Tips wanted for daily activities with weak or painful hands, wrists

You might find help through your local County Rehabilitation Office. They could direct you to an Independent Living Center. In Illinois, ILC staff would arrange a home visit and/or send you recommendations for those tasks

Hello @mztrai, Welcome to Connect. I struggle with opening some bottles and jars but so far I am able to use one of the rubber pad grips to help get them open. I also use scissors for some boxes. I'm wondering if you could use a utility knife that has an razor blade installed for cereal and other boxes. They are fairly inexpensive and can be found in most hardware stores. I did see a unique tool for opening bottles of varying sizes that will get you more leverage and let you use more of your wrist and arms vs just the fingers. It seems to be a little spendy for what is is but if it works it may be an answer - Arthritis Bottle Opener - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B018KFII4G.

You mentioned difficulty buttoning pants. I found an inspiring video for how to do it without use of your fingers that might be helpful.

Have you looked into physical therapy to possible strengthen the hands and fingers to help?

Buttoning Pants Without Finger Function - How To | Quadriplegic (C5,C6,C7)

I agree. The County Department of Health and Social Services should be able to tell you how to get assistance learning how to deal with your disability on a daily basis.

If you have medical insurance, it would be helpful to call the company about your coverage for Occupational Therapy. OT is designed to help people perform tasks of daily living like you described

Another option to consider is an aide or family member to come in once a week to open packages and place things in containers you can use.
Occupational therapy can also work with your doc to find appropriate strengthening activities, braces and assistive devices. There are a lot of helps out there!
Sue

I too struggle greatly with jar and container lids. I always use rubber grips, image attached. These open jar lids and also aseptic or gable top cartons. If that doesn’t work, running a jar lid under hot water and then using the grips usually works.

You might benefit from doing an internet search. I have hand tremors and there are all sorts of tips and gadgets I’ve found.

Best wishes! Athena

Thank you for your suggestions. I had also thought about a box cutter too. I have a similar tool as the one you shared from Amazon. It doesn't help though. I don't know if the difference is the leverage or what. I have two of these three....never mind I'm new and won't let me post a link...but anyway they are similar.

I did watch the video too. I think the rings would help alot with the zipper.

Thanks again!

Ya hot water, beating them on a counter if I can...sometimes I just have to wait. I will Google and see what else I can find. Thank you!

Thank you!

Thanks so much for the suggestions!