Low-Stress Built-Up Handles: 2 Ways
In this article, you will learn how to make your own ergonomic, built-up handles. Built-up handles are ideal for people who have arthritis helping to reduce pain and stress on the joints. All that’s needed are a couple materials, and you will have a light weight, wide grip handle that can be used with a variety of utensils.
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What Are Built-Up Handles?
Built-up handles provide users a wide gripping surface on feeding, writing, and other daily utensils. This type of adaptive equipment can be attached to a variety of everyday objects such as eating and writing utensils, toothbrushes, hair brushes, even crochet hooks and knitting needles. Built-up handles help make everyday tasks easier and more comfortable.
Why Use Built-Up Handles?
When using a built-up handle, the wide gripping surface can help to reduce pain and discomfort while grasping various handles that typically require the use of fine motor muscles and a precision grasp. This type of adaptive living aid provides ergonomic support, are lightweight, and can be interchanged to fit various handles.
This built-up assistive tool may benefit people who experience:
- Arthritis
- Hand injuries
- Limited hand strength
- Limited upper extremity control
- Weak grasp
- Hand tremors
- Hand pain
- Limited upper extremity range of motion
- Difficulties with grasping utensils
Built-up handles can provide benefits to not only older adults, but also younger individuals of who may experience upper extremity weakness. Benefits of using padded utensils can include:
- Less stress on the joints
- Ergonomic comfort
- Improvements in self care
- Light weight
- Helps to reduce cramping in the hand
- Versatility
- Interchangeable between various utensils
- Universal
Adapt These Types Of Utensils With Built-Up Handles
Occupational therapists often recommend adaptive built up handles to help clients gain independence and comfort while reducing pain and fatigue of the joints in the hand. This type of assistive technology can be used with everyday items such as:
- Feeding utensils such as spoons, forks, and knives
- Pens and pencils
- Paint brushes
- Hairbrush
- Toothbrush
- Knitting and crochet needles/hooks
- Back brush
- Shoe horn
- Button hook
- Zipper Pull
- Other tools used in activities of daily living
Special Considerations
- Caution! As with using anything sharp, please adhere to safety and precautions.
- Always ask for help when needed.
- When using a built up handle, do not use plastic ware. Always use metal feeding utensils.
- It is important to consult with your occupational therapist before using any adaptive equipment to ensure it is safe and appropriate for your individual needs.
- Be sure to properly secure the built-up handle to the utensil or tool to prevent slipping.
Other Types Of Adaptive Equipment That Might Be Helpful
Built-Up Handles: 2 Ways
Materials And Instructions: Foam Tubing Built Up Handles
Materials
- Utensil of choice (pen, spoon, hairbrush, etc). Do not use utensil plastic ware; only metal eating utensils.
- Foam Tubing
- Scissors or Box blade to cut the tubing
- Rubber bands to hold the tubing in place as needed.
- Smart Design Shelf Liner Classic Grip for a non-slip gripping surface (optional)
Instructions
- Choose the correct diameter of tubing for the utensil you plan to use. *See the special note below.
- Cut foam tubing to desired length based on size of the utensil.
- Push utensil through the tube’s hole.
- For a non-slip surface, wrap with grip shelf liner and secure with rubber bands (optional).
- Done
*Special Note: If your tubing is too large and will not stay in place on your utensil, try using 2 rubber bands to hold in place. Wrap one rubber band just below the tubing, and wrap another rubber band just above the tubing to secure the tubing in place (see picture above).
Materials + Instructions: Washcloth Built-Up Handle
Materials
- Chosen utensil
- Washcloth
- 2 rubber bands
Washcloth Built-Up Handle Instructions
- Depending on the size of utensil, fold the washcloth in half.
- Wrap washcloth around the utensil handle and secure with at least 2 rubber bands at the top and bottom of the washcloth securing it in place. If needed, trim the washcloth to match your desired thickness around the handle. See picture below for rubber band placement.
- If the washcloth slips, secure a few rubber bands below the washcloth with extra twists to secure it in place, or add another rubber band(s) the wash cloth (3-4 total) and secure tightly.
- And your DONE!
*Special Note: The tubing or washcloth can be wrapped with supreme grip shelf liner and secured with rubber bands to ensure a non-slip surface. Wash washcloth as needed.
Let me know in the comments below how this project went. I would love to hear about it!
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Thanks for your blog, nice to read. Do not stop.
Thank you, Mark, for your kind words and encouragement. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Thanks for the great info. I was searching for a DIY low-cost solution for my 88 y.o. uncle with Rheumatoid Arthritis to help him remain independent. Love your ideas. Keep ’em coming!
Thank you for reaching out! I am glad to hear the tutorial was helpful. Let me know if you have any questions.