Daily living aids are the small, clever tools that make everyday tasks easier and safer — so you can stay independent at home without straining, bending or asking for help. This guide groups them by the job they do: dressing, reaching, bathing, getting up and about, and keeping active.
Dressing without bending
A sock aid slides socks on without reaching your feet, a long-handled shoe horn saves stooping (or a flexible-spring version), and a leg lifter helps move a heavy leg. Together these make getting dressed manageable after surgery or with limited movement — and they're bundled in our value No-Bend Bundle.
Reaching & picking things up
A lightweight aluminium reacher grabs dropped or high items without bending, and a pistol-grip reacher gives extra grip strength for a firmer hold. Keep one upstairs and one down.
Bathing & personal care
A long-handled bath sponge reaches your back and feet and a long-reach lotion applicator helps with creams and moisturiser — simple tools that protect independence and dignity.
Getting up & about
A swivel seat makes turning to get out of the car easier, a car exit bar gives a firm handhold at the door, and a height-adjustable bathroom step helps with awkward heights. A step stool with a support handle adds stability where you need a boost.
Grip & kitchen help
Small grip aids like GRIPMATE make opening jars and holding utensils easier for weaker or arthritic hands.
Keeping active
A folding pedal exerciser with an electronic display lets you keep legs and arms moving gently while seated — handy for circulation and recovery at home.
How to choose
- Start with the hardest task — dressing, reaching, bathing or getting up — and solve that first.
- Grip strength — choose padded or pistol-grip tools if hands are weak or sore.
- Where you'll use it — keep duplicates (e.g. reachers) in the rooms you use most.
- Bundle to save — the No-Bend Bundle covers the common dressing and reaching aids in one.
Daily living aids FAQs
What are daily living aids?
They're simple tools — reachers, sock aids, shoe horns, grip aids and more — that make everyday tasks like dressing, reaching and bathing easier and safer, helping you stay independent at home.
What helps with dressing after hip or knee surgery?
A sock aid, long shoe horn, reacher and leg lifter cover the main difficulties with bending. The No-Bend Bundle packages the essentials together.
What's the best aid for weak or arthritic hands?
Grip aids like GRIPMATE and pistol-grip reachers reduce the strength needed to hold and open things.
Shop our full range of daily living aids →
Need a hand choosing? Contact our NZ team for free, friendly advice. Every order comes with fast 1–4 day NZ delivery, a 30-day returns policy and local after-sales support.