Last post Sat, Apr 12 2008 1:00 PM by Charie. 6 replies.
My sister has rheumatoid arthritis and she does not have enough strength in her fingers to turn the key in the car ignition. Does anyone know of a device that migh help her? She cant drive her car because of this and that is a shame.
bandit, that is great that you're here trying to help your sister. I know that not being able to drive, especially in areas without a lot of public transportation, is a big barrier to independence. I hope you can find something that will work for her.
I haven't used any of these devices, so I can't tell you how well they work, but here are some things to try:
http://www.aidsforarthritis.com/catalog/car-starter.html
http://www.wellhaven.com/Helpful-Gifts/Arthritis-Aids-Products/E-Z-Key-Turner-Set-of-2
http://www.productsforseniors.com/proddetail.asp?prod=HOU062
If you do a Google search on "arthritis car key turner" you should come up with quite a few options. There are also devices to help open car door handles if that's an issue for her. Good luck!
To InnerGlow, thanks for your suggestions. I have ordered one of the products to be shipped to my sister. I am hoping it will work for her. I will let you know if it does. Merrry Christmas and Happy New Year! Bandit
Hi, Bandit! I, too, have RA, and here's what I use for the car key. Get a small length (about 5") of PVC pipe, the diameter just a little smaller than the top of the key. Have someone with a little saw cut a notch on each side of one end of the pipe. Put the key into the ignition, then put the notched end of the pipe over the key and start the car!
I was unable to use the other available devices, because they still required the use of fingers. This little pipe is easy to grip by placing your whole hand around it. Maybe I can post a photo of my "invention" later today!
Best wishes to your sister. May she soon be "mobile" again!
Thanks Beadlam, my sister received the device I ordered but she has been sick so she hasnt tried it out yet. My nephew started her car with it but since she hasnt tried it yet I dont know if she can use it. I am printing out what you suggested and if the device I sent her doesnt work for her I will email the instructions you suggested to my nephew and he can make her one. Thanks again. Bandit
hi my name is ziggester i have ra had for20yrs last 5 yrs gotten worsee my problem re my legs i have no control my cane helps have to by me all he time the eye dr wants me to wer my glasses all the time. i see te ortho next week either more shots or maye a brace or something plus i sea a therapist which helps plus they are trying to figure nerve me to help. so a whoe bunch is going on.. i do crafts when the hans hurt i stop. plus fibromyagia. i am using apen w3hih wa givn o me by therpy how to hold pencil i have seen this in an artristis magazine i sure yr dr could help pleas let me kjow how you make out ziggester
I discovered that if I inserted a small screwdriver point into the hole of the key after it was in the ignition that I could use my hand to turn the key.
