Opening anything

I know you're definitely not alone in this, ! I think we forget how much we use our hands until it becomes challenging. Between opening doors, flipping on switches, opening cans, opening band aids; we use our hands and fine motor skills SO much!

I am going to link to an arthritis site because they have tons of great tools. I am not endorsing this site, but it's a good database to start with (I'm not endorsing Amazon, either, though I do link to it). I can use those grippy jars openers right now (they look like circles of rubber) -- https://www.amazon.com/Gripper-Purpose-Openers-Reusable-Coasters/dp/B0C4HPKHP6. My in-laws have an under-the-cabinet jar opener that works great for them -- https://www.arthritissupplies.com/jiffy-twist-jar-and-bottle-opener.html. As far as the band-aid conundrum, well, that one is harder. I even looked up what people with one hand/arm did (spoiler alert: some of them gripped the bandages in their mouths and used their hand to pull it open. This works great if you have grip strength). I couldn't even find any arthritis friendly bandages with easier to open packaging. I am sure there is some reason for this, but I sure don't know what it is. Scissors might help, but again, that requires some good grip and precision dexterity. So, this last link is a little off topic, and it lacks directly helpful information about opening bandages, but I liked the DIY aspect and the outside-the-box thinking and I thought it might give you some ideas to consider -- https://equip2adapt.com/blog/diy-grip-grasp-adaptations/. I hope this gives you some direction and I also hope something with experience with this issue will chime in here!

Good luck and may you never, EVER bleed out for want of an easy-to-open bandage!

Best, Erin, Team Member.

Thanks Erin for all suggestions!