Sometimes the things we take for granted – like opening and closing your doors or turning a key in a lock – become more difficult as we get older. Age or illness can cause a lot of problems with accessibility in the home, and using locks is often one of the biggest surprises. Simple actions, such as turning a key or twisting a doorknob, can cause discomfort or frustration for those living with conditions like arthritis, and one of the biggest questions we get asked is, how can this be made easier?
What Is Arthritis?
Arthritis is a very common condition that causes pain, joint inflammation, stiffness and swelling. It can affect any joint in your body, but it usually affects the knees, hips, hands, wrists, feet, ankles, shoulders and lower back. Hands and finger joints are particularly susceptible as these are joints we use every single day.
There are also two types of arthritis. Osteoarthritis is the most common, and is a chronic disease that damages the joins gradually over years and tends to affect the elderly. The second is rheumatoid arthritis, which is an inflammatory disease affecting the joint linings, and can affect people of any age, but is most common from 40+.
Both types of arthritis can make it difficult to perform daily tasks, and cause a lot of pain during certain tasks that use those joints. But one of the things people don’t often think about is the impact this can have on the way you use doors and locks.
The Problem With Traditional Locks
Traditional locks and keys need you to be able to hold a key, hold it steady, insert it into a small space and have the strength in your hands to turn the key. That all sounds very easy, but if you have arthritis (or any other mobility issues in your hands), this can be incredibly difficult. For example, you can struggle with:
- Difficulty gripping and turning keys: Swollen or stiff joints can make it hard to handle keys properly.
- Painful twisting motions: Applying force to turn a lock can cause discomfort or even pain.
- Fumbling or dropping keys: Reduced dexterity can lead to frustrating accidents or delays when trying to unlock doors.
These issues mean that your ability to secure your home or quickly lock and unlock doors in emergencies is significantly lower. Overall, not great!
Accessible Lock Solutions
So the question is, what can be done? If you or someone you love suffers from arthritis and is struggling with their door, what are the things you can do? The good news is, adapting your home’s security doesn’t mean sacrificing safety, and there are options that can make locking and unlocking your door easier. These include:
Thumbturn Euro Cylinders
These locks remove the need for a key to lock and unlock a door from the inside. Instead, it’s a simple thumbturn that allows for smooth operation and is much easier for people with mobility issues to use.
Some benefits of the thumbturn euro cylinder locks include:
- They are easy to operate with minimal effort.
- No risk of fumbling for your keys while inside your home
- Available in various styles and compatible with lots of different doors
Smart Locks
The other option is a smart lock. Smart locks offer an even more advanced option for people with arthritis. They can be operated without keys, often through voice commands, smartphone apps or touchscreens, which allow you to lock and unlock your door with ease. You can get smart locks that are Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or voice controlled, each with their own benefits, so it depends on your preferences.
A few benefits to smart locks include:
- Hands free operation, so no need for keys.
- Custom access, with the ability to create separate codes for caregivers or guests.
- You can lock or unlock your door even when you’re not at home using remote control options.
Arthritis or disability should never be a barrier to home security. There are a lot of options out there that mean you can still get that extra security without having to sacrifice accessibility. If you’re struggling with your locks due to a health condition, it’s important to explore accessible lock solutions and talk to professionals for both health and security advice. At My Locks, we are always happy to advise on lock options, so if you need help, just get in touch with one of our team today.