Reachers reduce bending: What devices help reduce bending to pick things up?
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What devices help reduce bending to pick things up?
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Products mentioned in our answer below are provided to inform you about the types of technologies available and have not been evaluated by CanAssist. They may or may not be appropriate for your particular situation. Some technologies and devices may require an in-person assessment. Speak with your health care provider for additional information and support.
It is important that your mother-in-law protects her joints and conserves energy throughout her day. A reacher is a type of assistive device widely used among people with arthritis to reduce the range of motion needed to do activities, like picking items off the floor. A reacher is a long-handled device with a pincer at the end that makes it easier to pick up items from higher or lower levels. Below are direct links to some examples of reachers, which usually range in price from about $15 to $40 (CDN):
- Ezee Life Folding Reacher (at Hudson's Bay) is a folding reacher with moulded jaw and a rotating head. This product costs about $25 to $35 (CDN), plus additional shipping fees.
The Super Arm Reacher by Drive Medical (at agecomfort.com) has a lightweight frame that can be conveniently stored away when it is not being used. This product costs about $15 to $20 (CDN), plus additional shipping fees.- The Grip n’ Grab Reach Tool by Ettore (at Amazon Canada) can be used both indoors and outdoors. This product comes in 16-inch and 34-inch models and costs about $30 to $45 (CDN), plus additional shipping fees.
- The EZPIK PRO (at Amazon Canada) is foladable and has a magnetic tip. This product costs about $20 (CDN), plus additional shipping fees.
Keep in mind that longer reacher arms will mean more force on your mother-in-law's hand and arm. The best reacher will be one with enough length to allow her to pick items up off the floor, but not so long that it is difficult to operate.
Your mother-in-law may also find the following items helpful for accessing hard-to-reach areas when getting herself ready for the day:
- Long-handled shoehorn by Moneysworth & Best (at Canadian Tire) for putting on shoes. The product costs around $5 to $15 (CDN), plus additional shipping fees.
- Long Handle Shower Back Brush by WREESH (at Walmart Canada) for bathing. The Product costs around $20 to $30 (CDN), plus additional shipping fees.
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