Dulcimer playing with arthritis

I am developing weakness (arthritis) in my wrist and fingers and am finding it difficult to hold the strings down without lifting ever so slightly causing a buzz effect.I have taken off one of my melody strings (which has helped) buthave some difficultywith my bass string. I have had my instrument checked by Elderly's in Lansing, Michigan and they have made some adjustments to the fret board which were needed, but must admit that it is operator error that I am dealing with. My dulcimer is a Blue Lion and the bass string gauge is a .24w and I find dulcimer strings here locally for the bass string are .22w. Would a different gaugestringhelp? Is anyone dealing with arthritis and found a solution that works for them? I don't want to stop playing, I love my dulcimer and a wrist supporthelps only so much. Please someone - give mehope, I am concerned that my dulcimer days maybe over or greatly limited. Let me know too if you find your dulcimer easy to play and the maker of your instrument. Thanks!