Lovely senior life

[For Seniors] Finger Rehabilitation Tools: Easy DIY Ideas

Social worker / Care workermoko
My name is Moko, a mother of three who admired my mother and worked in the care industry as a care worker and as a medical social worker (MSW) in a hospital. I will be drawing on my previous experience to write mainly about caregiving. Thank you in advance.
Keyboard playerSAKI
I’ve been playing the Electone since I was six, mainly performing Disney music, anime songs, and music from dramas and films. I post performance videos on YouTube and social media, and I also give concerts. Building on my Electone experience, I took up synthesizer and piano during my student years and performed at school-sponsored events. As a writer, I’ve covered not only music-related topics but a wide range of genres, so I hope to draw on my experience to deliver articles that make readers think, “I want to try that!” or “I want to listen to that!”

Illnesses or disabilities can make it difficult to move the fingers or can cause unintended movements.

When these symptoms affect the fingers, they can lead to various difficulties in daily life, such as being unable to use chopsticks or a pen properly, struggling to get dressed, or lacking strength and falling.

In this article, we introduce DIY rehabilitation tools to help improve finger mobility.

All of them are easy to make, so consider creating them in senior care facilities to support rehabilitation for older adults!

[For Seniors] Finger Rehabilitation Gadgets: Easy DIY Ideas (31–40)

Mini kimono in Japanese style

[How-to Video] No-sew Traditional Mini Kimono Keychain LH-95/LH-96/LH-97

Mini kimono in Japanese style

Would you like to make a lovely strap shaped like a mini Japanese kimono? Since it uses a pre-cut base, it’s fun even for those who aren’t comfortable cutting tiny pieces.

First, apply tape to the fabric and draw lines according to the template, then cut it out with scissors.

Attach the template base to a foam sheet, place the fabric on top, and trim away any excess fabric.

Add the sleeve openings, gold cord, and obi to finish.

It turns out plump and cute, like a miniature, making it a great gift too.

Give it a try!

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A tool for training hand and finger skills with lacing (threading) activities

[Done in 10 Minutes!] I Tried Making a Rehabilitation Tool Using 100-Yen Shop Materials | Vol. 41

A tool for training hand and finger skills with lacing (threading) activities

Let me introduce a lacing tool that can train both the fingers and the wrist! Prepare several long, narrow wooden boards with holes drilled large enough for a lace to pass through.

Stand them upright and attach them to a single base board—done! The trainee will pass a lace through the holes one by one, similar to threading a needle.

Start by using both hands, then try using only the dominant hand, moving the fingers skillfully while threading the lace.

Everyone has directions that feel easier to thread, but attempting it from the more difficult directions will further promote finger exercise.

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Darts that strengthen your grip strength

Could this help prevent falls? A darts-style activity that anyone can do, which also trains grip strength! [Recreation for Seniors / Day Service Activities]

Darts that strengthen your grip strength

Did you know that grip strength can be an indicator of overall muscle strength? When grip strength is weak, overall muscle strength tends to be low and the risk of falling increases.

A fall can lead to leg fractures requiring hospitalization or surgery, and may even result in becoming bedridden.

We definitely want to prevent falls.

So let’s train grip strength while having fun with a dart game using disposable chopsticks and ping-pong balls.

Normally, darts involve throwing a pin to stick it in a target, but to prevent finger injuries from the tip, attach hook-and-loop tape (Velcro) to both the ping-pong balls and the target.

This way, even a small amount of force will make the ball stick to the target—highly recommended.

With a few simple adjustments, older adults can participate safely.

It works great as a team competition or as an individual game.

Give it a try!

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In conclusion

We introduced handmade rehab tools that you can make with familiar materials.

By incorporating movements you often use in daily life while having fun, it seems you can continue at your own pace without overdoing it.

These are all items you can enjoy using while chatting with your grandchildren or approaching them like a game.

Start with the easy ones and gradually take on more of a challenge!