By Daylan Kempster, Assistive Technology Specialist and Director of Mobility Co
In short: A sock aid is a simple device that holds a sock open so you can put it on without bending down to your foot. It is one of a small family of dressing aids, alongside dressing sticks, long shoe horns and reachers, that help people get dressed independently after hip or knee surgery, or when bending and reaching have become hard. Mobility Co supplies sock aids and dressing aids across Melbourne, and you can try them at our Cheltenham showroom at 2/136 Keys Road, or call 1300 225 203. We work with NDIS, Home Care Package, Support at Home and private customers.
Putting on socks and shoes sounds like a small thing until it is the thing that stops you managing on your own. After a hip or knee replacement, or with arthritis, stiff joints or a sore back, reaching down to your feet can be painful, unsafe, or simply against the movement rules your surgeon has given you. A sock aid and a long shoe horn let you dress standing or sitting upright, keep your independence, and stay off the floor. This page explains how each one works and how to choose the right one.
These are inexpensive items that make a genuine daily difference, and they are easy to get wrong when you order blind online. At Mobility Co you can hold each one, feel the grip and the length, and we will show you the knack of using it, so it actually helps rather than ending up in a drawer.
Sock aids
A sock aid, sometimes called a sock assist or a sock helper, is a flexible gutter or cradle that holds a sock open while you slide your foot in. You pull the sock onto the aid, lower it to the floor with the long cords, slip your foot into the opening, then pull up on the cords and the sock slides on, no bending required. A terry cloth sock aid is the gentlest on the skin and grips the sock well, which suits most people. There is also a pantyhose and stocking version for finer hosiery. If hands are weak or arthritic, we can show you ones with softer, wider cord handles that are kinder to grip.
Dressing sticks
A dressing stick is a light rod with a hook at each end that acts as an extension of your arm. It hooks a waistband, a sleeve or a bra strap and helps you pull clothing up or push it off, so you can dress and undress without twisting or reaching behind you. It pairs naturally with a sock aid and a long shoe horn, and together the three cover most of the movements that become difficult after surgery or with a stiff shoulder, hip or back.
Long shoe horns
A long handled shoe horn does the same job as a short one but from a standing or seated upright position. You place it inside the heel of the shoe and slide your foot in without stooping. The better ones are firm enough not to flex and long enough to reach the floor comfortably, and some have a shaped handle that is easier to hold. Used with a sock aid, it means socks and shoes can go on in one smooth routine each morning.
Reachers and grabbers
A reacher, or grabber, is the daily living aid people reach for most. It picks up dropped socks, the TV remote, washing off the floor or a tin from a high shelf, all without bending or overreaching, which are two of the most common ways a fall happens at home. A lightweight one with a good trigger and a grippy jaw is a genuine safety item, not just a convenience, and it is often the first thing we suggest for anyone worried about bending down. See our fuller daily living aids range for more.
Long handled bathing aids
The same not bending principle helps in the bathroom. Long handled sponges and brushes let you wash your back, legs and feet without twisting or reaching, which keeps washing safe and independent for anyone with limited movement. They sit alongside the dressing aids as part of getting through the morning routine comfortably, and work well with a shower chair or stool if standing to wash has become tiring.
How to choose the right dressing aid
The right choice depends on what has become hard and why. After a hip replacement there are usually movement precautions for the first weeks, so a sock aid, a long shoe horn and a dressing stick together let you follow them and still dress yourself, which is why occupational therapists so often recommend the set. If the difficulty is arthritis or grip strength, the handle and cord matter more than anything, and it is worth feeling a few in the hand. If reaching and bending in general are the worry, a reacher earns its place first. Tell us what is happening and we will help you pick the ones that genuinely fit, and we are happy to work alongside your occupational therapist.
Why choose your dressing aids with us in Cheltenham
These are small, personal items, and the difference between one that helps and one that frustrates is often in the detail of the grip, the length and the technique. We keep them on the floor so you can try them, we show you the knack of using each one, and we make sure you leave with something that suits your hands and your situation. If dressing has become part of a bigger change at home, we can also show you the beds, chairs and bathroom equipment that make the rest of the day easier. If funding is part of the picture we can help you understand NDIS, a Home Care Package or Support at Home, and we support DVA clients too.
Frequently asked questions
What is a sock aid? A sock aid, also known as a sock assist or sock helper, is a flexible cradle that holds a sock open so you can put it on without bending to your foot. You slide the sock onto the aid, drop it to the floor by its cords, slip your foot in and pull up, and the sock goes on. It is a simple, inexpensive way to keep dressing yourself when reaching your feet is painful or restricted.
How do you use a sock aid? Roll or stretch the sock over the curved part of the aid so the opening is held wide. Lower it to the floor holding the cords, place your foot into the opening, then lean back gently and pull the cords upward. The aid slips out as the sock comes up over your heel and ankle. It takes a try or two, which is exactly why we show you in person.
Where can I buy a sock aid in Melbourne? You can see and try sock aids, dressing sticks and long shoe horns at our Cheltenham showroom at 2/136 Keys Road, a short drive from across Bayside and the south east. Call 1300 225 203 first and we will make sure the ones you want are on the floor, and we can post them if you cannot get in.
What is the best sock aid after hip surgery or with arthritis? After hip surgery a terry cloth sock aid with long cords is usually ideal, because it lets you follow your movement precautions and dress without bending. With arthritis or a weak grip, look for softer, wider cord handles that are easier to pull. Tell us the situation and we will match you to one that works for your hands.
Are sock aids and dressing aids covered by NDIS or a Home Care Package? Often, yes. Dressing aids are frequently included on a Home Care Package or Support at Home, and younger people may be funded through the NDIS. They are low cost items, so many people simply buy them, but we are happy to provide the quotes and paperwork your plan manager or coordinator needs, and we support DVA clients too.
Come and see us in Cheltenham. You are welcome to visit the showroom at 2/136 Keys Road, Cheltenham, and we will show you how each sock aid and dressing aid works. We are a short drive from across Bayside and the south east, with parking at the door.
RepOcean verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent, highly skillful team who understand the specific needs of the disabled and elderly. The furniture is very well engineered and the team is able to explain how to use their chairs and beds in a way which supports the huge varieties in people's individual needs and body shapes. I cannot recommend them highly enough.
RepOcean verifies that the original source of the review is Google. RepOcean verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Is it always great dealing with Dayan. He is honest reliable and gives great service. Will be very happy to buy of home any time. Thanks Dayan.
RepOcean verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great to deal with and had a big range of equipment. Thanks daylan for helping me chose the right chair while recovering from back surgery
RepOcean verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My grandpa recently bought an electric mobility scooter from Mobility Co in Cheltenham, and he couldn't be happier.
He said the team was incredibly patient, friendly, and took the time to help him find the right mobility scooter for his needs and height. They answered all of his questions and explained the different options and what to look for and never made him feel rushed or pressured.
Seeing the range of scooter options in the showroom made it easy for him and mum to find the right scooter.
If you're looking for a mobility scooter in Melbourne, I'd definitely recommend visiting Mobility Co. The service was genuine, professional, and made the whole process easy for both my grandpa and our family.
RepOcean verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our family bought an adjustable bed and mobility scooter for my grandpa from Mobility Co and the whole experience was fantastic. Great showroom in Cheltenham, genuine advice with no pressure, and delivery and set up were sorted within days. Grandpa loves both, he's more comfortable at night and getting out and about again. Wouldn't hesitate to recommend them.
RepOcean verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had an excellent experience with Mobility Co. Daylan was fantastic in helping my parents choose a mobility scooter, an adjustable bed, and a recliner. Nothing was too much trouble, and he truly went above and beyond to make the process easy for us.
He even offered to bring equipment to us if getting to the showroom was difficult. When we visited the showroom, we were given plenty of time to try everything without feeling rushed, and the team made us feel very welcome by offering refreshments.
The service didn't stop after the purchase. Daylan personally visited before delivery to check there were no access issues, and then came back afterwards to make sure everything was set up properly and to explain how to use the equipment again.
The customer service was outstanding from start to finish. Daylan's kindness, patience, and genuine care made all the difference. We highly recommend Mobility Co to anyone looking for quality mobility equipment and exceptional service.
RepOcean verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Thank you to Daylan of Mobility Co. for his excellent service and kindness to my mum .
If you need any help in the mobility area I would definitely recommend visiting Mobility Co. in Moorabbin .
RepOcean verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Had an extremely nice experience today at Mobility Co. Took my 92yo friend to test ride-on scooters. The staff couldn't have been more attentive. Never rushed, which is very important to an older person. My friend and I would highly recommend this company.
RepOcean verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had a fantastic experience with Mobility Co. The team was friendly, knowledgeable, and took the time to understand exactly what I needed without any pressure. Their customer service was outstanding, and they made the whole process easy and stress-free. The quality of their products is excellent, and they genuinely care about helping customers find the right solution. I highly recommend Mobility Co. to anyone looking for reliable mobility equipment and exceptional service. Thank you to the team for your professionalism and support!
About the author. Daylan Kempster is an Assistive Technology Specialist and the Director of Mobility Co, a family run mobility equipment showroom in Cheltenham, Melbourne. He works alongside occupational therapists and families every day to match people with equipment that keeps them safe, comfortable and independent at home.
