Navigating daily tasks can feel challenging with reduced strength or physical limitations, but the right tools can make it manageable. This guide provides an overview of a wide range of products to assist with daily living and personal care strategies to make everyday tasks easier, more comfortable, and more empowering.
Understanding the challenges
Simple tasks like lifting a kettle, opening a can, fastening a button, or putting on socks can present unique challenges. Whether due to limited hand strength, flexibility, or dexterity, specialised tools can make a significant difference.
When simple tasks become difficult, they can impact independence and quality of life. That’s why daily living aids are designed to bridge the gap, offering practical solutions to common challenges.
Essential Aids for Daily Living
One of the first challenges people face is dressing, but with the right dressing aids, this task can be made much simpler.
For easy sock application, the flexible sock aid is designed to assist with putting on socks or stockings. It features large loop handles, a nylon-lined interior to reduce friction, and a terry cloth fabric to secure the hosiery in place.
A dressing stick can help with everything from pulling up pants to putting on jackets and is a handy tool for one-handed dressing.
The button hook is designed to make doing and undoing buttons quickly and easily. This compact aid fits in a bag, making it easy to bring along for quick adjustments.
Beyond dressing, everyday activities like cooking can be made easier with the right meal preparation aids. These specialised kitchen aids are designed to make cooking safer, more efficient, and stress-free.
The Uccello tipping kettle lets you tilt and pour hot water easily and safely, without lifting it from its cradle. This kitchen aid kettle features a wide spout and an auto shut-off feature, to help individuals pour hot beverages safely and independently, reducing the risk of spills and accidents.
Adaptive cutlery is an essential tool for individuals who face challenges with grip, hand strength, or coordination. Angled cutlery, for example, can provide a more comfortable grip for those with limited dexterity, while weighted spoons offer added stability and control. For individuals with swallowing difficulties, a dysphagia drinking cup helps to regulate liquid flow, reducing the risk of spills or choking. These adaptive tools are designed to promote independence and make mealtimes safer and more enjoyable.
The One Touch automatic jar opener offers effortless, one-touch operation, making it easy to open jars of all sizes without any strain. Its adjustable grip, compact design, and battery-operated functionality provide a convenient and reliable solution.
Ideal for preparing snacks like toast or sandwiches, this spread board stays securely in place, providing a non-slip surface that makes spreading, slicing, and peeling easy. The raised edge helps keep ingredients steady, making one-handed prep smoother and safer.
The spillnot jar and bottle opener features three recessed, non-slip cones in various sizes to securely grip jars and bottles. Simply press the jar or bottle into the appropriate cone to hold it firmly in place, making it easy to twist the lid.
Reaching & Grabbing Tools
For those with limited mobility, easy reachers, like the long-handled grabber, allow users to access items stored on high shelves or in hard-to-reach places without strain.
Beyond adaptive tools, the following care equipment and aids, provide support for a variety of daily tasks and accessibility needs.
Assistive Living Aids
Grab rails are sturdy bars that provide additional support and stability in key areas around the home. Grab rails for bathrooms are ideal for ensuring safety while stepping out of the shower or using the toilet, while grab bars for bedrooms assist with securely getting in and out of bed. These aids help maintain balance, prevent falls, and make everyday tasks easier.
The handy bar is a portable car assist handle designed to make vehicle transfers easier and safer. It securely attaches to the door latch, offering stability for entering or exiting a car. Lightweight and compact, the handy bar is perfect for individuals with mobility challenges who want to maintain their independence during travel.
A leg lifter strap is a simple yet effective tool for repositioning legs, especially useful for those recovering from surgery or with limited lower body mobility. It features a sturdy loop to support the foot, allowing users to lift or move their legs without strain. This leg lifting aid helps reduce discomfort and supports safe and independent mobility adjustments.
Digital day clock calendars are specially designed for individuals with vision impairments or cognitive challenges. Its clear, large display not only shows the time but also provides essential information. It includes a combination of highly visible, easy-to-read displays, and audio-visual verbal prompters. The day clock lets people know exactly what time, time of day, and what day it is, helping users maintain their daily routines without confusion.
Walking sticks provide essential support and balance for individuals with mobility challenges, enhancing safety and comfort during daily activities. Options like the walking stick with a Fisher moulded handle offer an ergonomic grip, while the adjustable Sherwood seat stick combines a walking aid with a convenient vinyl-upholstered seat, perfect for grassed areas or hard surfaces. For those needing extra stability, the adjustable quad stick with a square high base or the quad stick with an offset large base provides excellent support. Lightweight and adjustable, these walking sticks reduce strain on joints and are designed to meet a variety of mobility needs and preferences.
Grooming & Personal Care Aids
A Bottom wiper is a practical aid designed to simplify personal hygiene after toileting. Its ergonomic, curved shape enables users with physical limitations to clean from the front, minimising body twisting and reducing discomfort or injury. The moulded plastic head, featuring recessed serrations, holds toilet paper securely for effortless use and disposal.
Caring for your feet can be tricky if reaching them feels like a challenge—that’s where the Long Handled Toe Washer comes in. Designed with comfort and ease in mind, this helpful tool makes maintaining foot hygiene simple and stress-free. Its flexible stem and soft towelling pad gently clean between toes, while the easy-grip handle ensures you stay in control.
Bathing shouldn’t feel like a challenge, and the Long Handled Sponge is here to help. With its flexible, bendable handle, this thoughtfully designed sponge makes it easier to reach areas like your back, legs, and feet, so you can enjoy a more comfortable and independent showering experience.
Adaptive Bathroom Aids
Raised toilet seats are a practical solution for those who need a little extra height and support when using the toilet. Designed to reduce strain on the knees and hips, these seats make it easier to sit down and stand up comfortably.
Shower chairs and stools offer a safe and supportive way to shower, especially for those who find standing for long periods difficult. With non-slip feet and adjustable heights, these sturdy seats ensure a secure and comfortable experience.
A hand shower is a versatile tool that brings convenience and ease to your bathing routine. Featuring a handheld design, it lets you control the water flow and direction for a thorough and comfortable clean.
Non-slip bath mats are a simple yet effective way to improve bathroom safety. Placed in the shower, bath, or on the bathroom floor, they help prevent slips with their grippy surface. Anti-slip mats add an extra layer of security and comfort to wet environments.
Together, these tools create a supportive environment that restores confidence and independence, making daily tasks not just manageable but enjoyable. Whether you’re looking to improve safety, simplify routines, or support recovery, investing in the right tools can make a world of difference. Explore our full range of daily living aids at Highgate Healthcare to find the perfect solutions for you or your loved ones. For more information or advice, don’t hesitate to contact us.
