Device to assist putting on socks, pants, and shoes

  After a knee surgery this summer, I was stuck in a straight knee brace for about 2 months.  Unable to bend my knee, I found it difficult to do simple tasks such as putting on my socks, shoes, and even my pants. This problem inspired me to create a simple low tech device that could assist people in the same situation. It could even be used to assist elderly people who have lost the flexibility in their knees and back making them unable to reach their feet.

Step 1 Parts list

1  long enough pole to extend reach
(a long dowel, broom stick, or lacrosse stick works perfect)
1 spacer about 2 inches wider than the user's foot
2 clothes hangers with clips
1 shoehorn
(not pictured, I could not find one at the time)
duct tape

Comments

[tryb01]

I really like this device. It is super simple, made with throw away household items, & has at least 3 functions. There are devices to help someone with a disability to dress themselves available from specialty stores but this is a much cheaper option.
I have been working with disabled folks for many years & have built lots a aids to daily living. It is not always easy to find or make devices to remove barriers, This is a very good solution. I will keep it in mind as I will eventually find someone who needs such a device.Thank you for sharing it.

[domesticdiva]

Thank you SO much for doing this! My husband has mobility issues, and at 37 needs me to help him with his socks every day. All the sock helper thingys I've seen around here work only for tall socks, not athletic socks like he wears. But this should do the trick. THANK YOU!!!!!