Daily living aids
Reachers, sock aids, bed rails, shower seats, transfer benches and other tools for doing more on your own, safely.
Pick a guide below. Each one explains what to look for and how to use the product safely. It also says when to ask a doctor or other expert first. Sources are listed at the end of every guide.
Guides in this section
Bedside Commode: Types, Sizing and Safe Setup at Home
A bedside commode is a portable toilet chair for people who can get out of bed but not to the bathroom. Types, sizing, s
Gait Belt: What It Is and How to Use a Transfer Belt Safely
A gait belt, or transfer belt, gives a caregiver a secure grip to steady someone standing or walking. How to fit it, hol
Bed Rails for Seniors: Entrapment Risks and Safer Choices
Bed rails for seniors can trap the head, neck or chest. What FDA and CPSC say about who should not use one, gap checks,
Transfer Benches: How a Tub Transfer Bench Works and Fits
Transfer benches let you sit outside the tub and slide across, so you never step over the wall. How to measure, set one
Leg Lifter Strap: How It Helps You Get Into Bed After Surgery
A leg lifter is a stiff strap with a foot loop for lifting a weak or stiff leg into bed or a car. How to use one, which
Long Shoe Horn: How to Pick One for Sitting or Standing Use
A long shoe horn lets you slip shoes on without bending. How to pick the right length and material for hip recovery, bac
Small Shower Chair: Measuring a Tight Shower or Narrow Tub
A small shower chair fits tight stalls and narrow tubs. How to measure, why armless chairs suit tubs, folding and backre
Compression Sock Aid: Types of Stocking Donners and How to Use
A compression sock aid, or stocking donner, helps get firm stockings over the heel without bending or straining. Types,
AM and PM Pill Organizer: How to Choose and Fill One Safely
An AM and PM pill organizer splits each day into morning and evening doses. Sizes, locking and snap-out styles, and whic
Bath Lift: How Powered Bath Seats Work and Who They Suit
A bath lift lowers you into the bath water and raises you back to the rim. Types, tub fit, battery safety features, and
Devices to Assist Getting Out of Bed: Handles, Trapezes, Straps
Devices to assist getting out of bed, from bed assist handles to trapezes and leg lifters, with the entrapment recalls a
Bedside Commode Over Toilet: Using a 3-in-1 as a Raised Seat
How a 3-in-1 bedside commode works over the toilet as a raised seat and safety frame: splash guard setup, leg height, fi
Small Shower Stool: Compact Seats for Tight Showers and Tubs
A small shower stool gives you a seat in a cramped shower or narrow tub. Round vs square, height range, weight ratings,
Sliding Transfer Bench for Bathtub: Who It Suits and How to Use
A sliding transfer bench for the bathtub moves you across on a gliding seat instead of scooting. Who it suits, what to m
Dressing Aids: Dressing Sticks, Button Hooks and Elastic Laces
Dressing aids help you dress without bending or fiddly fastenings. How dressing sticks, button hooks, sock aids and elas
Handheld Reacher Grabber: How to Choose Length, Jaws and Grip
How to choose a handheld reacher grabber: length, trigger effort, jaw style and folding, plus who it helps after hip sur
More guides
Adult Diapers: How to Choose Briefs or Pull-Up Underwear
How to choose adult diapers: tab-style briefs vs pull-up underwear, absorbency, overnight use, fit for men and women…
Bedpan Guide: Standard vs Fracture Pan and How to Use One
How to choose a bedpan, standard or fracture pan, and how to place, remove and clean one at home, with the supplies…
Forearm Crutches: How to Choose, Fit and Use Them
How to choose forearm crutches: handgrip and cuff fitting, weight capacity, tips and grips, plus how they differ from…
Hospital Bed for Home: Types, Safety and Medicare Coverage
How to choose a hospital bed for home use: manual, semi-electric or full-electric, weight limits, mattress fit, FDA…
Incontinence Pads: How to Choose for Women, Men and Beds
How to choose incontinence pads for light to moderate bladder leaks: women's pads, men's guards, bed pads, absorbency…
Jar Opener Guide: Types for Weak Hands, Seniors and Arthritis
How to choose a jar opener: rubber grip pads, multi-size grippers, under-cabinet, electric and seal-lifting openers…
Mobility Scooter Guide: Types, Specs and Medicare Coverage
How to choose a mobility scooter: travel, folding, 3-wheel, 4-wheel or heavy duty, the specs to compare, and what…
Pill Crusher: How to Choose One and Crush Pills Safely
How to choose a pill crusher, which pills must never be crushed, how to use a pill crusher safely, and when to ask a…
Walking Stick: How to Choose One for Balance or Hiking
How to choose a walking stick for balance or the trail: types, how to set the height, wood vs adjustable, grips and…
Pill Splitter: How to Choose One and Split Tablets Safely
How to choose a pill splitter, including one for small pills, which tablets should never be split, and how to cut…
Shower Bench: How to Choose a Seat or Transfer Bench
How to choose a shower bench: seat bench vs transfer bench, height, weight capacity and fit, plus bathroom fall safety…
Transport Wheelchair: How to Choose a Lightweight Transport Chair
Transport wheelchair vs standard wheelchair, the specs to compare (weight, capacity, seat width, wheels, brakes), safe…
Car Assist Handle: Getting In and Out of a Car More Safely
Car assist handles explained: how latch-mounted handles work, weight limits and fit, swivel seat cushions, and…
Couch Cane and Stand Assist Rails: Rising From a Sofa Safely
Couch canes and stand assist rails explained: under-cushion rails, freestanding frames and handles, fit ranges, weight…
Crutch Pads: Comfort Covers That Still Need the Right Crutch Fit
Crutch pads explained: underarm and hand grip covers, forearm crutch pads, why your hands should carry your weight…
Handheld Showerhead for Seniors: Features for Seated Showers
Handheld showerheads for seniors: long hoses, easy docking, pause settings, WaterSense flow, and the bathroom safety…
Lightweight Wheelchair: Weight, Frame, Wheels and Fit
Lightweight wheelchairs explained: chair weight vs weight capacity, aluminum vs steel frames, rear wheels for…
Long Handled Sponge: Bathing Without Bending After Surgery
Long handled sponges explained: why hip surgery precautions call for one, bendable vs fixed handles, replacement heads…
Magnifier With Light: Choosing a Lighted Magnifier for Reading
Lighted magnifiers explained: how magnification and LED light help with low vision, handheld vs stand styles, lens…
Overbed Table: Height Range, Base Clearance and Weight Limits
Overbed tables explained: height range for bed or recliner, base height and length, tabletop size, weight limits…
Pressure Relief Mattress: Alternating Air, Overlays and Skin Care
Pressure relief mattresses explained: who is at risk of bedsores, alternating air mattresses vs overlays, cycle times…
Transfer Board: How Slide Boards Work and How to Use One Safely
Transfer boards explained: how a slide board bridges bed, wheelchair and car, what studies show, board size and weight…
Weighted Utensils for Tremors: Plus Grips, Scoop Plates and Fit
Weighted utensils explained: how heavier forks and spoons help with tremor, built-up and bendable handles, scoop plates…
Wheelchair Ramp: Slope, Length, Width and Portable vs Modular
Wheelchair ramps explained: the 1:12 slope rule and how to find ramp length, 36 inch width, landings and handrails…
Lift Chair: Compare Seat Fit, Controls and Power Needs
Compare MCombo and HOMCOM lift chairs by seat width, recline and controls. Check body fit, moving parts, power needs…