Reachers

A reacher, sometimes called a 'grabber' or 'reaching aid', is a long handled tool which helps you grasp objects which would otherwise be out of reach.

Reachers have a handle at one end and a set of jaws or pinchers at the other.

At the handle end, there is a trigger which allows you to add or release pressure of the jaws.

The linking mechanism between the trigger and jaws is a length of cord.

People with certain disabilities or for another reason have compromised mobility may make regular use of reaching aids.

Many elderly people use this type of equipment for routine tasks around the home and garden, like picking things up from the floor, or reaching objects on high shelves.

While most people think of reachers as devices for picking up litter, they also come in useful in a variety of other situations around the home.

They are standard daily living aids for many people in the UK.

For those who find difficulty in bending at the waist, a condition which affects millions in the elderly community, picking things up from the floor is a challenge.

Having a reacher solves this problem.

Reachers may also assist in getting dressed independently.

They can be used to pick up items of clothing from the floor, help pull up trousers or shirt sleeves over shoulders.

Some have hooks on the ends of the jaws, which again may help with some dressing tasks.

Stroke survivors with compromised mobility, or many people recovering from a variety of operations also use reachers on a daily basis.

Length - reaching aids range in length from from about 15 inches up to 33 inches, so make sure you choose one meeting your requirements.

Trigger size - different reachers have different triggers.

For some, the user needs one or two fingers to operate.

In this case, the trigger may be quite narrow, so may not be suitable if you have arthritis in the fingers.

Some reachers have larger triggers which invite the use of three or four fingers to engage it.

Jaws - grabbers are available with various styles of jaws.

Some have small suction cups or high-friction soft plastic, providing a firm grip on hard objects.

Other models have hooks or magnets on the tips.

Folding reachers - while most have a fixed length shaft, some fold in the middle.

This effectively halves their size and makes them easy to fit in a handbag or rucksack, if you know you might need one when you're out and about.

Rotating head - some reaching aids have a head which rotates.

This means it can be set in different positions, depending on the task at hand.