Living with arthritis can make ordinary tasks more difficult.
Opening a jar, getting dressed, preparing a meal, reaching for something on a high shelf, getting into the shower, or standing up from a chair can become frustrating when pain, stiffness, weakness, or reduced mobility gets in the way.
The right assistive device can make a difficult task easier by reducing the amount of gripping, twisting, bending, reaching, or repetitive movement required.
But choosing the right device isn’t always as simple as searching for a product labeled “arthritis-friendly.”
The best choice depends on what you’re having trouble doing, which movement causes the difficulty, how much assistance you need, and whether you can comfortably operate the device yourself.
This guide explains how to choose arthritis assistive devices based on your individual needs, what features to look for, and when professional guidance may be helpful.
If you’re looking for a broader overview of the different types of products available, see our Arthritis Supplies & Tools: Complete Guide to Daily Living Aids.
Quick Answer: How Do You Choose the Right Assistive Device?
Start with the task that’s difficult, rather than the product.
Ask yourself: What am I trying to do that has become difficult because of arthritis?
Then identify the movement causing the problem.
| If the difficult task is… | Look for… | The goal is to… |
|---|---|---|
| Opening jars or bottles | Jar opener | Reduce gripping and twisting |
| Opening cans | Electric can opener | Eliminate most manual turning |
| Buttoning clothing | Button hook | Reduce pinching and fine finger movements |
| Putting on socks | Sock aid | Reduce bending and reaching |
| Reaching or bending | Reacher grabber | Avoid unnecessary bending or stretching |
| Preparing food | Adaptive kitchen tools | Reduce gripping, cutting, and lifting |
| Writing | Ergonomic pen | Make gripping more comfortable |
| Bathing | Bathing and safety aids | Reduce standing, reaching, and slipping risks |
| Standing from a chair | Stand-assist or transfer aid | Provide appropriate support |
| Walking | Cane, walker, or rollator | Provide the appropriate level of mobility support |
The goal isn’t to find the most expensive, most popular, or most highly rated device.
The goal is to find a tool that solves a specific problem and is easy for you to use consistently.
Start With the Problem, Not the Product
One of the most useful changes you can make when shopping for assistive devices is to stop thinking first about what product you need.
Instead, think about what you’re trying to accomplish.
For example:
- “Opening jars hurts my thumb.”
- “I can’t bend far enough to put on my socks.”
- “Buttons are difficult because my fingers are stiff.”
- “Standing in the shower makes my knees hurt.”
- “I keep dropping things because my grip is weak.”
Those statements point toward very different solutions.
Arthritis affects people differently, and the same product won’t necessarily work equally well for everyone. A person with hand arthritis may need to reduce gripping and pinching, while someone with knee or hip arthritis may need to reduce bending, standing, or weight-bearing.
Starting with the problem helps you avoid buying products simply because they are marketed as arthritis aids.
Identify the Movement That Causes the Difficulty
Once you’ve identified the task, ask what part of the movement is causing the problem.
Is it:
- Gripping?
- Pinching?
- Twisting?
- Bending?
- Reaching?
- Standing?
- Walking?
- Maintaining balance?
- Repetitive movement?
- Holding something for an extended period?
This distinction is important.
If twisting a jar lid hurts, a product that gives you a larger handle may help. But if gripping the lid itself is the problem, you may need a device that eliminates most of the gripping altogether.
The best assistive device changes the difficult part of the task rather than simply asking your joints to work harder.
Step 1: Identify Your Biggest Daily Challenges
Before buying an assistive device, think about the activities that cause you the most difficulty.
You might notice problems with:
- Opening containers
- Preparing food
- Getting dressed
- Bathing
- Reaching objects
- Picking things up from the floor
- Getting in or out of a chair
- Getting into or out of bed
- Walking around the house
- Writing or using a computer
- Grooming
- Gardening or hobbies
You don’t need to solve every problem at once.
In fact, starting with one or two high-impact tasks is often a better approach. You’ll have a clearer idea of whether a particular type of aid actually helps before buying more products.
Think About Your Difficult Days
Your needs may also change throughout the day or from one day to another.
You might be able to open a jar on a relatively good day but struggle when your hands are particularly stiff. A tool that works under ideal conditions may not be useful when your symptoms are worse.
When comparing an assistive device, ask:
“Could I still use this on one of my difficult arthritis days?”
That’s often a more useful test than asking whether you can operate it when you’re feeling your best.
Step 2: Match the Problem to the Right Type of Device
Once you know which task is difficult, look for the type of assistive device designed to address that particular challenge.
For Grip and Hand Problems
If gripping, twisting, pinching, or fine finger movements are difficult, consider tools such as jar openers, electric can openers, key turners, ergonomic pens, large-handle utensils, and easy-grip grooming tools.
Look for designs that reduce the amount of force required.
A product that is technically designed for people with arthritis but still requires you to squeeze a small trigger or grip a thin handle tightly may not be a good solution.
For additional ideas, see our Best Hand Relief Tools for Arthritis and Best Compression Gloves for Arthritis guides.
For Kitchen Tasks
Kitchen activities often combine several difficult movements: gripping, cutting, twisting, stirring, lifting, and reaching.
Depending on the task, useful options may include electric can openers, jar openers, adaptive utensils, easy-grip peelers, adaptive knives, lightweight cookware, and non-slip cutting boards.
The important question isn’t simply whether a product is labeled “adaptive.”
Ask:
Does this design reduce the movement that is difficult for me?
Our Kitchen Tools for Arthritis guide covers these options in greater detail.
For Getting Dressed
Dressing aids can replace difficult pinching, bending, and fine finger movements with simpler movements.
Depending on your needs, options include button hooks, zipper pulls, sock aids, long-handled shoe horns, and elastic shoelaces. Adaptive clothing can also eliminate some difficult fasteners altogether.
See our Adaptive Clothing and Dressing Aids for Arthritis guide for more options.
For Bending and Reaching
If bending down or reaching overhead is difficult, a reacher grabber may allow you to retrieve objects without repeatedly changing your position.
Other useful options can include long-handled shoe horns, sock aids, and long-handled bathing tools.
When choosing a reacher, pay particular attention to the trigger. A long reacher isn’t necessarily helpful if squeezing the trigger is difficult for your hands.
For Bathroom Tasks
The bathroom requires additional consideration because arthritis can affect both movement and stability.
Depending on the situation, assistive equipment may include shower chairs, grab bars, handheld showerheads, long-handled bathing tools, and other bathroom aids.
Safety should take priority over convenience. Equipment needs to be appropriate for the person using it, installed correctly, and used as intended.
See our Best Bathroom Safety Aids for Arthritis guide for more information.
For Standing and Walking
If arthritis affects standing, walking, balance, or transfers, the appropriate equipment may include a cane, walker, rollator, stand-assist device, or transfer aid.
These products require more careful selection than a simple jar opener.
Fit, height, stability, and the amount of support provided all matter.
If you’re unsure which mobility device is appropriate, consider asking a physical therapist or other qualified healthcare professional rather than choosing based solely on online reviews.
See our Mobility Aids for Arthritis guide for more information.
Step 3: Make Ease of Use Your Top Priority
An assistive device isn’t helpful if operating it is almost as difficult as performing the original task.
This is one of the easiest things to overlook when shopping online.
Before buying, consider how the product actually works.
Does it require you to:
- Squeeze a trigger?
- Pinch a small control?
- Twist a handle?
- Use both hands?
- Apply significant downward pressure?
- Hold it for a long time?
- Set up several components?
Think about how the device will feel in your hands, rather than just how it looks in a product photograph.
Look for Low-Effort Designs
Depending on the task, features that may make an assistive device easier to use include larger handles, cushioned grips, non-slip surfaces, automatic operation, one-touch controls, spring-assisted mechanisms, and lightweight construction.
The most useful feature is often the one that eliminates the movement causing you trouble.
Step 4: Pay Attention to Grip and Handle Design
For people with hand arthritis, the handle may be one of the most important parts of a product.
A highly rated product can still be uncomfortable if its handle doesn’t suit your hands.
Handle Size
Very thin handles can require more finger force to hold securely. A wider handle may be easier for some people with painful or stiff fingers.
Cushioning
A cushioned handle may be more comfortable during extended use, particularly when a tool has to be held for several minutes at a time.
Non-Slip Surfaces
A secure grip can reduce the amount of force needed to keep hold of the tool.
Handle Shape
Some ergonomic designs distribute pressure across a larger area of the hand rather than concentrating it on individual fingers.
Weight
Weight matters too. A tool that feels manageable for a few seconds may become tiring if you have to hold it for several minutes.
Don’t assume that “ergonomic” automatically means comfortable for you.
Whenever possible, check the actual dimensions, weight, handle diameter, and shape before buying.
Step 5: Decide Between Manual and Electric Options
For some tasks, choosing between a manual and powered device can make a significant difference.
Manual May Be the Better Choice When:
- The task requires relatively little force
- You want something portable
- You prefer a simple design
- You don’t want batteries or charging
- Keeping the cost low is important
Electric May Be the Better Choice When:
- Grip strength is significantly reduced
- Twisting causes pain
- Repetitive movement is difficult
- You perform the task frequently
- You want the device to do most of the work
Consider a jar opener as an example.
Someone with mild grip difficulty may find a manual opener perfectly adequate. Someone with significant hand weakness may benefit much more from an electric model.
Neither option is automatically better. The right choice depends on how much effort the task requires from you.
Step 6: Check Fit, Adjustability, and Dimensions
Some assistive devices need to fit your body, your furniture, or your environment.
This is particularly important with:
- Canes
- Walkers
- Rollators
- Shower chairs
- Reachers
- Dressing aids
- Braces and supports
- Bed assist devices
Before purchasing, check the manufacturer’s dimensions and sizing information.
For adjustable equipment, look at the available height range and adjustment points. For seating and mobility equipment, check weight capacity as well.
A product can be well designed and still be unsuitable if it doesn’t fit your body or your environment.
Don’t Forget Your Home
The physical environment matters too.
A mobility aid that works well in a large home may be awkward in narrow hallways. A shower chair needs to fit comfortably in the shower. A reacher needs enough room to operate without bumping into surrounding objects.
Measure before you buy when space is important.
Step 7: Consider Weight and Portability
Think about where you’ll use the device.
Will you need to:
- Carry it between rooms?
- Take it when traveling?
- Store it in a drawer?
- Keep it beside your bed?
- Move it around the kitchen?
- Hold it for several minutes?
A lightweight tool may be easier to handle, particularly if you have reduced strength or fatigue.
However, lighter isn’t always better.
For equipment intended to support your body, such as a shower chair or mobility aid, stability and appropriate weight capacity are more important than simply choosing the lightest option.
Step 8: Evaluate Quality and Durability
Price alone doesn’t tell you whether an assistive device is a good value.
A very inexpensive tool can be a great purchase if it solves a daily problem and lasts for years. Conversely, a cheap product that breaks quickly or is uncomfortable to use may end up being money wasted.
Consider the materials, construction, moving parts, handle durability, ease of cleaning, warranty, and availability of replacement parts.
For a simple tool you’ll use occasionally, you may not need to spend much.
For something you’ll use several times every day, comfort and durability deserve more attention.
Step 9: Read Product Reviews for the Information You Actually Need
Customer reviews can be useful, but don’t rely solely on the overall star rating.
Instead, look for reviews that answer specific questions about the product.
For example:
- Is it easy to operate?
- Does it require much hand strength?
- Is the handle comfortable?
- Is it heavier than expected?
- Does it feel stable?
- Is the product difficult to assemble?
- Does it hold up with regular use?
- Is the actual size different from what buyers expected?
Look for Reviews From People With Similar Needs
A product that works beautifully for someone with mild stiffness may not be suitable for someone with significant grip weakness.
When reading reviews, pay particular attention to comments from people describing limitations similar to yours.
Also remember that individual reviews are experiences, not guarantees. A product that works well for one person may not work equally well for another.
Step 10: Consider the Cost in Relation to How Much You’ll Use It
The cheapest option isn’t always the best value, but the most expensive option isn’t automatically better either.
Instead, consider how often you’ll use the product and how much difficulty it solves.
A $10 tool that you use several times every day may provide more value than a $50 device that sits in a drawer.
Ask yourself:
Will this make a task I regularly struggle with noticeably easier?
If the answer is yes, paying somewhat more for better comfort, durability, or ease of operation may be worthwhile.
If the product solves only a minor problem, a simpler and less expensive option may make more sense.
Step 11: Check the Return Policy Before You Buy
Even after researching a product carefully, you may discover that it simply doesn’t work well for your hands, body, or environment.
That’s why return policies matter.
Before purchasing, check the return period, return shipping requirements, restocking fees if applicable, warranty information, and seller policies.
This is particularly important for products where comfort and fit are difficult to judge from photographs.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Buying the Product Before Identifying the Problem
A product may look useful, but if it doesn’t address the movement causing your difficulty, it may end up unused.
Start with the task.
Choosing Based Only on Star Ratings
A high rating doesn’t mean a product is right for your particular needs. Read reviews for information about grip, weight, comfort, ease of use, and durability.
Choosing a Product That Still Requires Too Much Strength
A product can be marketed as an arthritis aid and still require significant squeezing, twisting, or gripping.
Always consider how much effort you’ll actually need to use it.
Ignoring Size and Fit
Check dimensions and sizing information carefully, particularly for mobility equipment, wearable products, and devices used around furniture or in the bathroom.
Buying Something Too Heavy
Consider how the product will feel after repeated use, not just when you first pick it up.
Choosing a Complicated Device
More features aren’t necessarily better. If something is difficult to set up, operate, or maintain, you’re less likely to use it consistently.
Buying More Than You Need
You don’t need an assistive device for every activity.
Start with the one or two problems that interfere with your daily life the most.
When Should You Ask a Professional for Help?
Many simple daily living aids are straightforward to choose and use.
However, professional guidance can be especially valuable when you’re selecting equipment related to mobility, balance, transfers, or safety.
An occupational therapist can help identify ways to modify everyday activities and recommend equipment suited to your abilities and environment.
A physical therapist may be able to provide guidance related to movement and mobility.
Consider professional guidance if you’re:
- Having new or worsening difficulty walking
- Experiencing balance problems or falls
- Unsure which cane, walker, or rollator is appropriate
- Having difficulty getting in or out of a chair or bed
- Experiencing pain when using an assistive device
- Unsure how to use a mobility or safety device correctly
The right equipment can be helpful, but the right fit and proper use are just as important.
Where Can You Buy Arthritis Assistive Devices?
Assistive devices are available through online retailers, pharmacies, medical supply companies, specialty mobility stores, and other retailers.
For simple daily living tools, online shopping can be convenient because you can compare products, dimensions, prices, and customer feedback.
Amazon, for example, offers a wide selection of everyday arthritis aids.
However, convenience shouldn’t replace careful evaluation.
Before purchasing, compare the product’s dimensions, weight, required grip strength, customer reviews, return policy, warranty information, and seller reputation.
For mobility or safety equipment, you may benefit from professional guidance or an opportunity to see and try the equipment in person.
For product recommendations, see our Best Arthritis Tools for Daily Living guide.
A Simple Arthritis Assistive Device Buying Checklist
Before purchasing a device, ask yourself:
- What specific problem does it solve?
- Does it reduce the movement causing my difficulty?
- Could I use it on a difficult arthritis day?
- Does it require significant gripping, pinching, twisting, or squeezing?
- Is the handle comfortable for my hands?
- Is the weight manageable?
- Is the size appropriate for me and my environment?
- Is it adjustable if adjustment is necessary?
- Have I read reviews that discuss actual ease of use?
- Is it durable enough for how often I’ll use it?
- Can I return it if it doesn’t work for me?
- Would professional guidance be helpful?
If you can answer these questions before buying, you’re much more likely to choose a device that genuinely improves your daily routine.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know which assistive device I need for arthritis?
Start with the specific task that’s becoming difficult rather than searching for a general arthritis product. Identify the movement causing the problem — such as gripping, twisting, bending, reaching, or standing — and then look for a device that reduces that movement.
Are electric assistive devices better than manual ones?
Not necessarily. Electric devices can be helpful when grip strength is significantly reduced or twisting and repetitive movements are difficult. Manual devices may be preferable when the task requires little force and portability, simplicity, or lower cost is important.
Do I need a doctor’s recommendation to buy an arthritis assistive device?
Simple daily living aids generally don’t require professional guidance. However, mobility equipment, bathroom safety equipment, and devices used for significant balance or functional problems may benefit from assessment and guidance from an occupational therapist, physical therapist, or other qualified professional.
What should I look for in the handle of an arthritis assistive device?
Look for a handle that is comfortable to hold without requiring a tight pinch grip. Wider handles, cushioned surfaces, and non-slip materials may be helpful for some people. Also consider the handle’s shape, diameter, and weight.
How do I know if an assistive device will work during an arthritis flare?
Consider whether you could comfortably operate the device when your symptoms are worse, rather than only when you’re having a good day. Devices that require less force, squeezing, twisting, or repetitive movement are generally easier to operate when hand function is reduced.
Are expensive assistive devices better?
Not necessarily. The best device is the one that solves your particular problem and is comfortable and easy for you to use. A simple, inexpensive tool may provide more value than a complicated premium product that doesn’t address your actual needs.
Should I buy assistive devices for every room?
Probably not at first. Start with the tasks and locations where you experience the greatest difficulty. Once you’ve identified tools that genuinely help, you can decide whether having additional ones in frequently used areas would be worthwhile.
Final Thoughts: Choose the Tool That Solves Your Problem
The best arthritis assistive device isn’t necessarily the most popular product, the most expensive option, or the one with the highest number of reviews.
It’s the one that makes a specific task easier for you.
Start by identifying the activity that’s causing the most difficulty. Then consider the movement that’s creating the problem.
Is it gripping? Twisting? Pinching? Bending? Reaching? Standing?
Once you know that, look for a device that reduces or eliminates that movement.
Pay attention to ease of use, handle design, weight, fit, durability, and return policies. For mobility and safety equipment, don’t hesitate to seek professional guidance when you need it.
You don’t have to change everything at once.
Sometimes one simple tool that makes one frustrating daily task easier can make a surprisingly big difference.
For an overview of the different categories of arthritis aids and everyday support products, visit Arthritis Supplies & Tools: Complete Guide to Daily Living Aids.
For specific product recommendations, see Best Arthritis Tools for Daily Living.
About This Guide
Why trust this guide: This article is written and maintained by the Arthritis Wares editorial team. We research assistive device categories and product features with a focus on practical considerations such as grip requirements, ease of use, weight, adjustability, and intended use. We do not personally test every product discussed, and product recommendations should not be considered medical advice.