Follow
Share

Looking for small aids/gadgets for opening cans, lifting milk cartons etc. Any suggestions?

This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
Find Care & Housing
Oops!   I just realized this thread is 5 months old, and the only active participants are Caroli1 and me.   

I guess we can stop posting; the OP apparently hasn't been back at all.
Helpful Answer (1)
Report

My father used to get them from some of these pesky catalogue companies, that repeatedly send catalogues.  MIles Kimball and Carol Wright were a few.  

You might also try DMEs and stores that supply DME equipment.   They are more expensive though.

Or search for "can opening assistive devices", or other specific items, such as "grabbers".  

https://www.google.com/search?source=hp&ei=OsHBX4voOcbKtQb_4IaQBA&q=can+opening+assistive+devices&oq=can+opening+assistive+devices&gs_lcp=CgZwc3ktYWIQAzIFCCEQqwI6EQguELEDEIMBEMcBEKMCEJMCOgUIABCxAzoICAAQsQMQgwE6DgguELEDEIMBEMcBEKMCOgsILhCxAxDHARCjAjoICC4QxwEQowI6AgguOgIIADoFCC4QsQM6CAguEMcBEK8BOgsIABCxAxCDARDJAzoFCAAQyQM6CAghEBYQHRAeOgkIABDJAxAWEB5QrDlY51dg_VhoAHAAeACAAW6IAb4RkgEEMjguMZgBAKABAaoBB2d3cy13aXo&sclient=psy-ab&ved=0ahUKEwiL7da1o6TtAhVGZc0KHX-wAUIQ4dUDCAw&uact=5#spf=1606533446241 is one source.

My father bought one of these for each of us, and it really does work well:

https://www.easycomforts.com/buy-ring-pull-can-opener-311503?sourcecode=30509000130&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIsMjCu6Ok7QIVLwiICR3MyAbKEAQYBCABEgJAkPD_BwE

By any chance are you or your loved one getting PT or OT, or do you know any therapists?   In my experience they have catalogues from DME companies of a higher caliber than the unwanted cataloguers, and they can help you find a good source.
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

look up a catalog / website called Easy Comforts
they sell products from several different companies, so
you will find a wide wide range of products from safety shoes,
to walkers, grippers (jars), grabbers (dropped items), clothes, items
to make dressing easier, and basically almost anything
someone might need.

1 suggestion when you find something you like on their
site, be sure to price compare online. their prices are
usually good, but I have found a few things at better prices.

For the bathroom, on Amazon we found a seat riser with handles for about
$30 and much better than just the stand alone handles for
a toilet. (one thing, because it is bolted to the toilet between the
seat and the toilet rim, spray cleaners are needed to reach between
the riser and the toilet rim.)
I don't recommend the suction cup style grab bars, they are
good for light use only.
Best wishes
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

You should contact the Department of Aging/Health Department in your state for resources.
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

One of the best things I found was a lift chair for the bathroom. A chair comes over the edge of the bathtub to sit down, then goes up and over the tub. It can be lowered all the way down into the tub so the person can take a real bath. It is soooo much better than having them sit on a bench and showering the body especially if they can't do much in the way of standing to get all of the body parts clean. AND they aren't freezing to death like they do with a shower/bath chair.

I raise it up just high enough so I don't have to bend over to wash hair. Drain the tub and place a large towel over my mom's hair and back to stay warm. Raise chair back to the edge of the tub position to fix hair, complete the dry off....and done. No water being sprayed all over the bathroom to clean up and mom got to enjoy a real bath again without the cost of a walk in tub.

If interested call Kelli or look at a video at safebathchair.com. I ordered one, installed it myself in a pretty small bathroom. I show it off to everyone! I bought it when Mr and Mrs Garder (designers) were selling it, but Ms Beckel is handling that now. Tell her Cathy said hello -- I'm still bragging about mine and so is my mom!
Helpful Answer (1)
Report

Imho, there are many products out there. One site is: Independent Elderly Living Alone.
Helpful Answer (1)
Report

I am an amputee - 8 fingers missing - so I know about needing help with everyday tasks in the kitchen and elsewhere. Amazon is a great place for gadgets. Lots of different options on Amazon. Most of the gadgets I've seen in catalogs or from other online stores are sold on Amazon.
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

I’ve ordered some kitchen and driving aids here: https://www.arthritissupplies.com
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

I have bought stuff from amazon. Read the reviews and see how other folks liked them before you buy. Just list any thing you think of and the amazon site will refer you to a bunch of items.
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

My parents found products from the Gold Violin catalog to be helpful. They have things I never would have thought of. Wishing you the best.
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

Oxo do a diverse range of products under the brand name "Good Grips." I've checked, and they are available in the USA. I recommend this brand only because I've used some items myself and found them well-designed; and I am not promoting them in comparison to competitors', whose products may be just as good for all I know.

You could also have a look at sites aimed at people with disabilities such as impaired mobility, sight loss and so on - you'll be amazed at what has already been thought of! Good luck in your search :)
Helpful Answer (1)
Report

https://www.maxiaids.com
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

Independent Living Aids is a great place to start looking for adaptable gadgets. They will also send out a catalog.
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

Piggybacking on to this one-- rheumatoid arthritis settling in, of course the worst in my right hand, middle finger becoming almost unbendable. What tools and gadgets have you found most helpful??
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

This company www.activeforever.com has a lot of good stuff. I've used them to get things for my mother to help her live independently.
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

Occupational therapists are very helpful in providing ideas and sources, but you would need to have one visit and offer suggestions.

Some are also sold through catalogues, but I've found the best catalogues are those provided by therapists.

My father bought a can opener for me; it's a hook typed device with a handle to leverage force for cans with snap off lids:

https://www.harrietcarter.com/715605.html?media=PHPS121&media=PHPS121&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIqdGXyqLm6gIVj8DACh1kBgAIEAQYBSABEgIFj_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

What you might do to acquaint yourself with options is visit a local DME store; they usually have a range of gadgets and the staff typically are knowledgeable. Alternatively, if you have a good local Senior Center, sometimes staff there are also familiar with gadgets.

This forum has it's own suggestions: https://www.agingcare.com/products

Another source: https://www.elderly.gov.hk/english/healthy_ageing/selfcare/assistivedevices.html

https://www.ncmedical.com/categories/Assistive-Devices-ADL_12839533.html

Kitchen gadgets are vastly different from bathroom devices, which range from properly installed grab bars to slide over bath seats. And they're more expensive.

We received very good medical catalogues from occupational therapists when my parents were in rehab; they were sources for the facility's own purchases. You could search on line for catalogues for assistive devices, order several and make comparisons between suppliers as well as those available in DME stores.
Helpful Answer (1)
Report
RedVanAnnie Jul 2020
I have one of hose hook devices for pop top cans, too! It is a joy!
(1)
Report
Isn't Google wonderful!

Google gadgets for elderly to make life easier. See what you may find.
Helpful Answer (1)
Report

This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
Ask a Question
Subscribe to
Our Newsletter