Caregiving involves a lot of lifting, even when nobody calls it that. Helping someone up from a chair, shifting them in bed, or steadying them on the way to the bathroom. When you do these things every day, the strain can build up in your back, shoulders, and knees.
Sometimes, the right equipment can make these everyday tasks easier. Assistive devices for caregivers can help your loved one move more safely and independently while taking some of the physical strain off you. Here are six common ones, what they do, and how they help at home.
1. Gait Belt
A gait belt is a sturdy strap that fastens around the waist of the person you are caring for. It gives you a secure place to hold when helping them stand, walk, or move from a bed to a chair. That gives you better control of the movement without pulling on their arms or shoulders.
Fasten the belt over their clothing, keep your grip firm as you help them move, and use the belt to steady them rather than lift their body weight. It should sit at the waist, snug enough that you can slide two fingers underneath. A loose belt rides up and gives you nothing to hold. A gait belt works best when the person can support some of their own weight and take part in the movement.
2. Grab Bars
Grab bars are sturdy handholds commonly installed beside the toilet, inside the shower, or near the bathtub. They give your loved one something secure to hold while sitting down, standing up, or moving around the bathroom. That helps them manage more tasks on their own and reduces how much physical support you need to give.
Position the bars where they can be reached comfortably without stretching or losing balance. Make sure they’re securely installed and made to support a person’s weight. Towel racks and suction-cup bars are not designed to bear weight, so don’t rely on them.
3. Bed Assist Handle
If your loved one struggles to sit up or get out of bed, a bed assist handle gives them something firm to hold. It attaches beside the bed and helps them roll, reposition, or push up into a sitting position. They grip the handle to help themselves move while you stay nearby for support, which can reduce the temptation to pull them up by the arms.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for placement and make sure the handle is secure before use. Check that it’s compatible with the bed and mattress, and that there are no gaps where someone could become trapped.
4. Slide Sheet
A slide sheet is a smooth sheet that reduces friction when repositioning someone in bed. If the person tends to slide down the mattress or needs help turning, it makes the movement easier and cuts down the pulling force on your back and shoulders.
Position the sheet underneath them as the manufacturer directs, then use it to guide the movement across the bed. Pull on the sheet, not on their arms or shoulders. Raise the bed to a comfortable working height where possible so you are not bent over. Because the surface is slippery, remove the sheet afterward unless it’s designed to stay in place.
5. Transfer Board
A transfer board is a smooth, sturdy board that bridges the gap between two surfaces, such as a bed and a wheelchair. It lets someone who can support themselves with their arms move across in small shifts instead of being lifted, which makes transfers easier and reduces strain on your back.
Setup decides how well it works. Lock the wheelchair brakes, move the footrests out of the way, and bring the two surfaces close together at a similar height. Place the board securely beneath the person, making sure it rests firmly on both surfaces. It suits people who can take part in the movement, so it won’t work for everyone.
6. Walkers and Canes
If someone feels unsteady on their feet, a cane or walker can help them move around the house with more confidence. A cane gives a little extra stability, and a walker provides a wider base of support.
Fit matters most. For many standard walkers and canes, the handles should be around wrist-crease height when the person stands upright with their arms relaxed. A cane is often held on the side opposite a weaker leg, but the right approach depends on the person’s needs. Check the rubber tips regularly, since worn tips can slip. When they walk, stay close enough to help without pulling them off balance.
How Do You know Which Device Is Right?
The right device depends on what the person can do safely, how much support they need, and the tasks you help with every day. Equipment that works well for one person may not suit another.
You can also read our article on protecting your back when caregiving to see how better movement and positioning reduce strain during everyday care.
What Support Is Available for Families in Metro Atlanta?
The right equipment can make caregiving easier, but sometimes you need an extra pair of hands, too.
Finesse Healthcare provides non-medical in-home care, including help with daily activities, personal care, and companionship. We support people who need help at home for a variety of reasons, including reduced mobility, disability, recovery after surgery, or a chronic condition.
If caring for someone at home is getting hard to manage alone, contact Finesse Healthcare and we’ll talk through what support could look like for your family.