Help him adaptto finger amputation

December 19, 2009 10:41 AM

My wonderful great uncle had to have his right index finger amputated at the middle knuckle a year or so ago. He is 92 years old, lives alone, and has coped with loneliness (since the loss of his beloved wife 8 years ago) by keeping himself busy with construction related hobbies and cooking. I found out that he is really suffering from the loss of his normal pincer grasp. He specifically mentioned trouble using a hammer and nails. What can I do to make his life/hobbies easier, other than suggest a thumb and middle finger pincer grasp? Are there any products or tools you can recommend?
posted by shylady to Sports, Hobbies, & Recreation (8 answers total)

Has he had any occupational therapy? This is exactly what they do -- they will have tools and exercises of various kinds for compensation strategies.
posted by Cool Papa Bell at 10:47 AM on December 19, 2009

Depending on what you want to spend and what sorts of projects he takes on, a small compressor and finish nailer might help.
posted by jon1270 at 10:54 AM on December 19, 2009

This product could possibly help.
posted by Thug at 10:57 AM on December 19, 2009

My maternal grandfather was quadriplegic, with limited movement in his arms, and unable to grip at all with his hands. He used gripping aids — I tried Googling for them, there's a lot of noise... but I did find these two places, which have products that resembled what my grandfather used:
- Active Hands
- Adapt-a-Grip system

Also n'thing occupational therapy. With part of your great-uncle's index finger still available, a therapist would likely be able to teach him alternative grips. I know we were always amazed at what my grandfather came up with in the way of alternatives!
posted by fraula at 10:58 AM on December 19, 2009

what about an auto-hammer it might help him out . Hell, I may get one to save my fingers!
posted by Country Dick Montana at 11:26 AM on December 19, 2009

I was going to suggest the auto-hammer (Country Dick Montana - did it first). I use one. It helps a lot for arthritic hands or wrists. Neat gadget.
posted by JayRwv at 11:40 AM on December 19, 2009

I saw a pair of gloves with magnets in the fingertips. That may help retrieving dropped nails.
posted by Gungho at 11:54 AM on December 19, 2009

Occupational therapists often have clients make little birdhouses and what-not as part of their rehabilitation, so there may be some kind of adaptive gadget that's well-known to them--I might give the local rehabilitation hospital a call after the New Year and speak to someone in OT.
posted by Sidhedevil at 5:38 PM on December 19, 2009