Protecting the bed
Disposable underpads ("chucks")
Absorbent pads with a waterproof backing that protect bedding during leaks or personal care.
Caregiving Essentials
The little things you might not know to look for—until you need them. Practical supplies that can make everyday care a little easier.
You may not need everything. Start with what makes today easier, and ask your Loved One what feels comfortable for them.
Everyday supplies are different from transfer equipment. For standing, walking, toileting or bathing aids, a physical or occupational therapist can help assess the right fit and teach safe use. This guide is educational, not individual medical advice.
12 essentials
Protecting the bed
Washable bed pads
Reusable absorbent pads that go in the wash rather than the trash.
Protecting the bed
Waterproof mattress protectors
A protective cover beneath the sheet that helps keep the mattress dry.
Skin & washing
Barrier cream
A skin protectant that creates a barrier against moisture from urine or stool.
Skin & washing
Gentle disposable washcloths
Soft wipes or cloths for personal care between baths and after toileting.
Skin & washing
No-rinse body cleanser
A cleanser made for washing without a full shower or bath.
Moving safely
Sit-to-stand aids
Transfer equipment that can support an assessed move from sitting to standing.
Ask a therapist first
Moving safely
Gait / transfer belts
A belt a trained helper may use during an assessed walking or transfer routine.
Ask a therapist first
Bathroom support
Bedside commodes
A portable toilet chair for times when reaching the bathroom is difficult.
Ask a therapist first
Bathroom support
Shower chairs
A seat designed for bathing when standing through a shower is difficult.
Ask a therapist first
Meals & dressing
Easy-grip utensils
Spoons and forks with larger handles that can be easier to hold.
Meals & dressing
Dressing sticks & long shoehorns
Simple tools that extend reach when putting on clothes or shoes.
A note about products & links
These are generic product categories, not brand endorsements. Images are AI-generated illustrations, not photos of specific items for sale. There are currently no affiliate shopping links on this page, and we do not earn commissions from it.
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Need help deciding what kind of care fits?