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

If someone you know suffers from rheumatoid arthritis, please call Richard at 615-752-0060 to discuss the needs for a home safety inspection and home modification. For more information about the services Richard provides please see Residential Accessibility.

Thank you.