Understanding the Basics: A Guide to Essential Daily Living Aids

3 minute read
Tom Rogers
Written by Tom Rogers
Carole Stewart
Reviewed by Carole Stewart
A promotional graphic shows a walker, recliner, bath lift, overbed table, and shower chair on a blue gradient background.
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When it comes to maintaining independence and comfort in daily life, having the right tools can make all the difference. From assisting with personal care to providing support during daily activities, essential daily living aids are crucial in enhancing the quality of life for individuals with mobility challenges. This guide will explore some of the most commonly used daily living aids and their functions.

Bath Lifts

What are they?

A bath lift is designed to assist individuals with limited mobility in safely lowering themselves into and out of a bathtub.

How do they work?

Typically consisting of a seat or platform, bath lifts can be manually or motorised, lowered into the bathtub and raised back up again. They are often battery-operated and controlled by a handheld remote for easy height and position adjustment.

Who can benefit?

Bath lifts provide added safety and independence for individuals who may have difficulty getting in and out of the bathtub independently due to age, injury, or disability.

Drive Logo

The Bellavita Bath Lift is a high quality reclining bath lift. Easy to operate. Lifetime guarantee on frame and motor. Free UK delivery.

  • High quality reclining bath lift
  • Simple to install and operate
  • Lowers to just 6cm
from
£179.98
with VAT Relief
£215.98 Incl. VAT
View Product

Over-Chair and Over-Bed Tables

What are they?

Over-chair or over-bed tables are adjustable tables designed to provide a convenient surface for activities such as eating, reading, or using a laptop while sitting in a chair or lying in bed.

How do they work?

These tables are convenient and customisable, with a sturdy base on wheels. The tabletop can be adjusted to meet the user’s needs and preferences.

Who can benefit?

Individuals with limited mobility or those confined to a bed or chair for extended periods use over-chair or over-bed tables. These tables are especially helpful for individuals who have recently undergone surgery or have some disability.

NRS Logo

The adjustable tilting over bed/ chair table is ideal for use when eating drinking reading or other activities while you are sat in bed or your arm chair. The table is easy to move and is height and width adjustable.

  • Ideal for eating, drinking, reading and other activities
  • Central Table Top can tilt 55 degrees
  • Max load weight of 15kg
£115.00
Not eligible for VAT Relief
View Product

Commodes

What are they?

A commode is a portable toilet placed beside a bed or in a bathroom for individuals with difficulty accessing a regular toilet.

How do they work?

Consisting of a chair or frame with a removable bucket or pan underneath for waste collection, commodes may also have armrests and a backrest for added support and comfort.

Who can benefit?

Commodes provide a convenient and accessible toileting solution, especially for those who cannot easily navigate to a bathroom or need assistance with toileting tasks.

Please Note: Before purchasing, the intended user must consider the safe emptying of the commode pan and who will do this. 

NRS Logo
18060
VAT Relief
NRS

Dovedale Comfort Commode

(6)

The Dovedale Comfort Commode assists those who have difficult using standard toilets. Designed with comfort in mind this commode features a padded backrest and padded seat made from high density foam.

  • Fully height adjustable
  • Padded seat, arms and backrest
  • Vinyl wipeable upholstery
£77.50
with VAT Relief
£93.00 Incl. VAT
View Product

Perching Stools

What are they?

A perching stool provides support and stability for those who struggle to stand for extended periods but must perform tasks at a higher level.

How do they work?

It features a raised, angled seat and perching stools that allow the user to lean against it while maintaining a semi-standing position. Adjustable height settings and non-slip rubber feet provide added stability.

Who can benefit?

Individuals with mobility issues commonly use perching stools to increase comfort and safety during daily activities such as cooking, ironing and personal care activities.

Medequip Logo

This modular perching stool features a comfortable PU seat and back and loop arms. The height adjustable legs are easy to set at appropriate height to help the user carry out various tasks. The perching stool is easy to assemble without the need for tools and the modular function enables the backrest and arms to be added or removed as desired.

  • Height adjustable legs
  • Modular design
  • Padded PU seat and back
£43.75
with VAT Relief
£52.50 Incl. VAT
View Product

Riser Recliner Chairs

What are they?

A riser recliner chair is a specialised armchair designed to provide comfort and assistance to individuals with difficulty standing up from a seated position.

How do they work?

Featuring a motorised mechanism, these chairs allow the user to recline the backrest and elevate the footrest for added comfort while seated. The lifting function gently tilts the entire chair forward to assist the user in standing up.

Who can benefit?

Individuals with mobility issues commonly use riser recliner chairs to stand up safely and independently, reducing strain on the legs and back.

Restwell Logo

The Restwell Nevada is a stylish ergonomically contoured riser recliner armchair featuring a dual motor that operates both leg and back rests independently.

  • The leg rest can be elevated and the backrest can be reclined independently
  • Waterfall back design
  • User friendly four button hand controller
£665.83
with VAT Relief
£799.00 Incl. VAT
View Product

Rollators

What are they?

A rollator, also known as a rolling or wheeled walker, is a mobility aid designed to assist individuals with walking difficulties.

How do they work?

With a lightweight frame with four wheels, handlebars, and a built-in seat, rollators provide support and stability while walking. Handbrakes enable control and safety.

Who can benefit?

Individuals with mobility issues commonly use rollators to maintain independence and improve their quality of life during daily activities both indoors and outdoors.

    from
    Not eligible for VAT Relief
    View Product

    From enhancing safety and comfort in the bathroom to providing support during daily activities, these aids are vital in promoting independence and wellbeing for individuals with mobility challenges. Check out our full Bathroom and Mobility ranges.

    Tom Rogers
    Written by
    Tom Rogers
    Tom Rogers is Manage At Home’s content marketing specialist with over 6 years of experience in writing for mobility and independence publications.
    Carole Stewart
    Reviewed by
    Carole Stewart
    Carole qualified as an Occupational Therapist in 1983 and has worked mainly in the community or Social Care. Her specialisms have included Learning Disabilities, Home adaptations, Reablement and as a Moving and Handling Advisor. She currently supports the Essex region.
    This article is for informational purposes only.

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