Case Study: How a Compression Stocking Aid Can Help Maximise Independence and Dignity

Background

Mrs B, aged 76, was referred for reablement support after being discharged from hospital following a dislocated hip replacement.

She had undergone a right hip replacement four years earlier and had experienced multiple dislocations since. She was also awaiting replacement surgery for both knees.

Mrs B lives at home with her husband and their two dogs. Before her recent hospital admission, she had received informal support from family members to help with some daily activities.

At home, she already used a range of equipment to support her safety, including:

• A walking frame (Zimmer frame)
• Stairlift
• Raised toilet seat
• Grab rails
• Riser recliner chair
• Walk-in shower with shower stool
• Bed loop
• Catheter management equipment

Despite these adaptations, her recent hip dislocation meant she had to follow strict hip precautions, making everyday tasks more difficult.

The challenge

When Mrs B returned home, a short-term reablement care package was put in place to help her recover safely.

She received two visits per day, providing support with:

• Personal care
• Dressing
• Applying compression (TED) stockings
• Breakfast preparation
• Medication prompts

Within just over two weeks, Mrs B had regained independence with nearly all of these tasks. However, putting on and removing her compression stockings remained difficult because bending to reach her feet could increase the risk of another hip dislocation.

Without an alternative solution, this single task alone could have required an ongoing care package or ongoing support from her husband for a task which she really wanted to manage herself.

Finding the right solution

The reablement team therefore explored whether an assistive device could help.

Mrs B was introduced to an Ezy-On Compression Stocking Frame, a simple dressing aid designed to help users apply compression stockings without excessive bending or needing assistance from another person.

With some encouragement and practice, she quickly learned to use the stocking aid independently.

While discussing other ways to make daily life easier, she also identified a long-handled lotion applicator that would allow her to apply cream to her legs without bending, helping her continue to follow her hip precautions safely.

The results

The impact was significant.

By using a simple dressing aid, Mrs B was able to:

• Regain full independence with dressing
• Continue following her hip precautions safely
• Reduce her risk of further hip dislocation
• Avoid relying on carers or family members for a single daily task
• Build confidence in managing independently at home

Most importantly, she had more dignity in managing this personal care task herself.

Why daily living aids matter

This case highlights how the right assistive equipment can sometimes replace the need for ongoing support with everyday tasks.

Rather than relying solely on care provision, carefully chosen daily living aids can help people:

• Stay independent for longer
• Reduce the risk of falls and injury
• Recover safely after surgery
• Build confidence with everyday activities
• Reduce pressure on family carers and health and social care services

Even small adaptations can make a meaningful difference to quality of life.

Supporting independence at home

Every person's needs are different, but finding the right equipment can often make everyday tasks safer and more manageable.

At Manage At Home, we offer a wide range of dressing aids, compression stocking applicators, long-handled daily living products and other practical solutions designed to help people maintain their independence and dignity at home following surgery, illness or changes in mobility.