Living With Arthritis

Change outdoor lights all at the same time. Rather than getting out that heavy ladder and changing outdoor lightbulbs when they burn out (usually at the most inopportune time or during inclement weather) change all your outdoor lights at one time... Full Answer

Here are some tips for making it easier to store and use tools if you have arthritis. Store tools on a pegboard and use a marking pen to outline the space for each tool. Tools are at eye level, easy to reach and you can tell at a glance if a... Full Answer

Clip lawn or leaf bags to a fence with clothespins to make them easier to fill. If the bags must stand alone, brace the bag upright and open by first filling a paper grocery bag with some of the lawn clippings; insert the partially filled grocery... Full Answer

If you love the idea of homegrown vegetables but your body just won’t allow you to get down and dirty anymore, try these alternatives: Garden in raised beds. If getting up and down is a challenge, try cultivating a raised garden bed.... Full Answer

Hang planters from a pulley rather than a hook. For easy watering of hanging planters, attach a rope to the hanger on the plant, thread the rope through the pulley and pull the plant up. Tie the rope “figure-eight” style on two nails... Full Answer

Here are some tips to make gardening easier if you have arthritis: Protect your hands while gardening by purchasing gardening gloves that are one or two sizes too large. Then stuff foam or sponge-type padding in and around your fingers. When... Full Answer

Recycle plastic store bags as wastebasket liners. Put several empty grocery and discount store bags into the bottom of your wastebaskets, using one bag as the liner. When the liner bag is full, discard it and pull up another bag from the bottom... Full Answer

Here are some ways to make winter chores easier if you have arthritis. Use a plastic sled to slide trash cans to the curb. When snow and ice impede getting the trash out, try placing bags or cans on a plastic sled and pull that to the curb. The... Full Answer

The kitchen is often the busiest room in the house. It becomes a hotbed of activity when you’re preparing and eating meals. Organizing your kitchen is but one part of streamlining the everyday activities that take place in this room -- and... Full Answer

These ideas will make your kitchen safer. Good lighting reduces fatigue and the risk of accidents. Install under-cabinet lights in your kitchen work spaces. The lights, available from hardware and lighting-supply stores, come in a variety of... Full Answer