16 Caregiving Products That Can Make A Surprising Difference

There are many amazing caregiving tools out there, but sometimes it is the little ones that make the difference. The 17 caregiving products in this list are all examples of this pattern.

The items are often designed to meet one specific need. Some might seem like just another gadget, but that’s not the case. As a past caregiver myself, I can easily see just how powerful these items would be on a day-to-day basis.

Simple and Powerful Caregiving Products

The products in this list are all ones that we’ve found and/or tried out. But, we’d love to hear about your experiences in the comment section. Perhaps you’ve found something else that has made a radical difference. Please let us know.

1. Presto Ergo Reacher

Reachers are great tools. They allow people to reach to and grab things that they couldn’t otherwise. This particular type of reacher is one of the best that we’ve found. It is easy to use and allows you to reliably grab objects.

It does have a weight limit, as is the case for any similar product. As such, it won’t work well for lifting heavy objects. Even so, it is perfect for many situations. Tools like this make it easy for seniors to pull items to them or to pick up dropped objects.

The end result is that a reacher can significantly extend a person’s range of movement. The tool can also reduce how often a senior needs to get up. That outcome can be very important for seniors who struggle with getting up and/or sitting down.

2. Maddak Plug Puller

This simple tool can be permanently attached to any plug in your house. It’s pretty basic, as you’re using cable ties to make the attachment. Still, the idea works well.

With the plug puller, you’re attaching a bright yellow bit of plastic below the plug. This has two finger holes, making it easy for people to pull the plug in and out. The yellow color makes the tool easy to spot too.

Just be aware that the tool is designed for products with thin or regular-sized cords. Anything with a thicker cord may not fit correctly.

3. Bed Shaker Alarm Clocks

These alarm clocks operate as the name suggests. By shaking the bed, they’re able to wake people who struggle hearing and even those who are deaf. Some of the clocks don’t make any noise at all, so they don’t disturb the rest of the household. Others will shake the bed and make noise.

4. Vive Button Hook

This button hook is one perfect for people who don’t wear adaptive clothing. The hook makes it easy to close buttons, without the need for tiny hand movements.

The tool works perfectly for almost any button size and also has a cushioned handle to allow for easy gripping. There is also a zipper hook, which can make it easy to do up zips.

5. EZ Grip 360 Degree Nail Clippers

These clippers are perfect for anyone whose movement is limited. The design makes it much easier to get a good angle when trimming nails. This allows for more precision.

You could also use the clippers with someone you are caring for. The design would make the whole process easier and less stressful for everyone involved.

6. Dressing Aid PocketDresser

This tool has multiple functions, which are all focused on helping people to get dressed. The handy tool makes it easier to do up buttons and zips, regardless of their size. This means it is just as easy to do up the buttons of jeans as it is shirts.

The small size also makes the tool very discreet – perfect for using at home or when out.

7. Long Reach Comb and Brush Set

As the name suggests, this set makes it easier for people to comb and brush their hair. The long handles make it much easier to get the right angle. The design also means that caregivers can easily brush the hair of their family members.

The design means that users are able to style their hair without much movement of their upper arm or shoulder. That outcome is critical for anyone with joint pain or limited mobility.

8. Adaptive Utensils

These utensils are designed to make eating much easier. They have large handles and are weighted, providing extra control and easier grip. The knife is also designed to cut from above and horizontally, which adds in even more flexibility.

There are more advanced adaptive utensils out there, but these have the advantage of being reasonably priced and practical.

9. Long-Handled Foot Brush

This type of foot brush is a fantastic way for people to clean their feet without needing to bend down. The style would be relevant to people who stand in the shower, as well as those who sit. It could even be helpful for caregivers who assist with their family member’s bathing.

While there are many brushes to choose from out there, the linked product is especially good. It is 30 inches long and has a hook on one end that allows you to hang it. A non-stick grip makes the brush easy to work with.

The practical end of the brush includes angled bristles and a pumice stone. This is an effective combination of features. Caregivers may even find the tool just as relevant for themselves as for their family members.

10. All-in-One Bottle Can Twist Gripper

Here’s an inexpensive tool that is surprisingly powerful. It is basically a bottle opener that also works on bottle caps, pop top cans, pull tab cans and jars.

The tool is easy to use and would be comfortable, even for people suffering from arthritis. The design also provides plenty of leverage. This decreases the amount of force needed to get any item open.

11. Easy Shampoo Basin

This white inflatable basin makes it easy to wash a person’s hair while they are in bed. It isn’t limited to bedridden patients either. You could use the basin for anyone who struggles to wash their hair in the shower.

The inflatable nature of the basin makes it easy to store. It can be quickly inflated, so there is little hassle. The design uses two tubes to help reduce any splashing.

There is also some give in the basis due to the fact that it is inflatable. This may make the basin more comfortable than one made from hard plastic.

12. No-Rinse Shampoo

If the idea of a basin isn’t appealing, No-Rinse Shampoo is another approach than can work well. This type of shampoo is ready to use from the bottle and doesn’t require any rinsing. Instead, it is simply massaged into the hair. The hair can then be towel dried.

This type of shampoo might not give the same freshness that a full hair wash will. Even so, there are many situations where washing and rinsing hair simply isn’t possible.

13. Laptop Desk

This lap desk is designed for laptops, but it would be perfect for many other uses as well. It uses a foam cushion to keep the user cool and to help the desk balance. The cushion is detachable and can be taken on or off as needed.

This style is an effective one, as it means the desk doesn’t need to be used on a flat surface. For example, the senior might use it when sitting in bed, on a couch or on a chair. The only surface needed is the person’s lap, making this a versatile tool.

14. Winsom Wood Bed Tray

This is another item that could be used as a surface in bed. It follows a more familiar style, where you basically have a miniature table that rests on the bed.

The biggest disadvantage is that the table needs a somewhat flat surface to be effective. However, this does mean that the table isn’t resting on the user at all. As a result, your family member can move (to a degree) without disrupting the table.

While there are many similar products out there, this one has some distinct advantages. One is that it looks good. This isn’t a cheap plastic product. Instead, it is made from wood and is more visually appealing. The top also opens up and there is a drawer for storage. These aspects make the piece more functional again.

15. FootFunnel Long Shoe Horn

While this product might look odd, it is a functional and popular way to help people wear their shoes. The style is a nice alternative to a shoe horn, especially as it is easier to use.

More importantly, the item allows for shoes to be put on in a hands free manner. This is ideal for people who struggle with bending down. There is a rope attached that allows the shoe horn to be removed once the shoe has been put on.

The style works with most shoe types. Shoe size doesn’t matter, as the tool goes on the back of the shoe. However, it may not be effective for some more unusual styles of sues such as high tops.

16. Automotive Standing Safety Handle

This handle attaches onto the top of a door frame and makes it easy to get into or out of a car. The style allows it to fit any door frame. It is surprisingly durable, supporting a weight of up to 350 lbs.

The design also makes the handle easy to install. You simply need to have the car window down and it can then be snapped into place.