Aging-in-Place Home Modifications for People Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis
According to Medicinenet, Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a common chronic and degenerative health condition that can lead to disability. Rheumatoid arthritis is a type of inflammatory arthritis and autoimmune disease. RA may also be called rheumatoid disease because at times rheumatoid arthritis causes systemic illness that impacts many organs of the body.
Home modifications to accommodate rheumatoid arthritis make everyday tasks in the home simpler, safer and better. A Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) consultant can help with the home modifications for people living with rheumatoid arthritis.
RA disease can cause chronic joint inflammation in the fingers, hands, knees, and/or feet. Symptoms of RA include:
Fatigue
Joint pain
Joint tenderness
Joint swelling
Joint redness
Joint warmth
Joint stiffness
Loss of joint range of motion
Many joints affected (polyarthritis)
Limping
Joint deformity
Both sides of the body affected (symmetric)
Loss of joint function
Anemia
Fever
Depression
Home modifications specifically for people living with RA include:
Zero-step entry or wider/bigger steps at entry
Additional handrails or grab bars at entrances, toilet and bathing areas, stairs, and in hallways
Improve lighting
Nonslip surfaces on stairs and steps
Graspable handrails on both sides of step systems
Purchase furniture that is raised or has lift assistance and/or arm rests to help getting up and down
Install wireless remotes for the TVs used regularly
Connect your smart phone to your lighting, HVAC, and security systems so you don’t have to get up to turn these features on or make adjustments
Buy a mattress that is not too hard or too soft
Buy a neck support pillow
Use night lights in locations where you commonly walk at night
Use motion sensor light controls in areas where night lights are not adequate
Buy frozen pre-cut vegetables versus fresh vegetables that need to be cleaned and cut before cooking
Level yard areas and walkway to vehicles, bus stops, and mailbox
Wider sidewalks, big enough for 2 people or adaptive equipment (walker or wheelchair)
Remove hazards in walking areas such as rugs and different elevations
Clearly mark changes in walking surface to be easily visible
Replace tub with shower or walk-in tub
Built-in or portable bath or shower seat
Non-skid floor or mat in the bathtub or shower
Water-resistant and slip resistant flooring in any potentially wet areas
Space for exercise indoors and outdoors
Bidet on toilet to help with cleaning after using the toilet
Simplify storage to get rid of things you never use and store items at the level between hip and head
Use automated garage vehicle doors versus manual doors
Larger shower spaces