Fridge Opener for Severe Arthritis
The client has severe arthritis and is unable to open her fridge. She needed something to help with that task. Due to flexion contracture, her fingers are permanently fixed in a bent position and are nearly impossible to straighten.
The solution
At the initial visit it became clear that the client couldn’t grasp any sort of handle with enough strength to overcome the magnetic seal of the fridge. After some thought a ‘U’ shaped foam lined bracket was fixed to the fridge door. The client could put her wrist into U channel and then with the carpal area of her hand pull back to open the fridge.
This image AI Generated
It still difficult for her but possible with practice. The bracket was 3D printed and lined with neoprene foam and bolted to the door edge.
The benefit
This allowed her to see what was in the fridge and advise her carers what was required.
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