Choosing a gift for anybody is hard in itself. Choosing a gift for a senior with arthritis or limited hand mobility is a whole 'nother story. The goal here is to find something they appreciate but can still comfortably use without straining their hands or wrists. Or better yet – a gift that will help manage any mental or physical stress they might experience due to arthritis.
Needless to say, finding such a personalized gift can be daunting.
To help you with your decision-making process, here are a few factors you can consider as you brainstorm for gifts, as well as a few suggestions.
Consider Touch or Voice-Activated Gifts
Arthritis pain can make everyday actions like buttoning shirts or turning on lights very difficult for seniors. Therefore, anything that can reduce hand or joint movement will be well appreciated. The good thing is that we now have voice/touch-activated appliances which, almost entirely, eliminate the need for movement.
One prime example is a smart speaker. A good one will allow the user to make calls, ask questions, play music, listen to the news, and check the weather by simply using their voice. Some of these devices can even control appliances and lights.
Consider Something to Keep Them Comfortable
Seniors with arthritis often spend lengthy periods stationary or seated in one spot. So naturally, you want to consider a gift that will make their prolonged sit as comfortable as possible. A heated blanket, for instance, can help if the environment is cold.
The heat produced by these blankets acts by soothing stiff joints and muscles, reducing any pain and stiffness that might arise as the weather becomes colder. Some of them come with light weights inside, allowing the user to concentrate the heat on parts where it hurts more.
If your loved one enjoys standing up for certain activities like cooking or showering, a comfort foam/gel padded floor mat can help prevent fatigue or strain on their ankles.
Something to Enhance Convenience
Next up, think of something that will make everyday tasks more convenient to do.
One popular option is a jar and bottle opener. This will help easily access foods in tightly sealed jars like pickles or salsa. You can also consider a sock aid to help put on socks without bending over or a magnetic buttoning shirt that virtually buttons itself up (feel free to get one in various colors and prints so they can wear throughout the week).
If your loved one enjoys writing, consider easy-grip pens, which are specially designed to be comfortable to hold, allowing them to write longer without pain. And for the computer savvy, an arthritis-friendly mouse to navigate the computer easily, simplifying the whole experience.
Something to Help Alleviate the Pain
There are a variety of tools that can help reduce discomfort or everyday pain due to arthritis. For instance, a massaging heat pad or a hand-wrist compression massager can help relax the hand muscles. It does this by applying pressure or compression to the region and stimulating circulation, which gets rid of stiffness.
Arthritis gloves also do the same by providing warmth to the hands and compression, which relieves pain.
Contact Senior Helpers Today
Ultimately, the greatest gift you can give an elderly loved one is support, understanding, and rest. Hopefully, by considering what your loved one likes and a few of the strategies above, you can find a gift that will offer them relief from arthritis pain.
If you are still having trouble settling on a suitable gift, one of our helpers at Senior Helpers can assist. Besides arthritis, we specialize in assisting elderly folk with chronic conditions like Alzheimer's and dementia. We offer our care services to seniors around Bolingbrook, Crest Hill, Lockport, Romeoville, Woodridge, Darien, Downers Grove, and Joliet.
Contact us today and chat with one of our representatives.