Low-cost assistive technology

What's assistive technology?

Assistive technology refers to products and supports that make your life easier.

These can include:

• Vision supports like glasses
• Hearing supports like cochlear implants
• Physical supports like walking aids
• Specialised tools like easy-to-grip eating utensils

There are so many kinds of useful products. These items are all designed to help people do everyday tasks independently. 

What's low cost?

There are a few different ways to define 'low cost'. After all, a reasonable price to some might be out of budget to others.

What does 'low cost' mean to LiveUp? Well, all the low-cost assistive products listed in this article are under $200. Even better, most are around $10 to $50!

However, if using My Aged Care or NDIS funding to buy assistive technology, 'low cost' is defined as anything under $1500 per item.

For a more detailed look at everyday assistive technology, have a read of the Making Choices Finding Solutions Guide.

Where to find low-cost assistive technology

Assistive technology that is low cost is usually also (but not always!) considered low risk to use.

This means low-cost assistive products can often be bought over the counter at many stores.

For help finding assistive technology, you can check:

• LiveUp's assistive products database
• NED, the National Equipment Database

Examples of low-cost assistive technology

To get you started, below are a few ideas for affordable assistive technology products to help you in every area of the home.

Most of these items are available from retailers like Bunnings, Kmart, Spotlight, Myer, and so on.

LiveUp is powered by a not-for-profit, so we don't make any money from these suggestions. 

Low-cost assistive technology for the bathroom

You can buy various helpful products for bathroom safety from many retailers. 

Non-slip mats, for example, can come from places like Bunnings, Kmart, and Spotlight for around $8 to $18. 

It's also a good idea to look into sensor nightlights or automatic nightlights, so you can find your way safely to the bathroom at night. You can find some for as little as $10 to $20 at a range of retail stores, including Bunnings.

You can also find a shower stool or shower chair in the $100 to $200 range. Under professional advice, physical supports like this could make showering easier and safer. Seek advice from an occupational therapist if you think you need a shower stool or shower chair.  

Low-cost assistive technology for the kitchen

Looking for helpful kitchen assistive products? There are plenty of affordable options available.

Some jar openers that provide extra grip can be found for about $15 to $20. There are also automatic jar openers that help you to open jars with one hand. These cost a bit more, ranging from $20 to $100.  

Tap turners fit over your tap to help you turn the tap on and off. These are helpful if you have a weak grip. Tap turners come in a wide range of forms and prices, from $10 to $60.

Easy-grip cutlery sets have wider handles, a non-slip grip and are lightweight. These are helpful if you have a weak grip, pain or even a tremor. This type of cutlery ranges from about $15 to $65 and you can usually buy either one piece or a whole set.

Low-cost assistive technology for the lounge

There are plenty of low-cost items for your lounging, leisure, and crafting needs. 

Book stands and wedges holds your book, so you don’t have to. These are useful if you get tired holding pages open, or it might even be painful for you. These usually cost around $30. 

Jumbo playing cards are up to 50% larger than standard playing cards. This means they're easier for you to hold and see! This can make game night easier if you have a vision impairment. You can find these for as little as $11 from Big W.

E-readers can also be under $200. These can come with accessibility features, such as enlarging the font to make reading easier on your eyes.  Amazon Kindle and Kobo are two examples of e-readers used in Australia. Both Kindle and Kobo have audiobook capability. You can even download library books onto the Kobo using Overdrive – all you need is a library card and Wi-Fi connection!

Low-cost assistive technology for the laundry

Want to make laundry easier? 

Make folding clothes easy on your upper extremities with a folding aid. You can find them in places like Big W for less than $15.

Basic washing basket trolleys are available from retailers for under $20. You can use one of these to carry heavy laundry both to and from the washing line.

Having too many cords lying around can lead to trip hazards. Have you thought about using cordless appliances? For example:

• You can find cordless steam irons from a variety of retailers for about $40. 
• Another cordless appliance which may be helpful is a stick vacuum, which can be found for around $80 at Kmart. These are lightweight with long handles, which makes moving them around your home easier.  

Low-cost assistive technology for the bedroom

There are also helpful products you can use in your bedroom.

There's a huge range of products that make getting dressed easier, for example:

• A shoehorn helps you put your foot in your shoe if you have difficulty bending down. You can find shoehorns at many retailers for as little as $6.
• You can get various types of sock and stocking aids to help you pull up your socks. These come in a wide price range, starting from $15. 

If you need to move your bed to change the sheets, or even any reason, you can attach foot wheels. You can also use bed raisers to raise the height of your bed, to make getting in and out a bit easier. These are available from retailers for around $5.

If you have trouble getting to sleep, a white noise machine might help. You can also use apps on your phone to support sleep with soothing sounds and meditations. Also consider your sleep hygiene, if you have trouble falling asleep. 

Low-cost assistive technology for around the house

Find products that make everyday activities around the house easier.

Look into long-handle dustpans so you can spend less time crouching over. The cost for these can be under $15. 

Grabbing sticks can also save you some back pain when reaching for things. Find these at a variety of retailers for under $10.  

You might also like to consider the number of free or affordable helpful mobile apps for older people. These can help you keep on top of your mental and physical health.

Low-cost assistive technology for outside the house

You can also find helpful products for gardening, as well as things that make travelling around easier. Here are some things to help you out when you're heading outside.

In the garden, long-handled garden tools can help you avoid stooping. This can cost between $30 to $50 from a variety of retailers.  

For shopping trips, you might like a foldable beach trolley, also called an outdoor cart. These are helpful to carry shopping or other heavy items. They are easily foldable and can fit in your car boot. You can buy one in a price range from $60 to $100. 

Car transfer bars can help you get in and out of your car safely. These transfer aids are light enough to take with you in taxis, too.

If you have difficulty walking on uneven surfaces when outside, you may be considering using a walking frame. Support items such as this require professional advice. Seek advice from a physiotherapist to ensure safe use of walking aids. 

Need advice about assistive technology?

You may benefit from seeing an occupational therapist (OT) for some professional advice. An occupational therapist has specialised knowledge to help you adapt tasks and find products that suit your needs.

Visit Occupational Therapy Australia to find a qualified practitioner in your local area.

If you need more information about healthy ageing, take the LiveUp quiz or get in touch with one of our helpful team on 1800 951 971.

Check out LiveUp's assistive products database for other items that have been known to help people maintain their quality of life and independent living.

References

My Aged Care. Aids to stay independent. https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/aged-care-services/aids-to-stay-independent

National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Assistive technology explained. https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/assistive-technology-explained

How to use this information

LiveUp provides free information to help you make informed decisions about your health. This information is for general and educational purposes only, is not intended to provide a comprehensive guide, and does not replace medical advice. Everyone is different, so some of these tips may work better for you than others. You should use your own judgment and seek medical advice when applying this information to yourself, to determine if it is suitable in your circumstances. Your use of, or reliance on, this information is solely at your own risk. Independent Living Assessment Incorporated is not responsible or liable for any injury, loss, or damage caused as a result of your use of, or reliance on, this information.

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