The simple things can make a big difference, especially when it comes to mobility issues and pain management. Whether it’s a temporary issue such as a broken leg or a sore back, a chronic illness like arthritis or Parkinson’s, or palliative care, there are a range of devices on the market that give people more independence, relief or simply some extra convenience.

Irish Country Living spoke to John Connell, director of Carestore in Ennis, Co Clare. As well as a showroom where people can test and try out items, there is also an online store for those that can’t make it west. We’ve picked the top 10 products that have been a proven success with consumers across the country. Listen to a discussion of some of the products in our podcast below:

Listen to "Home aids for people with reduced ability" on Spreaker.

1. Orwell high back chair (€580) Looking to chill out and relax? There is nothing worse than an uncomfortable chair and if you have back or support issues, finding a quality chair is key. A supportive chair can often look ugly but that’s not the case with the Orwell high back chair. This is a high back hospital chair dressed as a domestic product.

With the lumber support, high neck support and a pressure care seat cushion for comfort, this is one of Carestore’s most popular chairs. When purchasing a chair, John recommends that people call into the showroom as, although you can buy a generic size, you can get the chair made to your needs, allowing for even more comfort. If it’s not possible to call in, you can fill out an assessment sheet or the team can call to you, where possible.

2. Handi-Plug plug pull (€27) Designed in the UK by a man frustrated by modern-day plugs, this appliance makes removing plugs from sockets easier for someone who may have arthritis, poor grip, or reduced mobility or strength in their arm. Simply loop your fingers through the handles and pull. The only thing is that you may need a hand setting up this item as the plug must be rewired on the item you are attaching it to.

3. Bra Angel dressing aid (€33) Mobility issues or not, getting a bra on and off can be a task at the best of times. However, the Bra Angel dressing aid is quite literally that – an angel. It is a dressing aid specifically designed by an occupational therapist to assist women who find it difficult to bring both ends of a bra together when dressing. As well as assisting women who may have had a mastectomy and are dealing with modified bras that are unbalanced to put on, it can also be a massive help for ladies with shoulder issues or vertebrae problems where they have difficulty moving their neck or back. Be warned though, this product requires a bit of technique and practise to get the hang of but the benefits are worth it.

4. Sock aid (€8) Whether it’s a broken ankle, a knee replacement, a hip replacement, torn ligaments, a bad back or even feeling a bit stiff in your old age, there are so many people who could benefit from the sock aid. This reasonable €9 product gives people a little more independence to achieve the simple everyday task of putting on socks. This handy device for young and old also takes a little practise to get used to but it is worth the effort.

5. Beurer cosy cape (€59) Oh, those cold Irish winters! There is nothing better than hopping into a bed that has been warmed by an electric blanket. Well, now you can take the experience to your couch. The Beurer cosy cape is a heating pad that is worn like a cape and has a fleece finish. Giving instant heat, it is the latest technology for heat generation and looks fashionable as well. There are six temperature settings but it also gives you the option to remove the cable so that it can be used as a regular throw for those warmer spring evenings.

6. Magnifying sheet Speaking of life on the go, if you’ve ever found yourself unable to read a menu, a map or direction signs and need an extra aid beyond your glasses, you’ll find the magnifying sheet is a must-have. It’s the size of your credit card and can simply pop in your wallet. For those who would benefit from a magnifying glass when reading, they also come in the size of iPads, making print on magazines and books so much easier to read. The magnifying sheet uses a rigid lens and allows larger areas to be viewed compared to a traditional lens.

7. Dycem Jar Opener (€6) In fairness, who doesn’t need a jar opener at some point? There are a huge amount of jar openers on the market but they work in the basic way of giving you the adhesion to open a jar with ease. This one is waterproof and has a sticky feel to it, giving you better grip. Another similar product that people might also benefit from is a bottle opener, which allows you to open water bottles and soft drinks without asking for help. There’s also another one available that you can slip into a bag or pocket and bring with you on the go.

8. Ets Saint Romain flexi cutlery (€25) Cutlery aids have been around quite a while and give people a huge sense of independence when eating their own meals. Over the years, the range has expanded to suit a variety of needs. For example, the Ets Saint Romain flexi cutlery is ergonomically designed and has a soft rubber strap, making it easier to stay in place on the hand. It can also be adjusted to suit the individual’s needs. You can simply opt for cutlery aids that have bigger handles if that’s all you require but for those with a limited range of movement, an offset limb or arthritis, these can be real game-changers in someone’s life.

9. Strawberi straw clasp (€5) This product costs €5 but for some it can be priceless. The simple clasp attaches on to the side of a glass, making a straw stay rigid in place. It is so small and cheap but can give someone real independence to have a sip of water or a cup of tea without calling someone for help. For some, it can also make them less self-conscious when in a bar or restaurant. You can also purchase non-return straws (€16 for pack of 15 straws) which have a valve in the base which keeps the liquid in the straw between sips, making the effort of drinking far less tiresome.

10. Duo mug handle (€16) For someone with Parkinson’s disease or even a mild tremor, enjoying a cup of tea can become a lot of effort, if not impossible sometimes. This moulded plastic handle is spring loaded and clips on to existing mugs, providing two handles. That way, if one hand shakes, you can compensate with the other. It’s small and discreet so you can bring it out with you to cafes or restaurants. It lowers the risk of scalding and spilling on your clothes. It also works well for people with arthritis who don’t have a good grip.

For more information, log on to www.carestore.ie.