We often take simple daily tasks like eating, dressing, or showering for granted. But as we age, routine activities – known in the business as activities of daily living (ADLs) – can sometimes become difficult due to changes in mobility, strength or health.
That’s where daily living aids come in – these helpful tools are designed to make everyday life safer, easier and more comfortable for seniors.
In this list, we’ll break down some of the most useful daily living aids and show you where to find them, whether you’re shopping for a loved one or planning ahead for yourself.
Advertisement
Daily living aids
Daily living aids, also known as aids for activities of daily living (AADLs), are tools and assistive devices designed to help individuals with disabilities or those who have difficulty performing everyday tasks.
They are often designed to offer a range of benefits for individuals facing challenges with daily tasks, including enhanced independence, increased safety and improved quality of life. With enhanced independence, this also allows individuals to rely less on their caregivers, boosting self-esteem.
Daily living aids can be categorised into subgroups such as bathroom aids, dressing aids, eating aids and miscellaneous items. Here are some of the main categories.
1. Bathroom aids
-
Shower chair:
Provides a stable and secure seating option in the shower, reducing the risks of falls while allowing seniors with mobility limitations to shower safely, comfortably and independently. -
Commode chairs (stationary and mobile):
A safer and more convenient alternative to using the bathroom, reducing falls risks and the need for transfers. -
Raised toilet seat:
It increases the toilet’s height, making it easier to sit down and stand up, reducing strain on knees, hips and lower back. -
Long-handled sponges:
Reduces the need for bending, stretching and straining, making bathing easier and safer.
2. Dressing aids
-
Dressing sticks:
A long stick with both a S and C shaped hook, designed to help with the process of putting on or taking off clothing. -
Button hooks:
Simplifies fastening and unfastening of buttons. Only requires one hand to use. -
Sock aid assist:
Helpful for those having difficulty bending down or with limited mobility. Reduces the need to bend and reach down to put your socks on. -
Adaptive clothing (utilising velcro or magnetic snap fasteners):
Making dressing and undressing easier for those with limited mobility, dexterity and cognitive impairments.
3. Eating aids
-
Adaptive cutlery (eg bendable):
Reduces strain on hands and wrists, making it easier to grip and use. -
Adaptive cups:
Comes in various forms such as ergonomic handles, built-in straws, angled designs to make drinking easier, etc. -
Utensil hand strap:
Helpful for individuals with tremours, weak grip or limited hand function due to conditions like Parkinson’s, stroke or arthritis. -
Adult bibs:
Offers protection for clothing and encourages independence for individuals who may have difficulty eating or have limited mobility.
4. Others
-
Nail clippers with magnifying glass:
Provides a close-up view, reducing eyestrain and allowing for a more safe and precise trimming -
Tablet magnifier:
Enlarges the screen’s content, allowing the user to adjust colour contrast and other visual modifications for optimal viewing.
For mobility aids, check out our Mobility Aids 101 guide.
Places to purchase Daily Living Aids
1. The Golden Concepts: Elderly Products, Care & Assistance Equipment SG
The Golden Concepts is an e-commerce store selling a wide array of homecare products, ranging from bathroom aids like commodes to meal-time and dressing aids. With the option of delivery available, you are able to order the products you need at the comfort of your own home and have it delivered straight to your doorstep.
Location: 3 Ubi Avenue 3 #05-02B Crocodile House, Rear Lobby, Singapore 408857
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri, 9:30am – 1pm, 2pm – 6:30pm; Sat, 11am – 6pm; Sun, 11am – 4pm; PH Closed
Website: https://www.thegoldenconcepts.com/
2. Rainbow Care: Assistive Devices & Medical Equipment, Elderly Essentials, Home Care Supplies
Recognised to provide high quality products at affordable prices, Rainbow Care has everything from bathroom aids such as stationary and mobile commodes to dressing aids like the sock assist. Especially if you find yourself in urgent need of such products, Rainbow Care offers prompt delivery, within half a day’s notice to two working days.
Location: Blk 3007 Ubi Road 1, #02-410, Singapore 408701
Opening Hours: Mon – Sat, 9am – 6pm; Sun & PH, 9am – 5pm
Website: https://www.rainbowcare.com.sg/
3. SeniorCare
As the largest online elderly care retail store, SeniorCare offers a wide selection of eldercare products including daily living aids like commodes and raised toilet seats. They also have a physical store if you wish to see and test out the products in real-life before purchasing.
Location: 48 Toh Guan Road East, #08-139 Enterprise Hub, Singapore 608586
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri,8am – 12pm, 2pm - 4:30pm; Weekend & PH Closed
Website: https://seniorcare.com.sg/
