I have carpel tunnel, and arthritis in both hands and have a difficult time pushing the vacuum anymore as my hands cramp up from holding the vacuum handle.
 
Does anyone make a retro-fit handle for vacuums that are simular to the ones on the Orecks?  I have a Kirby Ultimate G, and the Tech-drive helps but I still have to grip the handle for the 30 minutes or so the task takes.  
 
I would appreciate it if any of you vacuum go-to people are knowlegable of this type of assistive device.  If anyone reading this are associated with vacuum companies, please note the need for this type of handle for us aging baby-boomers.
 
I don't want to purchase another vacuum, and really don't think I want an Oreck, just their handle.
Thanks for the assistance.

Hi Just Passing . . .
 
What a pickle!  I thought about it and called Kirby and was informed that they have no after-sale remedies for the problem.  So then I resorted to thinking the problem out myself -- not always a good thing.  But anyway . . .
 
If you know someone handy or have a local handiman, have him look for a wooden dowel anywhere from an inch to an inch-and-a-half thick -- whatever thickness will comfortably fit your grip -- and it should be about five inches long.  (Doweling of all sizes should be available at a lumber store or Home Depot. ) He, or she, should also get about four or five washers that are the same width as the dowel and a bolt with a wing nut that is longer by maybe half an inch than the length of the five-inch dowel plus the thickness of the upper plastic portion of the Kirby's handle -- that's at least three-quarters of an inch.  The bolt may need to be about six-and-one-half inches in overall length. Make sure the bolt and washers fit together  nicely with out too much play.
 
Hard part is finding someone with a drill press.  (Note: the dowel will have to be held steady and straight by something or someone.)  In any event, if you haven't a friend with the like ask someone at the place you find the dowel to vertically drill a centered hole down through the length of the dowel.  There may be a small charge required for this OR you may have to get down and dirty and resort to below-the-belt tactics like your most heart-wrenching forlorn or woe-begotten look to get the job done.  What the heck -- giving a little guilt now and then can be fun.
 
Once you have the pieces above at home, have someone also drill a centered hole, just large enough to accomodate the bolt, at the front of your Kirby's handle just a little  before the bend in it.  Run the bolt through a washer, then the length of the dowel, then another washer.  Push the remaining end of the bolt through the hole drill at the front of the cleaner's upper handle and slip on another washer at the back.  Screw on the wing nut and tighten it well. (The washers are to eliminate as much rubbing of wood against plastic as possible.)
 
This will leave you with a vertical handhold when the handle is pulled back into user position.  You should be able to guide and steer your Kirby with it though I'd recommend you use it only with the power drive on.
 
Also note that if you're rather tall, this idea may not be suitable for you due to the possibility of back strain.  
 
Anyway . . . it's something to think about.  Hope it helps.
 
Venson
 

Thank You so much for your thoughts ,assistance and engineering.  
I will let you know what happens.  I bought a small Eureka 8lb boss yesterday at K-Mart for $39, mostly to try the handle--beats the Oreck's price.  I know it's not in the class of the bigger machines, but for quick clean up it will work, and then I can bring in the big guns less often, thus saving my hands.  
 
The open handle like the Oreck/Eureka allows me to push with the palm and pull with the fingers instead of gripping the handle which causes it to cramp up.  
 
I am also going to write Kirby and at least make the suggestion that they do a redesign on their handle.  The old Omega and Tradition had a more comfortable handle than what is on the UG.