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Great Gift Ideas
By Dianna Borsi O’Brien
Given the fact that America is aging - and 43 million Americans have arthritis -- many people have to buy a gift for someone with arthritis or another strength or mobility limitation.
Before you dash away to find that special gift, keep in mind these guidelines and gift ideas developed by Marilee Bomar, R.N., community programs director for the Central Missouri Regional Arthritis Center in Columbia, Mo.
1. Check the grip. People with arthritis may have trouble with their hands, so look for items that are easy to use, handle and hold. Give the gift under consideration a try. If it is difficult for you to use, open, zip or unzip, think of how difficult it will be for someone with stiff joints or fingers and weak grip.
2. Think warm and easy. People with arthritis may be more affected by the cold so think warm and cozy - and easy to use. Those tiny shell buttons are pretty but might be difficult for people with arthritis to use. Look for clothing with large buttons, zippers with large pulls or that is loose fitting so they can pull it on.
3. Keep safety in mind. People with arthritis may experience decreased flexibility, which can affect their balance and stability.
Gift and Shopping Ideas
Still stumped? Here are some specific gift suggestions and, since most people don't have elves at their beck and call, some ideas about where to find the items suggested.
Get a grip on gardening items. Look for garden tools with large, easy-to-grip handles. Other garden aids that someone with arthritis (or an aching back) would welcome include tools with telescoping handles, knee pads, a garden scooter that can carry tools and provide a seat as well or a balanced pull cart. Such items can range from $18 to $32 and many can be found at your local discount stores.
When the temperature drops, warm their hearts and the rest of them with hats, gloves, mittens or other snuggly items. Avoid items that are difficult to put on that have ties. Mittens or gloves should have a gripping surface. Coats or sweaters should have large buttons or large zipper pulls.
Warm them all the way to their toes with slippers, shoes or boots, making sure you keep safety in mind. Look for nonslip, sure-footed bottoms, even for slippers. Along with being warm, the footwear should have a well-cushioned sole and a wide, toe-and-foot friendly toe box. When buying clogs, consider buying those with a lip at the back so they can't be walked out of which could cause a fall. Common department stores these items and many stores have online shopping sites.
In the kitchen, look for kitchen tools with large grip handles. These items are now available at all discount stores as well as online. There are dozens of products to help someone with a poor grip in the kitchen, all available at department and discount stores.
Specialty items can make great gifts. Consider wrapping up a long handled reacher that allows someone to pick something up off the floor without bending down. A button hook or a zipper pull extension can make getting dressed easier. Such items and others are available at local pharmacies, discount drug stores and discount stores.
Little things can make a big difference for someone with arthritis. Consider a long handled back scrubber, bath hand mitt, extended shoehorn as gift items. A wheeled cart can save steps moving plates and food to the dining room. A folding stepladder can help make all the kitchen cupboards accessible.
Help someone with arthritis get started on exercising by giving gifts designed for people with arthritis. Research shows that exercise can help people with arthritis increase their strength, flexibility and mobility while decreasing disability and depression that can accompany arthritis.
Exercise items can include exercise balls, soft grip weights or even resistance bands. Such items are available at local discount stores or discount drug stores. Tapes and books on exercising, exercise classes, as well as information on exercise and arthritis may also be available through your local arthritis center.
Books are always good gifts and the Arthritis Foundation offers a number of good, supportive books including a Health Organizer, Walking Journal and Wellness Journal. These items and others are available online or through your local Arthritis Foundation chapter. The Arthritis Foundation website also offers a portal to purchase arthritis-friendly items.
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