Assistive Devices Enabling Independence in Clients with SLE Affected by Rheumatoid Arthritis.

By Katrina Robinson (MOccThySt, BSci)

Occupational Therapists (OT’s) are Allied Health professionals who work collaboratively with individuals to assist them achieve independence and increase satisfaction in their lives. OT’s develop client-centred interventions that are meaningful to achieve functional outcomes. They work in areas spanning across the lifespan and view their clients situation holistically, focussing on more than just an injury or illness.

For those affected by Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), one of the most common symptoms is Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), characterised by joint pain and/or swelling, especially in the hands or feet and stiffness in the joints. When experiencing a flare up of symptoms, OT’s can prescribe assistive devices to enable their client complete activities of daily living while maintaining a level of independence and personal satisfaction.

In the kitchen

In the kitchen I would recommend a jar opener, an electric can opener and a tap turner if you experience difficulty finding the strength to open those items sealed too tightly.

In the bathroom

Over toilet frames are designed to assist transfers onto and off the toilet through increasing the seat height and thereby reducing the impact on the knee joints while transferring. Over toilet frames also include arm rests which can be used for support in getting off the toilet when grab rails are not available.

To increase independence in completing personal care tasks, I recommend long handled sponges, brushes, hair washers and easy to reach towels. These items are designed to reduce the amount of bending at the knees, hips and lower back when washing the lower limbs. In washing the back, neck and hair, these assistive devices reduce the amount of bending in the shoulders, elbows and wrists.

Dressing

For dressing I recommend button / zipper hooks. There is a large range of dressing sticks available to assist in donning upper and lower limb garments and underwear.

Cleaning

Reaching aids are designed to access items at ground height and reduce the need to bend and reach forward. I also recommend long handled dusters, toilet cleaners and sponges to assist in general cleaning. To provide assistance with laundry I recommend a clothes horse to eliminate the need to reach over the head to hang clothes on a standard clothes line and reduce the distance required to carry heavy baskets of clothing. I recommend table ironing board to facilitate ironing while seated and eliminate the need to stand for prolonged periods of time.

LifeTec Queensland has a showroom consisting of the assistive devices I have recommended and many more to assist when experiencing a flare of RA. The devices are available to trial and LifeTec Queensland have staff available to demonstrate the usage of devices and provide further education.