Daily Living Ease
If the small jobs in a day have started to take more effort, like putting on socks, picking something up off the floor or sitting comfortably through a meal, these aids are for you. They are the sock aids, grabbers, dressing aids, cushions and eating aids we sell.
How to choose
A sock aid lets you put socks on without bending down to your feet. A long shoe horn and a dressing stick do the same for shoes and clothes. A grabber, also called a reacher, picks things up from the floor or the back of a shelf.
For sitting, a donut cushion (ours is the coccyx ring cushion) spreads your weight around one sore spot, and a coccyx wedge cushion has a cut-out at the back so your tailbone is not pressing on the seat. At the table, adaptive cutlery, a plate guard and a cup with flow control lids help you eat and drink on your own.
Choosing for getting dressed? Our guide to the best dressing aids for elderly Australians explains who each one suits.
Long Reach GrabberReach the floor, the back of a shelf, the remote, without bending or asking for help75cm or 90cm long
$49
Height Adjustable Step Stool with HandrailStep up confidently to reach high shelves. The handrail means you always have something to holdHandrail 99.5 to 109.5cm, holds 120kg
$139
Sock and Stocking AidPuts your socks on without any bending. Two long handles do the work for you
$64
Dressing StickHooks a zip, pulls up trousers, pushes off shoes, and you do it all yourself68cm long
$42
Long-Handled Shoe HornSlip your shoes on without bending down. The 61cm handle does the reaching for you61cm long
$41
Dressing Independence KitFor anyone who wants to get dressed each morning without bending, twisting, or asking for help3 items in one kit
$119
Button Hook & Zipper PullerButtons and zips done independently, without the fiddling, the frustration, or asking for help.20.5cm, fits in a pocket
$36
Coccyx Wedge CushionA U shaped cut out takes the pressure off your tailbone when you sit down45cm, 50cm or 55cm wide
From $98
Seat Wedge CushionTilts your hips forward a little, so you sit up straight without having to think about it40cm, 45cm or 50cm wide
$125
Contoured Coccyx CushionContoured, with a coccyx pad you can take out or put back as things change44cm or 50cm wide
From $133
Contoured Back Support with Gel PadFills the gap behind your lower back, with a gel pad you can warm or cool36cm wide, gel pack included
$130
Leg and Knee Support CushionSits between your knees overnight and stays put there, thanks to the Velcro leg strap
$100
Shower Swivel Seat TopA turning disc that sits on the shower seat you already have. Stool not included33cm across, holds 112kg
$69
Curved Bath BrushCurved so you reach your back without lifting your arms above your shoulders
$66
Long Handled Bath Sponge, 58cmA soft sponge on a 58cm angled handle, for the places you can no longer reach58cm long
$40
Long Handled Lotion ApplicatorPuts cream on your back and lower legs without asking anyone for help
$44
Adaptive Utensil KitFour pieces with soft grips, bendable shafts, and a rocker knife that cuts by rockingSpoon, teaspoon, fork, rocker knife
$100
Scoop Dish with Suction BaseA raised lip to push food against, and a suction base so the bowl stays put23.5cm across, suction base
$49
Plate GuardClips onto your own plate and gives you an edge to push food againstFits plates 20 to 30cm across
$25
Universal Built Up HandleSlide a fork, pen or toothbrush into it and thin handles become easy to holdFits cutlery, a toothbrush or a pen
$29
Drinking Cup with Flow Control LidsTwo lids, one for drinks and one for soup, and you control the flow with a fingerTwo lids, 3mm and 6mm flow
$40
One Way Drinking Straws, PairA valve holds the liquid in the straw, so each sip takes far less effortTwo straws, 25cm and 18cm
$44
Coccyx Ring CushionAn oval ring with an open centre, so the sore spot takes no weight when you sit45cm or 50cm wide
From $90
Questions people ask
How does a sock aid work?
You slide the sock over the flexible sleeve, lower the sleeve to the floor on its two long handles, put your foot in and pull up. The sock comes up over your foot without you bending forward. It takes both hands, so it suits you if you have grip in both.
What is a grabber tool?
A grabber, also called a reacher, is a long stick with a trigger at one end and gripping jaws at the other. Squeeze the trigger and the jaws close, so you can pick up the remote, a dropped letter or a sock from the floor without bending or climbing on a step.
Donut cushion or coccyx cushion: which is better?
A donut cushion, or ring cushion, has a hole in the middle, so it spreads your weight around one sore spot. A coccyx cushion is a wedge with a cut-out at the back, so your tailbone is not pressing on the seat. If the soreness is right at the tailbone, start with the coccyx cushion.
What is adaptive cutlery?
Adaptive cutlery has thicker handles that are easier to hold when grip or wrist movement has changed, so you do not need to squeeze as hard to keep hold of a fork or spoon. Pair it with a plate guard, which gives you an edge to push food against, and meals feel easier again.
What is a long handled shoe horn for?
A long handled shoe horn lets you slide your heel into a shoe while you sit or stand upright, without bending down to your feet. It helps after a hip or knee operation, or any time bending forward is uncomfortable. Ours is 61cm long, which reaches the floor from a chair.