Low-cost assistive technology

Low-cost assistive technology for the bathroom

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

Non-slip bath mats

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

Automatic lights

Sensor nightlights or automatic nightlights can help you 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.

Shower supports

You can 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:

Jar openers

Jar openers that provide extra grip can cost 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

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

Easy-grip cutlery

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 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 hobby needs:

Book stands

Book stands and wedges hold your books or tablets, so you don’t have to. These are useful if you get tired or experience pain from holding pages open.

These usually cost around $30. 

Jumbo playing cards

Jumbo playing cards are up to 50% larger than standard playing cards. This means they're easier 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

E-readers can be under $200. They can come with accessibility features, such as enlarging the font to make reading easier on your eyes. 

Many e-readers can be used for both e-books and audiobooks. Some also let you borrow and download books from your local library using a library membership and a Wi‑Fi connection.

Low-cost assistive technology for the laundry

Want to make laundry easier? Consider using:

Folding aids

Make folding clothes easy on your upper extremities with a folding aid. You can find them in places like Big W for under $20.

Landry trolleys

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.

Cordless appliances

Having too many cords lying around can lead to trip hazards. Consider using devices such as:

• Cordless steam irons, which come from a variety of retailers for about $40. 
• Stick vacuums, which can be found for around $80 at Kmart.

These appliances are lightweight with long handles, which makes moving them around your home easier.  

Low-cost assistive technology for the bedroom

Here are some helpful products you can use in your bedroom:

Bed raisers and wheels

If you need to move your bed often to change the sheets, you can attach bed foot wheels to make this easier.

Bed raisers or wheels also raise the height of your bed. This makes getting in and out a bit more manageable.

These products can cost as little as $5.

White noise for sleeping

If you have trouble getting to sleep, a white noise machine might help. You can also use a smart home assistant or apps on your phone to support sleep with soothing sounds and meditations.

Dressing aids

Here are some examples of products that can make getting dressed easier:

• 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. 

Low-cost assistive technology for around the house

Here are some products that make everyday activities around the house easier:

Long-handle dustpans

Long-handle dustpans help you spend less time crouching over. These can cost under $15. 

Grabbing sticks

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

Daily living apps

There are many free or affordable mobile apps ideal for older people. They can help you keep on top of daily living things like:

• Mental health and mindfulness habits
• Staying hydrated
• Staying active

Low-cost assistive technology for outside the house

There are many helpful products for outdoor activities like gardening, as well as things that make travelling around easier. Here are some things to help you out when you're heading outside:

Outdoor carts

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

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.

Long-handled garden tools

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

Walking aids

If you have difficulty walking on uneven surfaces when outside, you may be considering using a walking frame.

Walking aids should be selected and used under professional advice only. Consult an allied health professional to find the best fit for your needs.

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.

Find an OT near you through Occupational Therapy Australia. 

Can’t find an OT in your area through OTA? You can also check Healthdirect’s tool for finding an OT by location. 

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.

You can also 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. (n.d.) https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/aged-care-services/aids-to-stay-independent

National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). (2025, September). 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.