It’s common to find that some everyday activities become a little more difficult as we get older. Normal day-to-day tasks like handling forks and knives, walking upstairs or getting in and out of bed can present new challenges.
But it’s not just the older generation that could use a little extra support around the house. These aids, gadgets and equipment can make life a little easier for anyone that could use a helping hand to live safely and comfortably in their own home.
1. Push button toilet flush
A push button toilet flush is a handy gadget that can be easily installed on most standard toilets. It eliminates the need for traditional handles, making it easier for the elderly or those with limited mobility to flush the toilet. It’s an affordable and simple solution to make using the bathroom easier.
2. Raised toilet seat
A raised toilet seat can make a significant difference in the life of someone with limited mobility. It provides a higher seating position, making it easier to sit down and stand up from the toilet. This increases independence and helps prevent slips and falls, making it a helpful aid for anyone who experiences mobility concerns.*
3. Bath or shower rail
A bath or shower rail is a simple yet effective aid that can help prevent slips and falls in the bathroom. It can be installed securely onto the wall of a bathtub or shower to provide a sturdy handhold. This makes it easier for the elderly or anyone with limited mobility to get in and out of the bathtub or shower safely.*
4. Easy to turn tap handles
These handles are designed to fit over existing tap handles, providing an easy-to-grip surface that makes turning taps on and off easier. It can help people who experience difficulty with hand strength or grip to use taps more easily and independently, reducing the need for assistance from others.
5. Slip mat for bath or shower
A slip-resistant mat can help prevent falls in the bathroom by providing extra traction on wet surfaces. These mats come in a variety of sizes and can be used in the bathtub or shower.
6. A kettle with an easy pour handle
A kettle with an easy pour handle can help prevent spills and burns and make it easier to pour hot water. The handle is designed to be easy to grip and pour, making it a useful gadget for anyone who experiences hand or wrist pain.
7. Knives and forks with special handles
These utensils are designed with ergonomic handles that are easy to grip, making them ideal for anyone who experiences difficulty with hand strength or dexterity.
8. Easy to grip jugs or graters
These jugs and graters feature handles that are designed to be easy to grip, providing extra support and stability while pouring or grating. They are useful aids for anyone who experiences hand or wrist pain.
9. Cups with two handles
Cups with double handles offer a practical solution for individuals with limited hand mobility or weakness. By providing a stable grip and reducing the risk of spills, they can make drinking more enjoyable and help the elderly get the hydration they need.
10. A bed rail (grab rail)
A grab rail can be attached to the side of a bed, providing a sturdy handhold that makes it easier to get in and out of bed. Installing a grab rail on the side of the bed can make a big difference for anyone who has trouble getting in and out of bed, providing a secure and stable handhold that helps prevent falls and increases confidence.*
11. Straps to help you lift your leg (leg lifters)
Leg lifters are a useful tool for anyone who struggles to lift their legs, especially those who have undergone surgery or have limited mobility. These ingenious straps are designed to help lift and position the legs, making it easier to get in and out of bed or a chair.*
12. Bed risers
Bed risers are a great solution for those who struggle with mobility when getting in and out of bed. They are an easy-to-use aid that raises the height of the bed, making it more accessible and comfortable. With the added bonus of extra storage space underneath the bed, bed risers are a practical and convenient choice.*
13. Reclining chairs
A reclining chair can provide additional support and comfort for anyone who experiences difficulty sitting for long periods or getting in and out of a chair. They come in a variety of sizes and styles to suit different needs*.
14. Button hook
Button hooks are inexpensive gadgets that help people fasten buttons. They are particularly useful for anyone who experiences difficulty with hand dexterity. Compact and easy to use, they are a useful aid for everyday tasks.
15. Gadgets to help put socks, tights and pants on
There are a variety of gadgets available that can make it easier to put on socks, tights, and pants. These include sock aids, long-handled shoe horns, and pants pullers.
16. Personal alarms
Personal alarms can provide peace of mind and a sense of security for anyone who values their independence but worries about the risks of living alone. These handy devices can be worn around the neck or wrist and used to call for help in an emergency, making them valuable aids for anyone who wants to feel safe and secure in their home.
17. Automatic pill dispenser
An automatic pill dispenser is a valuable aid for anyone who needs to take medication regularly. With its reliable and precise dosing system, pill dispensers help ensure that medication is taken on time and in the correct amount.
18. Reacher
A reacher is a tool that can help the elderly or anyone with limited mobility to grab things that are out of reach without having to stretch or bend down. It can be used to pick up items from the floor, grab items from high shelves or retrieve things from other hard-to-reach places.
19. Echo Dot or Amazon Alexa
These tech devices can be a great help for the elderly, especially those who live alone. They can be used to make phone calls, set reminders, play music, and even control other smart devices in the home, all with voice commands.
20. Landline phone with nuisance call blocking
Unfortunately, elderly people can often become the targets of nuisance or scam calls. A landline phone with nuisance call blocking can help to reduce the number of unwanted calls that come through and provide peace of mind for the whole family.
21. Wall-mounted key safe
A wall-mounted key safe can provide a simple solution to the problem of needing to leave a spare key outside the home. It allows the elderly to securely store a spare key outside of the home, providing easy access for family members or carers in case of an emergency.
22. Robot vacuum cleaner
Cleaning can become a difficult task for the elderly or anyone with limited mobility. A robot vacuum cleaner can help keep floors clean without the need for manual labour and can even be set to automatically clean at specific times.
23. Electric can opener
Opening cans can be difficult for anyone with arthritis or limited hand strength. An electric can opener makes the process much easier and less painful, allowing the elderly to maintain their independence in the kitchen.
24. Doorbell cameras
Doorbell cameras can provide added security for the elderly or anyone living alone. They allow the user to see and speak to visitors at the front door through their smartphone, giving them greater control over who enters their home.
25. Key finder
For anyone who struggles to keep track of their keys, a key finder can be a valuable tool. These small devices can be attached to a keychain and used to locate misplaced keys by using a smartphone app.
26. White noise machine
White noise machines can be helpful for anyone who struggles to fall or stay asleep. They create a soothing background noise that can help to mask external sounds and promote relaxation, leading to a better night’s rest.
27. Light therapy lamp
A light therapy lamp can help alleviate symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) in the elderly or anyone who experiences depression or anxiety. These lamps emit bright light that mimics natural outdoor light, which may improve mood and energy levels.
28. Day clock
A day clock is a helpful tool for the elderly or anyone who has trouble keeping track of the time or day. These clocks display the time, day, and date in large, easy-to-read letters and numbers, providing a clear reminder of the current day and time.
29. Robotic lawnmower
Lawn maintenance can become a challenging task for the elderly or anyone with limited mobility. A robotic lawnmower can take care of the task automatically, allowing the user to enjoy a well-maintained lawn without the physical strain.
30. Blood pressure monitor
Monitoring blood pressure is important for the elderly or anyone with a history of hypertension. A blood pressure monitor allows users to easily check their blood pressure at home, providing valuable information for managing their health.
31. GPS Tracker
A GPS tracker can be a great tool to keep track of people with memory loss or dementia who may wander away from home. It can provide peace of mind to family members who may worry about their loved ones’ safety while still allowing them to maintain their independence. It’s important to note, however, that consent should always be obtained before using such a device.
32. Jar Lid Remover
Jar lid removers are a useful tool for anyone with arthritis or other conditions that make it difficult to grip and twist. These simple gadgets help loosen tight lids with ease, allowing people to open jars on their own without having to rely on someone else’s assistance.
33. Key Turner
Turning a key can sometimes be a challenge for those with arthritis or limited mobility. A key turner is a simple device that can help by providing a larger, easier to grip handle that requires less force to turn.
34. Zip Pull
For those with limited dexterity, zippers can be a frustrating obstacle. Zip pulls are an easy solution that can make getting dressed easier by providing a larger tab to pull on.
35. Bra Fastening Aid
Fastening a bra can be a challenge for many people, especially those with arthritis or limited mobility. A bra fastening aid is a simple device that can help by providing extra help to hold and fasten a bra, making the process easier and less frustrating.
36. Stairlift
Stairlifts are much more than just a practical solution for those who face challenges with stairs; they can be life-changing devices that help people maintain their independence and quality of life. A stairlift is a motorised chair that travels along a rail or track attached to a staircase. With a stairlift, people with mobility issues can move up and down the stairs safely and comfortably, without the need for assistance or worrying about falls.*
37. Walking Stick
A walking stick provides extra stability and support for people who have difficulties walking or maintaining their balance. It’s a simple but effective aid that can help people maintain their independence and mobility.*
38. Walker
For those who require more support than a walking stick can provide, a walker can be a great option. Walkers come in many different styles and sizes, from basic models to those with extra features like seats and baskets for carrying items*
39. Ereader
For seniors who love to read, an e-reader can be a great way to keep up with their favourite books and authors. Ereaders are lightweight, portable, and easy to use, with features like adjustable font sizes and built-in lighting for comfortable reading.
40. Motion Sensor Night Lights
Motion sensor night lights can be a great addition to any home, providing extra safety and comfort during the night. They turn on automatically when someone enters the room and turn off again when they leave. This provides a soft, gentle light to guide the way during the night and can help prevent dangerous slips and falls.
41. Smart Blinds
Smart blinds can make it easier for people to control the amount of light entering their home, without having to get up and adjust the blinds themselves. With features like voice activation and smartphone control, they provide an added level of convenience and comfort.
42. Shopping Bag Handle
Carrying heavy shopping bags can be challenging for anyone, but especially for those with limited strength or mobility. A shopping bag handle is a simple but effective gadget that helps distribute the weight of the bag more evenly, making them easier to carry. It also helps reduce strain on the hands and wrists.
43. Communication Board
For people with speech or communication difficulties, a communication board can be a helpful tool to express their thoughts and feelings. These boards come in many different styles and can be customised to meet the individual’s preferred method of communication. They can include pictures, symbols, or even words, providing people with a new way to express their needs.
44. Big Button Phone
For people with vision or hearing impairments, a big button phone can make it easier to make and receive calls. These phones have large, easy to read buttons and features like volume control and hands-free speakerphone. This allows people to enjoy the freedom and independence that comes with being able to communicate with friends, family, and carers.
45. Medication reminder
Medication reminders can be incredibly helpful for people who have to take multiple medications at specific times. There are various types available, including pillboxes with alarms, electronic medication dispensers and smartphone apps. These devices can be programmed to remind someone when it’s time to take their medication.
* Before installing any aids, ensure you discuss with your GP or healthcare professional so that they are used correctly for your specific needs.
A helping hand at home from Oxford Aunts
At Oxford Aunts, we understand the challenges that can come with ageing or limited mobility. Our high-quality live-in care services provide the additional support and companionship needed to maintain independence and wellbeing in your own home.
Contact our friendly team today to learn more about how our live-in care services can empower you to live with greater comfort and independence at home.
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