, TX community offers personalized care, compassionate support, and social activities. Schedule a tour today and discover how we’ll support your loved one’s independence and happiness.