| Product |
Advantages |
Tips |
Suppliers |
Reacher |
Helps to avoid bending over, and decreases risk of dizziness, blood pressure changes, pain in joints etc. |
- Make sure you have your Reacher available and on hand.
- Store in an easy- to-reach location.
|
Drug stores, pharmacies, medical equipment suppliers |
Long shoe horn |
Helps to avoid bending over, and decreases risk of dizziness, blood pressure changes, pain in joints etc. Helps get shoes on securely. |
- Keep your shoe horn in the same place where shoes are put on.
- Store somewhere it can be reached easily.
|
Drug stores, pharmacies, medical equipment suppliers |
Glow tape |
Can help identify the edges of steps and areas or at night |
- Adhere Glow Tape securely to a walk surface, with no loose edges
- Apply enough tape so it can be seen clearly in the dark.
|
Hardware stores. |
Bath strips |
Self adhesive non-slip strips for the base of the bath or shower. Helps to avoid slipping. This can be better than some non- slip mats. |
- Always exercise care when getting in and out of the bath or shower.
- Beware of oily bath products – these can make surfaces extra slippery.
|
Hardware stores, drug stores, pharmacies, medical equipment suppliers. |
Carpet tape |
Double sided tape that helps to keep carpet edges down and secure loose carpet flooring. |
- Check that the tape secures carpet enough to stop it slipping.
- It may be better to remove a loose mat.
- New flooring might be a better solution.
|
Hardware stores. |
Folding walking stick |
A walking stick is always handy – especially if the environment becomes more challenging. A folding stick is easier to store when not in use and isn’t as likely to fall over. |
- Check the stick is the correct height for you to use when it is unfolded.
- Speak to a professional about how to use the stick effectively.
|
Drug stores, pharmacies, medical equipment suppliers. |
Grab bar |
Provides support when transferring from a lower surface, or helps to stabilize and maintain balance when at risk of over balancing. Comes in different lengths. |
- Employ a skilled tradesperson to securely mount to the wall.
- Grab bar must have a non-slip grip surface and a large enough diameter for a good grip.
- Position away from wall with space for your hand.
|
Hardware stores (you may need the help of an occupational therapist to decide where a rail should go.) |
Non-slip mat |
Reduces the risk of slipping while standing in a bath or shower. |
- Buy a good quality mat, as they can still slip in contact with soapy water
- Make sure the water can drain away from underneath the mat during use.
|
Hardware stores, drug stores, pharmacies, medical equipment suppliers. |
Shower seat (wall mounted) |
Saves energy and minimizes the chance of falling when standing in the shower. |
- Buy a good quality shower chair, as it need to be stable and strong enough to hold full body weight.
- Consult with a builder to install securely.
|
Bunnings, medical equipment suppliers. |
Shower chair |
Helps to save energy and minimize chances of falling in the shower. |
- Check the space available in the shower recess before buying a shower chair.
- It is best to select a shower chair with arms and a supportive back.
|
Hardware stores, pharmacies, medical equipment suppliers. |
Head torch |
Allows you to light up outdoor areas at visual height. If used with a hand-held torch will light up the path ahead. Is especially good for steps and stairs. |
- Change batteries on a regular basis.
- Keep a spare supply of batteries on hand.
|
Hardware stores |
Infrared wall light |
Light is activated by a movement sensor – there’s no need to use a switch. The infra red wall light can be mounted anywhere where light is needed. |
- Make sure the batteries are changed regularly.
- It may be better to have a night- light on the whole time.
|
Hardware stores. |
Night light |
Keeps important areas illuminated at night to avoid misjudgements. Some are movement sensitive. |
- Use night-light in a plug socket where it illuminates the floor area.
- However, try not to have to bend down to plug it in and out.
|
Hardware stores, pharmacies, medical equipment suppliers. |
Halogen globes |
Provides better light than a traditional globe. Lasts much longer so cuts down on times that globes have to be changed. |
- Allow time for maximum brightness. Halogen globes need to warm up before getting to their best level of illumination.
- These may cost more than traditional globes, but last longer.
|
Hardware stores. |
Sand additive |
Can be added to paint or varnish to make walking surfaces more non-slip. |
- Make sure that the compound it is being added to is also as non- slip as possible. (Not a high gloss finish).
|
Hardware stores. |
Safety flex |
Heavy duty non-slip strips for outdoor use. Helps to avoid slipping on outdoor steps etc. Helps identify the edge of the steps. |
- Make sure the strips are securely adhered to the floor surface
|
Hardware stores. |
Shoe products |
A number of products are available to help make shoe soles non- slip – e.g. adhesive soles, non-slip compounds. |
- Products should be securely fixed to the sole of the shoe.
- It may be better to purchase shoes with better soles initially.
|
Hardware stores. |
Low handled pet bowl |
Allows feeding of pets without bending to put food bowls on the floor. |
- Adequate balance is required to handle this product.
- Pets should be restrained (if hungry) while food is being prepared to avoid them getting under foot.
|
Various suppliers on the internet. |
