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.

Cooking and food preparation

Person spreading butter on a slice of bread that is sitting on a board with raised edges.

Spreader board
Bread board with spikes or food  preparation board.

Holds food in place so you can cut or spread with one hand.

Person chopping a tomato on a tray with a rubber base

Non-slip mats 
Dycem mats.

Stops plates and cups from sliding to prevent spills.
 

Person opening a jar placed in a rubber tool

Rubber jar gripper
Spill Not or under-counter lid remover.

Helps you open jars or bottles  with one hand.
 

Person peeling a potato with easy peel tool

Easy peeler
Palm peeler or finger grips.

Makes peeling fruit and  vegetables easier.

Person pulling open a tin with large handle

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

Person holding a jar of ketchup and opening the top with a rubber gripper

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

Kettle in a wire device pouring water into a cup

Kettle pourer
Kettle tipper.

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

Kettle with a cup underneath the water spout

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

Eating and drinking

Person using a bowl with large edge

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

A knife, fork and spoon with very large handles

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

Three cups with double handles

Adapted cups
Two handles for better grip and stability.

Around the home

Person holding a long device with pincers on the end

Long reacher
Grabber tool or helping hand.

Helps you pick things up without bending, stretching or straining.

Tool to help put on socks

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

Person using the tool to button a shirt

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

Long flexible band to help pull and move legs

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

Person pushing out pills from a blister pack

Pill popper
Helps take pills out of the blister packs.

Tool to help putting on a bra

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:

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
Telephone: 0800 032 0202
Email: pals@nhct.nhs.uk
Post: FREEPOST PALS

South of Tyne
Telephone: 0800 328 4397
Text: 07825 061 035
Email: pals@cntw.nhs.uk
Post: Patient Advice and Liaison Service, Garden Lodge, Hopewood Park, Ryhope, Sunderland, SR2 0NB

9.00am – 4.30pm, Monday to Friday
An answerphone is available at all times 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 telephone the Patient Information Centre on 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