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Homemade Assistive Devices

An assistive device allows someone to complete activities of daily living (ADLs) such as dressing and feeding with as much independence as possible. While there are many options available to purchase, there are some that you can easily make at home.

  1. How to make a sock aid

    • A sock aid helps someone pull on his socks when he can't reach his feet.The aid is a rectangular piece of plastic that is curved and is a few inches wider than his foot. It has a rope attached to each side. A person typically slides a sock over the plastic piece and tosses it down by his foot, holding one rope in each hand. Then he puts a foot into the sock and pulls up on the ropes to slide the sock on. You can easily make a sock aid at home using a 2 liter soda bottle and rope. Cut the soda bottle in half lengthwise, then cut off the narrow end where the spout is. Drill a hole on each side of the bottle. Now tie the end of one rope to and he can use it to pull on his socks.

    How to make a button hook

    • Use a button hook to perform one-handed buttoning. It is a simple tool with a wire loop on the end of a handle. You can make a button hook by using a piece of wire and a foam grip. Bend the wire, pressing both ends firmly into the piece of foam. Confirm that no loose ends of wire are sticking out. The narrow wire loop should easily slide through a button hole. Grab the button and pull it through.

    How to Make a Non-skid Mat

    • If you are limited to only using one hand for tasks, place your plate on a non-skid mat. The mat's purpose will be to hold the plate still while you eat. Reach the same effect by purchasing a cheap roll of kitchen drawer liner. The textured kind works best. Texture provides traction and holds plates in place more efficiently.

    How to Make a Dressing Stick

    • A dressing stick is a long stick with a hook at the end. Use it to pick up articles of clothing. Someone who can't bend and pull on a pair of pants may lower pants to his feet and pull up using a dressing stick. You can make this assistive device at home by screwing a plastic hook found in most department stores onto an appropriate-sized rod.

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