Simple Solutions

Your ongoing independence, safety and well-being is important. A few simple products along with some home modifications can go a long way towards keeping you healthy, happy, and independent for longer. Currently, in Australia, around 50% of the difficulties older Australians experience with daily living activities can be overcome using simple assistive technology equipment or modifications.

Here are 5 assistive product suggestions taken from LiveUp’s free Making Choices, Finding Solutions guide that can help you maintain or even regain your independence. Find the entire guide here www.liveup.org.au/mcfs.

1. Pouring the kettle

Some kettles are difficult to hold, heavy to lift, and hard to fill. There are several smaller, lightweight versions to choose from that make it easier to use the kettle. Try filling the kettle using a plastic jug and have the kettle sitting in a kettle tipper, to make it easier to pour without lifting it. Uccello Easy Pour Kettle, $119.99 www.ilsau.com.au

2. Turning taps on or off

Many crossbar taps require you to grip, hold and turn them using substantial strength. A simple and low-cost device like a plastic tap turner makes turning taps on and off easier.

evekare Cross Handle Tap Turners, $4.75 www.bunnings.com.au

3. Putting on shoes, stockings and socks

If reaching your feet is difficult, using equipment with a long handle like shoe horns and sock aids can make putting on shoes, stockings and socks much easier.

Dorking sock aid, $17 www.mobilityhq.com.au

4. Getting in and out of the car

Standing up from a car seat can be difficult without having something to hold onto. Try using a car grab assist handle on the side of your door and a swivel cushion on your seat to reduce the effort it takes to lift your legs out and around to stand up. Assist bar, $39 www.thinkmobility.com.au

5. Picking things up off the floor

Try using a kneeling pad with a handy frame to give you extra support and comfort if you need to kneel to reach something. The padding protects your knees, and the frame will help you get back up. A kneeling pad is also a great product for people who enjoy being out and about in the garden. Cyclone Foldable seat kneeler, $49.98 www.bunnings.com.au

If you’re ready to throw out tired stereotypes about ageing, try new interests, or take up some old ones, LiveUp can help you get started. Take the quick quiz for personalised advice about assistive products and tailored suggestions for strength and exercise, and social connections, all in your local area or online: www.liveup.org.au