Reaching device: What tool helps a senior avoid having to bend down?
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What tool helps a senior avoid having to bend down?
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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.
Your mom may be interested in knowing about commercial reaching devices. These tools, made of lightweight aluminum, add 2 to 3 feet of additional reaching length to help reduce bending and stretching for hard-to-reach objects. Typically, the devices have a jaw-like gripping feature at the end to help grasp the desired object. Below are direct links to some examples of reaching devices that you may want to explore:
- Ezee Life Folding Reacher (at Walmart Canada) is a folding reacher with moulded jaw and a rotating head. This product costs about $25 to $35 (CDN), plus a shipping fee.
- The Super Arm Reacher (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 a shipping fee.
- The Grip n’ Grab Reach Tool by Ettore (at Amazon Canada) can be used both indoors and outdoors. This product costs about $30 to $40 (CDN), plus a shipping fee.
The MedPro Reacher Extender by AMG Medical (at Canadian Medical Devices) has a magnetic tip that can extend your reach by approximately 33 inches. This product costs about $15 (CDN), plus a shipping fee.
BIOS Living Heavy Duty Reach and Grip with Suction Cups (at London Drugs) allows you to pick up large and small items securely with minimal finger movement. This device extends in length to 34 inches and costs about $20 to $30 (CDN).
Keep in mind that longer reacher arms will mean more force on your mother's hand and arm. The best reacher will be one with enough length to allow her to pick up items from the floor, but not so long that it is difficult to operate.
Your mother may also find the following items helpful for accessing hard-to-reach areas when getting herself ready for the day:
- 30-inch Extra Long Adjustable Shoe Horn (at Amazon Canada) for putting on shoes costs around $15 to $20 (CDN), plus a shipping fee.
- BIOS Long Handed Bath Sponge (at agecomfort.com) for bathing costs around $10 to $20 (CDN), plus a shipping fee.
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