What is a Hip Kit?
A hip kit is a set of items that are designed for people who have limitations with bending at the waist for reaching their lower body during self-care tasks. These limitations may be a result of hip replacement surgery, back surgery, or arthritis. The hip kit typically includes six items: a reacher, sock aid, long handled shoehorn, dressing stick, long handled sponge, and elastic shoelaces. This kit can be purchased as a set, like this one, or you can purchase items individually if you only need one or two of the items. There are many options for hip kits available on the market, but today we will focus on the most common items and their uses. Today, we will give a basic details on the items and their uses. For more detailed information on how to use them, please check out our blog on “How do I get Dressed with Hip Precautions?” to learn more.
*Disclaimer: This blog contains links to affiliate websites. When you click on and/or purchase any items using these links, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Our use of affiliate links does not influence the products, services and information we share with you. My goal is to provide you with education to help you make informed decisions. These links allow me to reference the specific products that I have clinical experience using in the field.
Reacher
A reacher is made with aluminum and plastic and varies in length from 26-34’’. There are multiple purposes for using a reacher including putting on briefs/pants and picking up items from lower surfaces to prevent you from bending over.
Feel free to check out our our YouTube video on “How to use a Reacher to Put on Your Pants without Bending” for more information on how to use it.
Sock Aid
There are two types of sock aids, one is made of plastic while the other is flexible. You will place the sock around the end of sock aid while making sure the sock is adjusted appropriately to simulate the positioning on your foot. The long handles are used to place the sock on the foot without having to bend over or lift your legs.
Feel free to check out our our YouTube video on “How to use a Sock Aid” for more information on how to use it.
Long-Handled Shoehorn
A long-handled shoehorn is either made of plastic or aluminum and is placed at the heel of the shoe to assist with sliding your foot into your shoe. Shoehorns vary in length that are most suitable for your height.
Feel free to check out our our YouTube video on “How to use a Long-Handled Shoe Horn” for more information on how to use it.
Dressing Stick
A dressing stick has multiple purposes ranging from assisting with taking clothes or socks off your body, putting clothes on, and even reaching for clothes within your closet. The dressing stick can be used to hook on a belt loop and to wrap a jacket around your shoulders. The purpose of the dressing stick is to prevent bending and twisting while getting dressed.
Long-Handled Sponge
Long handled sponges are most suitable to be used while showering to assist with bathing your lower leges and back. A towel can be wrapped around the end of the sponge to dry your legs and back. It is important to make sure your sponge is left to air dry after each use. The picture shown here is a sponge that is typically given to clients while they are in the hospital or rehab. For home use, I prefer a long-handled loofah like this one, as they last longer and are more sturdy.
Elastic shoelaces
When you are unable to bend over or lift your legs to tie your shoes, elastic shoelaces may be helpful. The shoestrings will be removed and replaced with elastic ones. The elasticity in the laces allows you to keep your shoes tied while putting on and taking off your shoes while also ensuring a comfortable fit. Elastic shoe laces come in a variety of styles:
Just be sure to check the size and length of the shoelaces before purchasing.
Feel free to check out our our YouTube video on “How to Elastic Shoelaces” for more information on how to use them.
There are many variations of all of the items listed above. They come in different sizes, colors, lengths and with different features. If your device is not meeting your needs, or you have questions along the way, this is a great time to request a referral for an occupational therapy evaluation from your physician to get expert advise on which specific equipment or adaptive techniques will best meet your needs. Feel free to check out our blog post on “How do I Get Dressed with Hip Precautions?” for more information on how to use these items, and also visit our “Hip Kit” series on YouTube for video demonstrations.
*This blog was written with the assistance of Brittany Buck, OTS student with Cabarrus College of Health Sciences, Masters of Occupational Therapy Program.
