Small aids to help you at home

This leaflet shows you some small aids that can support you with every day tasks.

They can help you stay independent at home if you have limited mobility, hand movement, strength or grip.

You can buy these items from online shops. There are some links in the where to buy section of this leaflet.

Search using the item names listed below to find what best suits your needs.

Spreader board
Bread board with spikes or food preparation board.
Holds food in place so you can cut or spread with one hand.

Non-slip mats
Dycem mats.
Stops plates and cups from sliding to prevent spills.

Rubber jar gripper
Spill Not or under-counter lid remover.
Helps you open jars or bottles with one hand.

Easy peeler
Palm peeler or finger grips.
Makes peeling fruit and vegetables easier.

Easy pull can opener
A large easy grip ring pull to help you open cans easier.

Multi-grip opener
Helps you open containers, jars and screw-top bottles.

Kettle pourer
Kettle tipper.
Makes pouring hot water from the kettle safe and easy to avoid spills and burns.

One-cup kettle
Helps you prepare a hot drink with just one button press.

Adapted plates and bowls
Scoop plates and bowls or plate guards.
Stops food falling off the plate.
Good for one-handed eating.

Adapted cutlery
Cushioned handles for better grip.
Weighted for improved control.
Bendable or angled for easier scooping or one hand use.

Adapted cups
Two handles for better grip and stability.

Long reacher
Grabber tool or helping hand.
Helps you pick things up without bending, stretching or straining.

Sock aids
Helps you put on socks without bending, stretching or straining.

Button hook and zip puller
Makes dressing and undressing on your own easier.

Leg lifter
Helps you to move your legs into and out of bed, chairs and the bath.

Pill popper
Helps take pills out of the blister packs.

Bra Angel dressing aid
Helps put on a bra with one hand.
Front fastening bras are also available if that would be easier.

We have a small selection of items in stock you can try.

Ask your Occupational Therapist about testing an item at one of your sessions.

This will help you decide what would be best for your needs.

Amazon: search for small aids quickly
www.amazon.co.uk

Living Made Easy: gives links to lots of different suppliers
www.livingmadeeasy.org.uk

Telephone us on 0191 566 5650.

We are open from 8.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday.

You can leave a message on our secure voicemail system outside of these times.

If you want to make a comment, suggestion, compliment or complaint you can:

• talk to the people directly involved in your care
• ask a member of staff for a feedback form, or complete a form on the Trust website: www.cntw.nhs.uk/contact/complaints
• telephone the Complaints Department on 0191 245 6672
• email [email protected].

We are always looking at ways to improve services. Your feedback allows us to monitor the quality of our services and act upon issues that you bring to our attention. You can provide feedback in the following ways:

• the quickest way for you to do this is to complete our short online survey at www.cntw.nhs.uk/yourvoice
• complete a Your Voice survey, available on wards, reception areas or from staff
• other options for sharing your feedback and experience www.cntw.nhs.uk/yourfeedback

Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)
PALS provide confidential advice and support, helping you to sort out any concerns that you may have about any aspect of your or your loved one’s care.

We act independently when handling patient and family concerns, liaising with staff, managers and, where appropriate, relevant organisations, to negotiate prompt solutions. If necessary, we can also refer patients and families to specific local or national-based support agencies.

North of Tyne/North Cumbria
Telephone: 0800 032 0202
Email: [email protected]
Post: FREEPOST PALS

South of Tyne
Telephone: 0800 328 4397
Text: 07825 061 035
Email: [email protected]
Post: Patient Advice and Liaison Service, Garden Lodge, Hopewood Park, Ryhope, Sunderland, SR2 0NB

9am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday

An answerphone is always available for you to leave a message. A member of the PALS team will aim to return your call as soon as possible.

Further information about the content, reference sources or production of this leaflet can be obtained from the Patient Information Centre. If you would like to tell us what you think about this leaflet please get in touch.

This information can be made available in a range of formats on request (Braille, audio, larger print, easy read, BSL or other languages). Please contact the Patient Information Centre: 0191 246 7288

Published by the Patient Information Centre
2026 Copyright: Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust

Ref: PIC/946/0126 V1 January 2026 V1
Review date: 2029

Website: www.cntw.nhs.uk