Arthritis Mobility Aids and Daily Living Equipment

Arthritis equipment focuses on reducing grip force, joint strain, and repetitive bending, rather than replacing mobility outright. Many people with arthritis are fully mobile but struggle with specific movements like twisting a lid or gripping a pen, so the right tools are often small, targeted, and inexpensive.

Grip and hand-strain aids

• Jar and bottle openers - multiply grip force so opening a jar doesn't require full hand strength through inflamed joints.
• Built-up handle cutlery - a wider grip distributes pressure across the palm instead of concentrating it on finger joints.
• Key turners and tap turners - small levers that convert a twisting motion into a push, reducing strain on wrist and finger joints.

Walking aids for joint protection

Arthritis in the hips, knees, or ankles benefits from redistributing weight away from the affected joint:

• A single-point cane on the opposite side to the most affected joint reduces load on that joint during walking.
• A four-wheel rollator with a seat for longer distances, allowing rest without needing to find somewhere to sit.
• Padded, ergonomic hand grips on any walking aid reduce pressure on hand and wrist joints during use.

Bathroom and seated-task equipment

• Raised toilet seat - reduces the knee and hip flexion needed to sit and stand, which is often one of the most painful movements with lower-limb arthritis.
• Shower chair - removes the need to stand on a wet surface while managing joint pain and balance.
• Long-handled sponge or brush - reduces shoulder and elbow strain when washing.

Dressing aids

• Sock aid and long-handled shoe horn - avoid bending through painful hips or knees to reach the feet.
• Button hook and zipper pull - for hands where fine motor grip is limited by finger joint pain or swelling.

Funding

Arthritis equipment can sometimes be funded through a Home Care Package for older Australians, or the NDIS in specific circumstances involving significant functional impact. See our funding guide for details.

This information is general. A rheumatologist, GP, or occupational therapist can advise on equipment specific to which joints are affected and how severely.