Tools to Help with Balance after a Stroke: Tools for Daily Tasks

If you had a stroke, you might have trouble with balance. After discharge from the hospital, you might want to do things that will help you stay in your home safely after a stroke.

Here are some items that can help you do daily activities in your home if your balance is challenged.

Each person’s home and needs are different, so we recommend that you talk with your doctor or therapist before making a purchase. Please note that some of the links below are affiliate links.

Grabber Reacher

A reacher is a handy tool that can help you get items if you have trouble with balance. A reacher is like a long grabber that helps you pick up things from high or low places without bending or stretching too much. You can use it to pick up things from the floor, put on your pants, grab your shoes, and reach other lightweight items. 

Dressing Stick

A dressing stick is a special stick that helps you get dressed or pick up things when you have trouble with balance or bending. You can use it to put on and take off your socks and pants without having to bend too much. You can also grab other things with the hook on the end of the dressing stick. 

Elastic Shoelaces

Elastic shoelaces can make most shoes easy slip-on shoes so you do not need to bend for long periods of time or lose your balance when bending forward.

Grab Bar

A grab bar is like a sturdy handrail that you can hold on to for support. A grab bar can make getting up and down and moving around much easier and safer. You might use them by the toilet, inside and outside the shower and tub, and in places with steps or uneven surfaces. Consider this textured grab bar so your hand is less likely to slip.

Shower Chair

A shower chair is a special chair you can use inside the shower if you have trouble with balance. it helps you sit down while you shower instead of standing. You can learn more about how to make a bathroom work for you after having a stroke based on recommendations from the American Stroke Association.

Handheld Shower Head

A handheld shower head allows you to control the water direction and flow while you are sitting down. There is no need to turn around in the shower and potentially fall when you can use your handheld shower head to rinse off.

Raised Toilet Seat

A raised toilet seat reduces the distance you need to sit down and stand from the toilet. It can make it easier to stand up and to sit down more gently if you have trouble with balance or weakness in your legs. It is important that you have this installed correctly and understand how to use it so it doesn’t tip.

Long Handled Sponge

A long-handled sponge is a helpful tool that lets you wash hard-to-reach places without bending or stretching too much. This means you can stay more stead and safe during your shower or bath. 

Bedside Commode

It might be hard for you to safely get to the bathroom at night when you are having trouble with your balance. A bedside commode is like having a toilet right close to your bed, so you do not have to make it all the way to the bathroom at night. It is a moveable chair with a hole in the seat with a bucket underneath. You may have to have someone else empty the bucket in the morning.

 It is important that you understand how to use your bed-side commode with evenly pushing down on both sides and sitting down gently so it doesn't tip. Here is an example of getting to the bed to the bedside commode. Sometimes your health care team might suggest you use your walking aide to go from the bed to bed side commode if you have a lot of trouble with balance. 

Anti-Slip Mats for inside the Tub or shower

An anti-slip mat gives you a sturdy grip to reduce the chances of slipping and make you feel more secure in the tub or shower. An anti-slip mat can be helpful when you are standing up from a shower chair because it reduces the chances of slipping.

Anti-slip Mats for Outside the Tub or Shower

An anti-slip mat outside your tub or shower makes helps you step out of the tub or shower more securely without slipping.

 You should make sure the mat has a rubber back and is not too thick. You should have someone remove it for you after you are finished showering so that you do not trip on it when you are going through the bathroom at other times.