The Best Adaptive Devices
Sammons Preston Grabber Reacher Tool
A grabber reacher is an adaptive device that works like an extension of your arm. The claw at the end of the tool helps those who cannot reach, grasp objects. Most grabber reachers are designed for use by seniors with mobility limitations, or those with an injury or recovering from an injury.
The Sammons Preston Grabber Reacher Tool is a portable reaching assistant and grabbing tool capable of picking up objects up to 1 lb. We love that the device is lightweight, has a 32-inch long handle and an ergonomically designed hand squeezing mechanism.
For more on grabber reacher tools, read our roundup of the best options here.
Pros
- Ergonomic hand squeezing mechanism
- Lightweight
- Magnetic tip
Cons
- Might be too flimsy for some
- Not designed to pick up items heavier than 1 pound
Key Features
- 32” long handle
- Foam rubber tip
- 3” wide claw
- Holds objects 1 lb or less
- Magnetic tip
- Serrated rubber jaw
Specifications
- Brand: Sammons Preston
- Color: Blue
- Weight: 8 oz
Adaptive Utensils
Hand tremors, shakes or weakness can make everyday tasks almost impossible. Seniors affected by conditions such as stroke, Alzheimer’s, dementia, and tremors often have difficulty using utensils and eating independently. Adaptive utensils can make mealtime both easier and more enjoyable.
This 4-piece-set from BunMo includes a tablespoon, teaspoon, rocker knife and fork. We love that the set comes with a carrying bag for easy portability.
Pros
- Easy-to-grip handles
- Come with a carrying bag for easy portability
- The knife comes with serrated edge
Cons
- Utensil handles could be too bulky for some
Key Features
- 4-piece-set
- Textured non-slip handles
- Dishwasher safe
- Lightweight
- Sharp, curved kitchen knife
Specifications
- Brand: BunMo
- Set includes tablespoon, teaspoon, rocker knife, and fork.
- Material: Rustproof, stainless steel
Able Life EZ Doorknob Grips
Seniors or those suffering from arthritis often have difficulty grasping and turning doorknobs to open a door. Doorknob grips are stretchy silicone that fits over a doorknob, making the knob easier to turn.
The Able Life EZ Doorknob Grips are wing-tipped, making it possible to open a door with just a single finger. To install, run the grip under hot water for 30 seconds allowing it to expand, and work the grip over the doorknob until it fits comfortably. We love that the EZ Door Knob Grips come accessorized with removable glow in the dark inserts to help you find the doorknob in the dark.
The keyhole is still accessible so that you can lock and unlock your door. This product is a great alternative to replacing doorknobs.
Pros
- Keyhole accessible
- Easy installation
- Low-cost alternative to replacing doorknobs
- Can be used temporarily while family visits
Cons
- Silicone material may get dull and yellow over time
- When exposed to extreme heat, the knob may stretch out
Key Features
- Round silicone grip with wingtips
- Stretches to fit round doorknobs
- Allows users to open door with just a finger
Specifications
- Brand: Able Life
- Quantity: Set of 2
- Grip Weight: 1 lb
- Grip Dimensions: 3” wide x 2” deep
- Grip Diameter: 1.6”
RMS Button Hook with Zipper Pull
Button hooks and zipper pulls can be ideal devices for seniors suffering from arthritis or carpal tunnel. The RMS Button Hook makes buttoning clothes easier and eliminates pain from buttoning tiny buttons.
We love that the device is made with an ergonomic anti-slip handle, and provides a secure comfortable grip. The latex-free handle is comfortably wide, allowing for greater grip control. The button loop is made from steel wire and is thin enough to navigate through buttonholes without snagging. The loop locks onto buttons, and users can pull the buttonhole onto the button.
The zipper pull is hook-shaped and made of thin, but heavy-duty steel. The tip of the hook is smooth, allowing users to easily attach to zippers without damaging clothes.
We love that this product was designed to be portable and is easy to carry in your bag, purse or suitcase.
Pros
- Simple to use, no setup required
- Sturdy, well-made
Cons
- May be too heavy for someone with weak grip strength
- Buttonhook may be too small for jeans buttons
Key Features
- Wide, ribbed handle
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Steel wire loop for buttoning
- Smooth, steel zipper puller
Specifications
- Brand: RMS Royal Medical Solutions, Inc
- Item dimensions (length x width x height): 7.50 x 1.50 x 1.00 inches
- Item Weight: 2.4 ounces
Banglijian Hearing Amplifier
Before purchasing a hearing amplifier, please make sure you understand the difference between hearing amplifiers and hearing aids. Hearing aids are designed for people with hearing impairment. Hearing loss is unique to each individual and only medical-grade hearing aids prescribed by a licensed professional can really treat hearing loss.
Hearing amplifiers, also known as personal sound amplification products, make sounds louder, but the FDA does not recognize them as medical devices.
Backed by a warranty, Banglijian’s Hearing Amplifier charges via USB and allows users to select between normal sound amplification and a noise-canceling setting. The device comes with a cleaning brush, a case, and an assortment of ear domes to ensure a great fit.
For more on hearing amplifiers read our reviews of the best hearing amplifiers.
Pros
- Adjustable volume
- The battery lasts for 20-24 hours on a single charge
- USB charge
- Great warranty and return policy
- Multiple sound tubes and ear domes provide plenty of flexibility
- The noise-canceling mode makes conversation easier in crowded environments
Cons
- May not handle sharp noises well
- Should not be used as a replacement for hearing aids
Key Features
- Works for both ears
- Adjustable length
- Rechargeable
- On/Off button
- Includes USB charger, cleaning brush, soft cloth, and shockproof case
- Slim sound tubes can be worn with eyeglasses
Specifications
- Brand: Banglijian
- Peaks Sound Gain: 53db
- Programs: Everyday mode, moderate noise reduction, noisy environment mode
- Number of ear domes: 15
- Size: 1.4x 0.4x 0.3 inches, 3.7 grams
Vive Bed Ladder Assist
Bed ladders are devices that loop around the frame or leg of a bed and help people lift up to a sitting position, or safely lower themselves onto their beds. They can also be useful for re-positioning sleeping postures from one side to the other.
The Vive Bed Ladder Assist can help those recovering from surgery, suffering from back pain, or experiencing limited mobility. The bed ladder has a composite buckle that attaches to the bed frame. The easy to grip, non-slip handles are set at 10.5 inches apart and can support up to 300 lbs. Before purchasing, make sure the user has enough grip strength and is strong enough to pull themselves up.
Pros
- Easy to install
- Adjustable length ladder design
- 60-day guarantee
Cons
- May not be comfortable to sleep beside in your bed
- Handles are not removable
Key Features
- Composite buckle attaches to the bed frame
- Non-slip handles
- Tool-free installation
- Supports up to 300 lbs
Specifications
- Brand: Vive Health Direct
- Length: 6″ and adjustable
Premium 5-Piece Hip Knee Replacement Kit
A hip knee replacement kit is made up of an assortment of commonly used items recommended to patients after having hip or knee replacement surgery. The kit can also be beneficial for those with a limited range of motion for other reasons and can help with bathing, dressing, and reaching for items. Using these items can give seniors a sense of independence and privacy, or help for those that do not have anyone to assist them at home.
This kit from RMS Royal Medical Solutions includes a grabber reacher, dressing stick, sock aid, bath sponge and a sock aid. We love this bundle because it is an affordable solution to a handful of mobility issues, and gives users a chance to try a variety of helpful aids.
Pros
- Value and selection
- Items are lightweight
Cons
- Bath sponge may not be made for longevity
- Sock aid may be too small for large shoes
Key Features
- The 5 piece kit includes:
- 32″ Reacher
- Deluxe Molded Sock Aid with 38″ Long Foam Handles
- 28″ Long Dressing Stick
- 22″ Long Handle Round Sponge
- 24″ Long Plastic Shoe Horn
Specifications
- Brand: RMS Royal Medical Solutions, Inc.
- Shipping weight: 1.049 pounds
Our Best Adaptive Devices Guide
When purchasing an adaptive device, there are many factors to consider to ensure you’re getting something that is going to be useful and something that will enhance you or your loved one’s lifestyle. By investing in items that help you or your loved one perform daily activities, you help restore a sense of freedom and mobility.
Talk To Professionals
The choice about which adaptive device is best for you or a loved one is best made with help from a healthcare professional. This can include occupational therapists, rehabilitation specialists, speech and hearing therapists, and physical therapists. Investigate products carefully and make sure they are designed to fit your needs, and that the manufacturer is reliable.
Independence
Consider what is necessary to encourage freedom and independence. Your goal should be finding a way that you or your loved one feels comfortable navigating the home and performing daily hygiene and dressing tasks alone.
Specific Needs And Longterm Goals
Consider what activities the individual needs to be able to accomplish, and for how long they will need to use the adaptive device. For some, making a checklist of which activities are most important can help organize thoughts and prioritize features. Invest in products you know you will be using longterm, versus something that you may use as a temporary solution.
