Lovely senior life

[Handmade Assistive Devices] DIY assistive tools made from 100-yen shop materials. Packed with simple ideas.

Social worker / Care workermoko
My name is Moko, a mother of three who admired my mother and worked in the care industry as a care worker and as a medical social worker (MSW) in a hospital. I will be drawing on my previous experience to write mainly about caregiving. Thank you in advance.
Editor-in-Chief, RAG MUSICHane Keisuke
Editor-in-chief of RAG MUSIC. JFC-certified fact-checker. After working in a music studio and handling wedding sound, joined the RAG MUSIC editorial team in 2016. Experienced with a variety of instruments: marching band in elementary school, clarinet in junior high school wind ensemble, and drums in a band from high school onward. Drawing on my own musical activities and the experience gained through my work, I produce daily articles, including various song introductions, features on music festivals around the country, and live reports. In music, I enjoy not only rock from Japan and abroad but, lately, a wide range of J-pop as well.

Assistive devices are tools that help people whose daily lives are affected by paralysis or reduced physical function due to illness or aging.

A wide range of items are available, from tableware like chopsticks and plates to devices that support everyday activities and even leisure.

In this article, however, we will intentionally focus on assistive devices you can make by hand.

What’s more, all the ideas here use materials you can find at 100-yen shops, making them easy to try.

Use the ideas introduced here as a reference, and consider customizing them to better suit the physical condition of the person who will actually use the assistive device.

[Handmade Assistive Devices] DIY aids made from 100-yen shop materials. Packed with simple ideas (11–20)

shoulder strap for a cane

[Original Assistive Device] Safe even with hemiplegia! A wearable cane?! How to attach the shoulder strap

shoulder strap for a cane

There are times when you’re not using your cane for a moment and have trouble finding a place to put it, right? In situations like that, a “shoulder sling for your cane” made with a spring keychain and cable ties is handy.

First, firmly attach the spring keychain near the top of the cane with a cable tie.

Adjust the position of the other end so it doesn’t sag, then secure it with another cable tie.

This lets you wear the cane across your body like a sash.

Since the cord stretches, it doesn’t get in the way as much, and it’s convenient because you can quickly switch when you need to use your hands.

You can get all the materials at a 100-yen shop.

It’s an idea that makes going out a little easier.

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Contracture and spasticity prevention cushion

Hand and fingers stiffen and won’t open due to post-stroke aftereffects; alleviated by modifying gloves

Contracture and spasticity prevention cushion

To prevent hand contracture and stiffness, a gently supportive cushion can be very helpful.

One recommended option is a “contracture and spasticity prevention cushion” made by stacking three gloves, folding them back, and stitching them together.

It fits the shape of the hand snugly, gently supporting the joints and muscles.

Because it’s made from gloves, it feels soft on the skin, is easy to wash if it gets dirty, and stays clean and hygienic.

It’s also very easy to make with materials you likely already have, which is part of its appeal.

This is a support item that’s easy to incorporate into daily care.

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sock aid

[Handmade Sock Aid] Tried Wearing Thick Socks! Includes Pattern! | Kokoro Care TV

sock aid

A sock aid is a device that helps people who can’t bend forward due to back pain or can’t bend their knees to put on socks by themselves.

It’s a very common assistive tool, and you can actually make one at home using simple materials.

All you need are a plastic cutting board sheet and ribbon from a 100-yen shop.

Cut the cutting board sheet according to the template, punch holes, thread the ribbon through, and you’re done.

With so few steps, it’s easy to try.

Templates are available online, so download and print them.

If you don’t have a printer at home, you can print at a convenience store.

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Dishwashing sponge usable with one hand

[Let’s Make Assistive Devices!] How to Make a One-Handed Dishwashing Sponge

Dishwashing sponge usable with one hand

Let’s try making an assistive device that allows you to wash dishes using only one hand.

The materials you’ll need are an acrylic board, a handled sponge, and suction cups.

To make it, create holes and slits in the acrylic board to attach the sponge and suction cups.

Once finished, you can fix the device to the sink with the suction cups, enabling one-handed dishwashing.

Since it involves using power tools, it may feel a bit challenging for those who aren’t familiar with them.

In that case, consider asking someone skilled at DIY to help.

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An assistive device that lets you turn book pages with one hand

When you’re reading a book, it can be pretty hard to hold the pages down with one hand.

That’s when a book-cover-style assistive tool comes in handy.

Make a cover that wraps around the book using thick paper or similar material, and thread strings through the top corners.

The strings hold down the tops of the pages, preventing them from flipping due to wind or hand movement.

When you want to turn a page, just pull it out from under the string—simple.

You can keep reading smoothly with just one hand.

All the materials are available at a 100-yen shop, and it’s a neat-looking DIY assistive idea.

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Pen grip made with Oyumaru

A handy solution for when it’s hard to grip a pen is an original pen grip made with Oyumaru.

Oyumaru is a resin material that softens in hot water and can be found at 100-yen shops.

It’s very easy to make: wrap the softened Oyumaru around your pen and shape it to fit your hand so it’s easy to hold.

Let it cool as is, and you’ll have a grip with just the right thickness and shape.

It lets you hold the pen firmly, making it easier to apply pressure and reducing fatigue.

Because you can create a grip that fits your hand perfectly, writing becomes a bit more enjoyable.

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[Handmade Assistive Devices] DIY assistive tools made from 100-yen shop materials. Packed with simple ideas (21–30)

Spoon grip made with a garden hose

Creating self-help eating utensils (assistive device fabrication by an occupational therapist)

Spoon grip made with a garden hose

You can make a self-help dining aid using a water hose.

The only material you need is the hose, and 100-yen shops should carry hoses in several thicknesses, so it’s a good idea to try a few types.

The method is simple: cut the hose open and make two U-shaped slits—then it’s done.

Fit the U-shaped slits over the handle of a spoon or fork and wrap it around to create a grip.

Since it can be attached and removed, it works with disposable spoons too, and the advantage is that you can attach it to whatever cutlery you’re using at the time!

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