If you want the short list, these are my top sock helper picks for seniors, and you’ll find the details on each one further down.
Bending down to pull on a sock shouldn’t feel like a workout, but some mornings it does.
If you are looking for sock helpers for the elderly, or for anyone with a bad back, stiff hips, or a recent surgery, you are in the right place.
Below, I go through the sock helpers I like, how they work, what each one does poorly, and some ways to keep your back and body moving so dressing stays manageable.
- Sock helpers are assistive devices that make it easier for seniors and people with disabilities to put on socks and stockings. They provide a frame that stretches the sock open so the foot can slide in more easily.
- Sock helpers work by acting as a chute for the sock. You put the sock on the device, which holds it open, slide your foot in, then pull the straps to pull the sock up your leg. Some also help take socks off.
- Popular sock aid brands include Vive, Vaunn Medical, and RMS. The RMS kits are good for those recovering from injuries or surgery.
Staying active with walking, yoga, and light exercise can help you keep your mobility. Using aids to stay independent can also feel good. If you are recovering from surgery, check with your doctor or therapist first.
Which Are the Best Sock Helpers?
There are several different brands of sock helper on the market these days, ranging from the deceptively simple to quite robust devices that are clearly designed for regular, long-term use.
Here’s a quick look at some options:
Vive Sock Assist and Remover
The Vive Sock Assist and Remover is a simple tool that helps you slide socks on and take them off without bending and twisting so much.
It has a built-in sock hook. You catch the edge of your sock with it and push the sock down, so you can take it off without lifting your foot.
The edges are smooth and rounded, and it is made to work with dress, casual and athletic socks, compression stockings and hosiery. That makes it a fit for anti-slip socks too.
The shape is gently tapered, so it will not overstretch your socks. Five ridges along the base are there to help it stay put.
One thing to know: it does not have long cords like some sock aids, so you still need to reach your foot to some degree. If bending that far is the main problem, a cord-style aid may suit you better.
Vive Dressing Stick
The Vive Dressing Stick is a wooden stick with a smooth hook on one end and a zipper pull on the other. It adds 27 inches of reach, so you can pull clothing toward you without twisting or bending much.
It suits someone recovering from surgery or an injury, or anyone with limited mobility who wants to dress on their own. It is made of strong birch wood, and the hook is coated in vinyl so it slides over clothing without catching. For socks, you can use it to nudge a pair closer or to push them off at the end of the day.
The stick twists apart into two pieces, which makes it easy to pack for a trip or put away. It also comes with a one year guarantee.
One trade-off: this is a general dressing helper, not a dedicated sock aid. If your main trouble is getting a sock over your foot, a sock aid with a cradle and long cords will do that job better.
Mars Wellness Sock Aid
The Mars Wellness Deluxe Sock Aid is a molded plastic sock helper with two foam grip handles and cords. You slip your sock or stocking over the plastic, slide your foot in, and pull up on the cords.
The cords are adjustable and run 31 inches, so you can set them to suit your height. That means less bending and less pulling on your back and arms, which is the whole point of a sock aid.
The foam handles are built up, so they are easy to hold on to. It is sold as a one-size-fits-all aid that is made to fit a wide range of feet, including those who have swelling in their feet, and it comes as a 2 pack. That is handy if you want one by the bed and one somewhere else.
It is also described as a compression sock helper, which is useful if your socks are on the snug side.
The trade-off is that you still have to pull the cords with both hands. If gripping or arm strength is a real problem, this may still be a lot of work, and a different style of aid may suit you better.
RMS Hip & Knee Kit
This five-piece kit includes everything that someone who has just had a knee replacement might need, not just a sock aid but also a shoehorn, dressing stick, and other reachers and mobility tools.
If someone close to you has had an injury, hip or knee replacement, then this kit could be a good choice for them.
It is robust, simple and does not require much skill, dexterity or strength to operate. Since it’s a five-piece kit that covers the most common tasks it is good value for money as well. If only it put your belt on for you too!
It may take a little while to get used to which stick to use for which purpose, but once your family member gets used to it, they should find that they gain a lot of confidence.
RMS Premium Hip & Knee Kit
RMS has produced a kit quite similar to their other one above. The kit includes a sock helper, reachers, grabbers, hooks, and a sponge. It’s affordably priced and should be invaluable for older people who are struggling with mobility.
The kit is very well made and includes the most commonly needed tools for seniors who use mobility aids. The sock helper may not be suitable for people with wide feet, but overall it’s a great kit.
Vive Sock Removal Aid
This one is for the other end of the day. The Vive Sock Remover is made to take off socks, hosiery, or compression stockings without bending or twisting.
It also works as a shoehorn, so one tool covers two jobs in your dressing routine. The design is detachable and lightweight, which makes it easy to pack for a trip.
It suits someone whose back, hips, or knees make reaching down to their feet a struggle. Compression stockings are a good example, since they can be tight and hard to peel off.
The trade-off is that it only helps with taking socks off. If putting them on is your main trouble, you will still want a sock aid for that, like the others above.
Sock Helpers & Sock Assist Gadgets Make Donning Socks Easier
Sock helpers are simple and relatively inexpensive aids to put on socks, tights, or stockings more easily if mobility is impaired, either temporarily or long term.
They are deceptively simple in terms of how they work but they can be very useful for people who are struggling to bend over and reach their feet.
How Do Sock Helpers Work?
Sock Helpers are a ‘chute’ for the sock. You put the sock on the device, which holds it open so that your foot can slide into the space.
Once your foot is in place, you pull on the straps at the side of the device, and it pulls the sock up, and pulls the aid off once the sock is properly on place on your foot.
The most basic sock assistance devices simply help you to pull the socks on. Some more sophisticated devices also offer an easy way to take your socks off, which can be helpful for those with severe mobility issues.
Improving Your Mobility and Coping With Back Pain
A lot of people first experience difficulty with tasks such as putting on their socks as a result of sciatic back pain. Tension, back issues, tight hamstrings, and general mobility problems can all mount up.
Taking some precautions to keep moving early on can help lower the risk of long-term back problems.
Staying active can help: walking, practicing yoga (even wheelchair yoga), and light calisthenics can all support mobility, strength, and balance, which helps with day to day tasks such as getting dressed. Check with your doctor or therapist about what suits you.
If you or someone you care for has been struggling with mobility or has had a hip or knee replacement:
- Remember that staying mobile is important for recovery.
- Stay diligent with rehabilitation exercises
- Try to get out and get some fresh air whenever possible.
- Ask your surgeon or occupational therapist which aids suit your recovery and how to use them. An aid can help you dress on your own, and it is fine to accept help when you need it.
Doing basic tasks on your own can be a good boost to your well-being, and it is not about “not being a burden.”
Do you know of other sock helpers for the elderly? Please share your ideas and opinions in the comments below!
