Although turning a key is a very simple task, it becomes problematic for elderly people who suffer from dexterity issues and from conditions like arthritis. You can get bigger house keys and swap your car keys for electronic ones, but it’s often just as easy to get key turning aids.
A key turning device is a simple tool that attaches to your keys and makes them easy to turn even when you have arthritic hands, weak wrists, and limited hand mobility. These assistive tools come in many shapes and sizes and may provide additional uses.
What to Look for in a Key Turner Aid
Key turners can vary considerably from product to product. To make sure you get the one that is best suited to your needs, look out for the following:
- The Capacity: Many key turners can hold just one key, but others can hold multiple keys.
- Look at the Grip: Does it have a secure grip and are there multiple grip options? If you have a weakened grip, you’ll need the key turner to do most of the work, so this is an important feature.
- Stability: Does it hold the keys firmly in place and does it feel firm and sturdy in your grip? Many of these devices are made in China using cheap materials, so this can be a big indicator of quality and usability.
- The Material: It should be made of a strong, durable, non-slip material and it should also be comfortable to hold and turn.
The Best Key Turners for Seniors
The following key turners offer many of the features outlined above and are all available on Amazon. There are lots of low-cost key turners and key holders on this site, but they vary in quality and you need to pay attention to the materials, features, benefits, and user reviews.
To help you in your search, here are the best options right now.
Keywing Key Turning Aid
A brightly colored, inexpensive, and high-quality key turning aid that can clip on and turn keys with ease. Our only real issue with this device is that you need to attach it to different keys or buy different devices, which can be fiddly or expensive depending on the option you choose.
It snaps on easily, we’ll give it that, but if you have arthritic hands and other serious issues, that otherwise simple mechanism can become troublesome.
Homecraft Key Turner 2
A simple little device that makes it easier to store and use keys. It looks like a little plastic Swiss Army Knife and is big enough to store two keys, and it has a design best suited for simple door keys and other basic locks. It attaches to your keychain and has relatively good grips.
It’s also available for less than $10, so you can’t really complain!
EZ Key Turner
The EZ Key Turner is smaller than the Keywing and may be harder to use, but it feels sturdier and it comes with two in a pack. It will not work with all your keys and doesn’t seem to be suitable for larger keys, but it’s inexpensive and won’t take up much room on your key chain.
It is worth adding to your Amazon order, even if you’re just bumping up the price to get free delivery.
Other Simple Daily Living Aids
A daily living aid is a simple tool designed to make your life easier. These tools can help if you have mobility issues, dementia, and joint problems. They include:
- Shopping Carts with Wheels: These carts are a great alternative to mobility scooters. You drag them behind you as you walk, and they can hold your groceries and other essentials. Many carts can even be dragged upstairs and use a 6-wheel setup to make this process smooth.
- Reachers and Grabbers: Useful tools that you can use to grab the remote control, the telephone, and the many items you drop on the floor every day—keys included. You can even use a grabber as a dressing aid, making it an essential mobility aid for any senior’s collection.
- Grab Bars and Handrails: These simple installations can make a massive difference to your home. They provide some much-needed support in high-risk rooms, such as the kitchen and bathroom, while also helping individuals to get into and out of bed.
- Specialist Chairs: Along with wheelchairs, which are available in multiple manual and motorized varieties, patients can choose from a range of lift chairs. These slowly lower and lift the user as needed, limiting the need for constant standing and sitting.
- Major Installations: If you or a loved one has serious mobility issues, you may want to consider making renovations to your home and purchasing items such as a walk-in bathtub, adjustable bed, and/or a stairlift. All are designed to help individuals maintain their independence and age in place.
- Other Tools: Jar openers, sock helpers, grab bars, big-button TV remotes, dementia clocks—there is a wealth of mobility aids out there. Arthritis sufferers, elderly caregivers, patients with dementia, individuals with back problems, those with limited hand strength, and countless other issues can find tools to help with their day-to-day life.