Caregiving Essentials

Protecting the bed

Disposable underpads ("chucks")

Absorbent pads with a waterproof backing that protect bedding during leaks or personal care.

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.

Skin & washing

Adult incontinence briefs

Disposable briefs or pull-on underwear designed to absorb and hold leaks, keeping skin dry and clothing protected.

Moving safely

Walking canes

A single-point cane that adds a steadying point of contact while walking, fitted to your Loved One's height.

Ask a therapist first

Moving safely

Wheelchairs

A wheeled chair for when walking is no longer safe or for longer distances, either self-propelled or pushed by a caregiver.

Ask a therapist first

Moving safely

Travel wheelchairs

A lightweight folding wheelchair built to be lifted into a car and maneuvered through airports and tight spaces.

Ask a therapist first

Moving safely

Bed rails & bed assist handles

A handle or rail that anchors between the mattress and bed frame, giving your Loved One something steady to hold when getting in and out of bed or repositioning.

Ask a therapist first

First aid & safety

First aid kit

A stocked kit of bandages, gauze, tape and antiseptic for treating small cuts and scrapes at home.

First aid & safety

Disposable medical gloves

Disposable gloves for personal care tasks involving body fluids, wound care or cleanup.

Meals & dressing

Reacher grabbers

A long-handled tool with a trigger grip for picking up or reaching items without bending or stretching.

First aid & safety

Weekly pill organizers

A box with labeled compartments for each day and time, so it is easy to see whether a dose was taken.

Moving safely

Rollator walkers

A wheeled walker with hand brakes and a built-in seat for resting along the way.

Ask a therapist first

Bathroom support

Raised toilet seats

A seat that adds height to the toilet, often with armrests, so sitting down and standing up take less effort.

Ask a therapist first

Bathroom support

Grab bars

A sturdy bar fixed to the wall to hold onto when stepping into the shower, sitting or standing.

First aid & safety

Non-slip grip socks

Socks with rubber grips on the soles to reduce slipping on smooth floors.