As we age, our hand function decreases, making it difficult to handle small objects due to stiffer joints and potential arthritis. Caregivers for seniors can assist by providing special tools or modifying daily use items for aging hands.

The Remedic Week Pill Organizer was specially designed with aging hands in mind, featuring a groove on the bottom for a better grip, and a rubber lip on the lid for easy sliding open or close. The pillbox organizer consists of seven compact trays, one for each day of the week, making medication organization simple for both patients and caregivers. Its compact design is portable for travel and daily use, and a great gift idea for seniors.

When caring for older adults, it’s important to understand that their hands experience various changes with age. Blood circulation weakens, making them more sensitive to cold, while joints stiffen and range of movement is limited. Muscle strength decreases, and it becomes harder to operate everyday tools and mechanisms, while less muscle mass protects joints and bones. Tactile sense and eye-hand coordination weaken, making touchscreens and sensing surfaces more difficult. Swollen joints and tremors can cause pain and limit grip accuracy, while fingernails become brittle and more susceptible to fungus infections. Stiff hands make nail care more challenging.

To assist aging hands, caregivers can encourage regular hand exercises and look for suitable aids, arthritis hacks, and tools, or other ways to ensure a good and safe grip. This helps to ensure that seniors retain a high level of independence and can manage activities of daily living.

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1. Provide assistive devices: You can provide assistive devices like grip aids, jar openers, and large-handled utensils to make it easier for seniors to perform daily tasks.
2. Chose devices with ergonomic designs that are comfortable to hold and use, with textured surfaces that provide a better grip.

2. Use larger font sizes: You can use larger font sizes when labeling medication or other items to make it easier for seniors to read.
3. Encourage gentle exercise: Exercise can help improve joint mobility and reduce stiffness. Encourage your loved one to engage in gentle exercise such as stretching or walking.
4. Apply heat or cold therapy: Applying heat or cold therapy can help relieve arthritis pain. You can use a hot or cold pack or a warm towel to provide relief.
5. Make modifications to the home: You can make modifications to the home to make it easier for seniors to move around. For example, you can install grab bars in the bathroom or remove tripping hazards.
6. Provide emotional support: Arthritis can be a painful and frustrating condition, and it can be helpful to provide emotional support to your loved one. Listen to their concerns and offer encouragement and positivity.
7. Consider medication options: There are many different medications available to help manage arthritis pain. Talk to your loved one’s doctor about the options and whether they may be appropriate.

Remember, caring for someone with arthritis hands can be challenging, but with the right approach, you can help your loved one manage their condition and maintain their independence.

Good arthritis related caregiving resources can be found here:  https://www.arthritis.org

Caregiving Resources

• https://www.caregiver.org
• https://www.caregiving.com
• https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/
• https://www.arthritis.org
• https://dailycaring.com

Find your Area Agency on Aging

• https://eldercare.acl.gov/Public/Index.aspx

Arthritis and Senior Living Product Reviews

• https://www.grayingwithgrace.com
• https://adaptiveequipmentcorner.com