This tool is designed to help you learn about the different types of assistive devices that can help you perform tasks more easily in your everyday life while minimizing joint pain and strain.
Please Note: This tool is intended to provide general information about assistive devices only and should not be used in place of any medical, treatment, or diagnostic advice from a licensed healthcare professional.
Zipper Pull
Zipper pulls can be added to zippers to make them easier to open and close. A key ring or a soft loop of fabric can be attached through the hole in the zipper tab. You can hook one finger through the ring instead of pinching the tab, making the task easier and reducing strain on your thumb and index finger.
Where to buy:
- Pharmacies
- Online
- Home health stores
- Make your own!
Button Hook
Pain, stiffness, swelling or loss of dexterity in your finger joints can affect your ability to button up your clothes. A button hook/aid enables you to fasten buttons of various sizes more easily. This device helps guide the buttons through the holes without the need to use your fingers.
Where to buy:
- Online
- Home health stores
Velcro
Pain, stiffness, swelling or loss of dexterity in your finger joints can affect your ability to dress. Velcro can be a good fastening alternative instead of buttons and zippers that can be hard to manipulate with your fingers. Velcro is a type of fastener that consists of two surfaces, one with small plastic hooks, and the other with small plastic loops that stick together. This material is commonly found on clothes and accessories.
Where to buy:
- Online
- Fabric stores
- Department stores
- Art supply stores
- Office supply stores
- Home improvement stores
Shoehorn
Bending at the hips and knees can be painful with arthritis. A shoehorn can make it easier to put your shoes on while minimizing bending. Placing the curved end of the shoehorn behind the heel of your foot and pushing your foot down will allow the shoehorn to slide your foot into the shoe. Shoehorns vary in length and material.
Where to buy:
- Online
- Home health stores
- Department stores
- Shoe stores
Sock aids
Bending at the hips and knees and stretching a sock can be painful. A sock aid can help you put your socks on independently while minimizing bending and gripping. To use this device, first put the sock aid into your sock. Next, grasp the handles on the aid and pull them up to pull the sock onto your foot. The are many variations of sock aids, such as rigid and flexible sock aids. Some are easier to use than others.
Where to buy:
- Online
- Home health stores
Bed risers
Arthritis can make bending at the knee and hip painful when getting up from furniture. Bed risers are plastic devices that are added under the legs of your bed or couch to increase its height and make it easier to get up, with decreased energy use, strain, and pain.
Where to buy:
- Home improvement stores
- Mattress stores
- Online
- Department stores
- Furniture stores
Electric can opener
Arthritis can make gripping and twisting hand motions painful and difficult. An electric can opener opens cans of various sizes with the touch of a button. Using this device takes away the need for heavy gripping and twisting motions required when using manual can openers.
Where to buy:
- Kitchen supply stores
- Department stores
- Online
- Electronics stores
- Home improvement stores
Reacher
Stiffness, pain, and swelling in your shoulder, arm, or hand joints can make it difficult to reach for items. A reacher is a multipurpose device that can help extend your reaching range of motion to perform everyday tasks. It is made of lightweight metal or plastic material with a grabber on one end and a handle on the other end. Squeezing the handle causes the grabber to close and hold onto the target object.
Where to buy:
- Online
- Home health stores
Jar Key
A jar key pops the seal on a vacuum-sealed jar and makes the lid easier to twist off. Using a non-slip mat under the jar decreases the effort needed to hold the jar in place and reduces the strain on your hand joints and muscles.
Where to buy:
- Online
- Kitchen stores
- Department stores
Jar opener
Arthritis can make gripping and twisting hand motions painful and difficult. A battery powered, hands-free jar opener enables you to open jars of a variety of sizes. Placing the device on top of the jar and pressing the button activates the jar opening device to loosen the lid.
Where to buy:
- Online
- Department stores
- Kitchen supply stores
Enlarged/adaptive handles and grips
Hand joint stiffness and pain can limit gripping of small or thin items. Enlarged grips make it easier to hold item handles by decreasing the required bending and joint strain in the fingers. Foam tubing and pipe insulation increase handle diameter while also providing you with comfort. These can be used for kitchen cutlery, utensils, tools, as well as for handles on other items, such as mops.
Where to buy:
- Online
- Home health stores
- Plumbing stores
- Medical Supply Stores
Non-slip grip
Arthritis can make gripping and twisting hand motions painful and difficult. A non- slip grip provides your hand with better grip on jar/bottle lids so that it will be easier for you to open.
Where to buy:
- Online
- Kitchen supply stores
- Dollar stores
Handrails/Grab bars
Fatigue and unstable balance are symptoms that may be experienced by people with arthritis. Grab bars are much stronger than regular towel bars, and can be placed in the shower, bathtub, or by the toilet. Using these bars minimizes the risk for falls and provides you with support and stability so that you can move safely in the bathroom.
Where to buy:
- Online
- Home Improvement
- Stores
- Department Stores
- Safety Equipment supply stores
- Medical supply stores
- Bathroom Supply stores
Lever taps / door lever
Arthritis can make gripping and twisting hand motions painful and difficult. Replacing round taps and doorknobs with lever taps and door levers allows you to use your larger joints and stronger muscles, which eliminates the need for any twisting hand motions.
Where to buy:
- Online
- Home Improvement Stores
- Plumbing supply stores
- Bathroom Supply Stores
- Department stores
Raised toilet seat
Arthritis can make bending at the knee and hip painful and tiring when getting up from the toilet. Raised toilet seats can decrease the strain on your knee and hip joints and make it easier to get on and off the toilet. Some raised toilet seats are also equipped with handles that can increase safety and stability to further minimize the risk of falling.
Where to buy:
- Online
- Medical supply stores
- Department stores
- Home improvement stores
- Wheelchair stores
Bath seat
Fatigue and pain are symptoms that may be experienced by people with arthritis. You can use a bath seat to sit on while showering to save energy and reduce joint and muscle strain/pain in the hips, knees and feet from prolonged standing. The bath seat also provides you with a stable surface to rest on to minimize risk of falls.
Where to buy:
- Online
- Home improvement stores
- Bathroom supply stores
- Department stores
Electric toothbrush
Arthritis can make gripping and twisting hand motions painful and difficult. Electric toothbrushes can make brushing teeth easier by decreasing the effort needed from the hands to perform the task. Electric toothbrushes often have thicker handles than manual ones, and some have a non-slip grip.
Where to buy:
- Online
- Home Health Stores
- Pharmacies
- Electronics stores
Electric razor
Fatigue and pain in the hand and wrist are symptoms that may be experienced by people with arthritis. Electric razors make shaving easier by decreasing the effort needed from the hands to perform the task. Electric razors often have thicker handles than manual ones, and some are coated with a non-slip grip.
Where to buy:
- Online
- Home Health Stores
- Pharmacies
- Electronics stores
Detachable handheld shower head
A detachable handheld shower head is especially helpful if you want to shower while sitting down. This device gives you better control and allows you to aim the water where you want it when cleaning your body.
Where to buy:
- Online
- Department stores
- Bathroom supply stores
- Home improvement stores
- Plumbing supply stores
Small squeeze bottles/jars/tubes
Holding heavy items in your hands places stress on your joints. Pouring creams, shampoo, conditioner, and gels into smaller squeeze bottles or jars can decrease the weight and effort needed for your hands to carry. Tube bottles can also be helpful as you can press them with the heel of your hand or elbow to dispense contents.
Where to buy:
- Online
- Department stores
- Bathroom supply stores
Toilet wiping aids
Stiffness, pain, and swelling in your shoulder, arm, or hand joints can limit gripping and arm range of motion for reaching. This device holds toilet paper and enables you to extend your reach to wipe after you finish using the toilet.
Where to buy:
- Online
- Department stores
- medical supply stores
Non-slip bath mat
A wet surface in the tub creates a potential hazard that may cause you to fall. Using a non-slip bathmat in the tub or shower minimizes your risk of falling. The non slip material of the bathmat provides your feet with better grip and stability when standing to shower/bathe or when you move in and out of the shower/tub.
Where to buy:
- Online
- Department stores
- Home improvement stores
- Bathroom Supply stores
Lotion applicator
Stiffness, pain, and swelling in your shoulder, arm, or hand joints can limit arm range of motion for reaching. This device has an elongated handle that helps you apply cream/lotion to hard to reach places on your body, such as your back or lower leg.
Where to buy:
- Online
- Medical supply stores
Ergonomic chairs
Ergonomic chairs are a category of chairs with various ergonomic features such as adjustable height, tilt, arm, and back support. They are designed to provide comfort and facilitate optimal body positioning/posture. Ergonomic chairs can help you minimize strain and pressure on your joints when you work. When purchasing these chairs, it is important to ensure that the chair fits you properly. It is also important to take stretch breaks throughout the day.
Where to buy:
- Online
- Department stores
- Electronics stores
- Office Supply Stores
- Office Furniture stores
Ergonomic desk
Ergonomic desks are specialized with various ergonomic features such as adjustable height and tilt to facilitate optimal body positioning/posture. Ergonomic desks can help you minimize strain and pressure on your joints when you work. When working, it is important to take stretch breaks throughout the day.
Where to buy:
- Online
- Department stores
- Electronics stores
- Office Supply Stores
- Office Furniture stores
Hands-free headsets
Repetitive holding or holding something in the same position for a long time can be very hard on your joints and muscles. Using a hands-free headset can enable you to multitask and reduce stress on your joints and muscles by eliminating the need to grip a telephone. Hands-free headsets also take away the need for your hands to deal with knotted cords of a desk phone.
Where to buy:
- Online
- Electronics stores
- Department stores
- Office supplies stores
For a more extensive list of workplace assistive devices, visit our online Accommodations Toolkit.
Key turner
Arthritis can make gripping, twisting, and pinching with your hand painful and difficult. A key turner is a device where the bow of your key is inserted or attached to the key turner to provide you with a bigger surface to hold and turn with. This could be an elongated lever, as pictured, or a loop handle.
This decreases the strain on your finger/thumb joints by allowing you to use your larger hand muscles and joints, eliminating the need to pinch with your fingers and thumb.
Where to buy:
- Online
Gas cap opener
Arthritis can make gripping and twisting hand motions painful and difficult. A gas cap opener makes it easier to fill your tank by enabling you to use larger hand joints to turn the gas cap.
Where to buy:
- Online
Car transfer handle
Hip and knee pain can make getting in and out of the car difficult. Using a car transfer handle makes this activity easier by giving your arm an extra point of stability and better control when moving.
Where to buy:
- Online
- Department stores
- Home improvement stores
Wide-angled rear-view mirror / Side mirror extension
Stiffness in your upper back and neck can limit your range of motion and make checking over your shoulder painful. Adding a wide-angle rear-view mirror or extension to your side mirror can decrease the strain in your neck and upper back when you turn your head. These devices can also increase your safety because it helps expand your field of vision.
Where to buy:
- Online
- Home improvement stores
- Department stores
Non-slip grip pen/writing grip
Hand joint stiffness and pain can limit your ability to grip small or thin items. A pen grip provides a thick and comfortable surface that reduces the strain on your finger joints by making it easier for your fingers to grasp. The non-slip surface of this device also facilitates better grip when holding a pen.
Where to buy:
- Online
- Office supply stores
- Department stores
Transfer handle
Hip and knee pain can make getting on and off a sitting surface difficult. A transfer handle makes this activity easier by providing your arms with an extra point of stability and control when moving between sitting and standing.
Where to buy:
- Online
- Medical Supply stores
- Home Health stores
Switch extender
Joint pain and stiffness can limit your gripping and reaching ability. This assistive device makes it easier for you to reach and operate wall switches in your home. This device is attached to the wall switch with a handle extending below so that the switch can be activated from a lower height.
Where to buy:
- Online
Non- slip doorknob covers
Arthritis can make gripping and twisting hand motions painful and difficult. Non-slip doorknob covers modify the doorknob shape surface by making it larger, less slippery, and easier to turn. This modification decreases the strain on hand joints when you turn the knob.
Where to buy:
- Online
- Home health stores
Phone holder
Repetitive holding or holding something in the same position for a long time is very hard on joints and muscles. This device securely holds your phone in place on a stable surface, eliminating the need for static holding. This device can be useful at home or when you are driving.
Where to buy:
- Online
- Electronics stores
- Department stores
- Game stores
Cane
A cane is a mobility device that provides extra support and stability. It can be used indoors or outdoors when walking, going up ramps, stairs, etc. While canes are available in various shapes and sizes at local stores, it is important to find a cane that fits you best (such as height, handle type, tip) to prevent risk of injury. For more information, consult your physiotherapist or occupational therapist.
Where to buy:
- Equipment Vendors
- Home Health Stores
- Pharmacies
Walker
A walker is a mobility device that provides more support and stability than a cane. Some walkers are designed to be used exclusively indoors, while some are for mixed use and/or outdoors. Walkers that have brakes and seats are known as rollator walkers, and often come with baskets to hold items. While there are various walkers available in local stores, it is important to find one that fits you best by considering size, comfort, and other features. For more information, consult your physiotherapist or occupational therapist.
Where to buy:
- Equipment Vendors
Wheelchair
A wheelchair is a mobility device that is used when there are difficulties with walking. There are wheelchairs that are designed specifically for indoor and/or outdoor settings and can be modified for increased pressure relief. Depending on physical ability and recommendations from your healthcare providers, you may be able to move the wheelchair using your hands to turn the wheels, your feet to propel, or a caregiver to wheel you around. There are various types of wheelchairs, so it is important to find one that suits you best. For more information, consult your physiotherapist or occupational therapist.
Where to buy:
- Equipment Vendors
Lightweight hoses
Some hoses are made of lighter material that make it easier to carry and use. The lighter weight puts less pressure and strain on your arm and hand joints as you perform gardening activities.
Where to buy:
- Home improvement stores
- Department stores
- Online
- Gardening stores
Garden kneeler/seat
A garden seat/kneeler is a foldable device that can switch between a kneeler and a seat to make it more comfortable when gardening. The kneeler’s soft surface helps provide comfort for the knee joints when you are kneeling. Flipping this device allows you to use it as a seat and/or a resting surface to decrease bending and to relieve pressure on the hip and knee joints.
Where to buy:
- Department stores
- Home improvement
- Online
- Gardening stores
Book holder
A book holder eliminates the need to hold your book or electronic reading device in the same position for a long time, keeping it upright in a secure position with less stress on your hands.
Where to buy:
- Online
- Bookstores
- Department stores
Card holder
This device assists you with holding multiple playing cards. They can be handheld or hands-free. Handheld card holders reduce finger joint strain by decreasing the amount of force required for holding.
Where to buy:
- Online
Personal shopping cart/trolley
Using a personal shopping cart/trolley can reduce the physical demands of shopping and conserve your energy in comparison to carrying your items in a bag with your arms.
Where to buy:
- Online
- Department Stores
Contributors
This resource was developed in May 2020 with input from:
Stephanie Au, MScOT
Ilene Cohen Ackerman, OT Reg.(Ont.)
Occupational Therapist and Clinical Practice Lead, Arthritis Society
This resource was made possible through unrestricted educational grants from:
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