If you have an elderly relative who's struggling to carry out their personal hygiene routine, prepare their own meals or carry out general daily living tasks, it can be worrying for you and frustrating for them. Daily living aids can help your relative retain their independence and continue carrying out day-to-day tasks safely. Here's an overview of four daily living aids that may be beneficial:

Bath Board

If your relative struggles to step over the side of the bath or has episodes of feeling unsteady or tired when taking a shower, a bath board can help. This daily living aid looks like a plastic seat and sits securely over the bath. The user can sit on the board and swing their legs into the bath, preventing the need to take a large step, or they can use it as a seat when they take a shower. 

Jar and Can Openers

Muscle weakness is common in old age, and once simple tasks, such as opening a can of food, can become a struggle. A battery operated can opener doesn't require the user to turn a key or hold it in place on the can. You simply place the can opener over the can and press a button to remove the lid, so it allows your relative to continue preparing simple meals even if they struggle with gripping or turning motions. To open jars with twist lids, such as those commonly used for preserves and condiments, a jar pop key is invaluable. This breaks the seal of the lid with a gentle lifting motion, so there's no need to try and twist the lid off.

Folding Seat Walking Stick

If your relative gets fatigued when doing things around the house or popping out for some shopping, a folding seat walking stick can give them the support they need to continue getting around independently. This walking stick has a fold down stool seat attached to the side of it, and when you pull out the seat, the walking stick transforms into a tripod stool. This allows your relative to take a seat anywhere and at any time they feel the need, such as when carrying a bag of shopping home or when moving from room to room.

Dressing Stick

A dressing stick has a hook and gripper attached to the end of it, and the length of the stick can be adjusted to suit the user's needs. It allows those with reduced flexibility to continue dressing themselves even if they can't bend down or reach clothing that has to be pulled around their shoulders. This daily living aid makes it easier to pull up trousers, put on a jacket and remove socks.

These are just a few examples of the aids available that can help your elderly relative retain their independence. A physiotherapist can recommend aids based on your relative's specific needs, or you can visit a specialist stockist of daily living aids and try out a variety of aids before making a purchase.