When rheumatoid arthritis makes walking difficult, removing all tripping hazards is key. If your carpet is worn, repair or replace it.
Getting in and out of the tub or shower can be difficult for people with all forms of arthritis, including RA. To prevent falls, use anti-slip strips on the tub and shower floors and install a supportive grab bar on adjacent walls.
Just getting on and off the toilet can be a challenge for people with rheumatoid arthritis. A raised toilet seat is a simple home improvement that makes it easier to use the toilet when RA limits your mobility.
Make sure there are handrails on both sides of all steps; they should be of a comfortable thickness so that gripping them isn't painful. Have a contractor make sure your stairs are even and replace any parts that aren't in good condition. An easy home improvement is to place brightly colored tape along the edges of each step to make them more visible.
Even if your eyesight isn't a problem, you need to keep your home well lit to ensure safety, enabling you to clearly see where you're going and avoid falls.
Removing excess is a simple home improvement that will give you easier access to the items you do use. Also, make sure that these frequently used items are stored toward the front and on lower shelves of closets and cabinets.
When you have rheumatoid arthritis, you need to consider home improvements not only within your home but also in your outdoor spaces. Any paths leading to your front door should be well lit at all times. Don't leave watering cans, newspapers, or other items that you could trip over on your front steps or in the driveway.