13 Must-Have Products That Make Caregiving Easier and Safer
Caring for a loved one at home is hard work. I know that you’re constantly trying to keep them safe, clean and comfortable while making sure you don’t burn yourself out.
The right tools won’t make caregiving easy, but they sure can make your daily routine less stressful and safer for everyone. Here are 13 practical products that family caregivers actually use and recommend. I do too.
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Keeping Things Clean and Germ-Free
When someone has a weak immune system or can’t move around easily, staying clean is vital to their health.
1. Alcohol-Based Disinfectant Wipes (With Aloe)
MED PRIDE Alcohol Based Disinfectant Wipes
Washing my hands with soap and water is always my preferred method of hand sanitation. But sometimes washing up with running water isn’t a practical option.
I know the misery that can come from alcohol-damaged skin. These wipes are strong enough to kill germs. but gentle on my hands. The aloe keeps my skin from getting dry and cracked when I’m cleaning several times a day.
Use these wipes:
- On sensitive hands
- When traveling
- To keep your loved one’s hands and the surfaces around them clean
- POTENT WIPES: Experience the potency of our extra large alcohol wipes, not your average sanitizing wipes. These large alcohol wipes are known for their high effectiveness in eliminating harmful germs …
- ENDURING FRESHNESS: Relish the enduring freshness of our alcohol disinfecting wipes with our resealable package. These alcohol based disinfectant wipes stay fresh and 100% effective for a long time, t…
- CONVENIENT CLEANLINESS: Keep cleanliness at your fingertips with our alcohol hand sanitizer wipes, perfect for those always on the move. These extra large alcohol wipes offer a convenient alternative …
2. Hand Sanitizer Wipes (Individually Wrapped)
Care Touch Hand Sanitizer Wipes
These unscented wipes come in separate packets so they won’t easily dry out. That makes them especially handy for doctor visits and, grocery shopping. I keep a small supply of these packets in my car.
Best for:
- Keeping in a pocket, purse or backpack
- People who are sensitive to fragrances
- Before meals when you’re away from home
- INDIVIDUALLY WRAPPED – This pack contains individually wrapped hand sanitizer wipes that are easily accessible, discreet, and convenient to use. Individual packets also keep the wipes from drying out.
- FRAGRANCE & PARABEN-FREE – These hand wipes are free of any preservatives that could be harmful, all while leaving no unwanted scent behind.
- COMPACT PACKAGING – Its packaging is compact and small enough to fit in any pocket or bag so you can easily include it with your travel-size toiletries.
3. Alcohol-Free Hand Sanitizer Wipes (Bulk Container)
Clorox Pro Alcohol-Free Hand Sanitizer Wipes
Some older adults have sensitive skin that gets irritated by alcohol. These wipes use a different germ-killer called benzalkonium chloride. They come in a big container that’s a welcome solution for the whole household.
To be honest, they had me at “Clorox.”
Best for:
- People with sensitive skin
- Homes with multiple family members
- Caregivers helping more than one person
- KEEP HANDS CLEAN DAILY – Clorox Pro sanitizing hand wipes offer a convenient solution for maintaining clean hands anywhere, perfectly suited for everyday use at home or on the go, as the hand wipes co…
- ALCOHOL-FREE FORMULA – Enjoy a powerful clean without the sting or dryness of alcohol-based products; our gentle hand wipes are ideal for use by the whole family, leaving skin feeling soft and refresh…
- EFFECTIVE AT REMOVING DIRT – These hand cleaning wipes are designed to remove 99.99% of dirt from your hands efficiently, ensuring you stay fresh and hygienic throughout the day without needing water …
4. Laundry Sanitizer
Lysol Disinfectant Laundry Sanitizer
Regular laundry detergent doesn’t always kill bacteria. This product helps when washing bedding after accidents or illness — without using harsh bleach.
I love this stuff! It’s got a fresh scent that doesn’t just mask odor. It eliminates the sources of odors like urine and vomit.
I’m all about brand recognition when it comes to superior caregiving solutions. Once again, I’ll admit it: They had me at “Lysol.”
Use it for:
- Sheets and towels
- Clothing after incontinence episodes
- Keeping bad smells from lingering
- LAUNDRY DETERGENT ADDITIVE: Add Lysol Laundry Sanitizer to every wash, in the fabric softener drawer, to sanitize and deodorize smelly laundry. Lysol Laundry Sanitizer kills many bad odors that detergents leave behind.
- COLOR SAFE BLEACH ALTERNATIVE: Lysol Laundry Sanitizer is a bleach alternative that effectively kills 99.9% of bacteria***, without the harshness of bleach. It’s gentle on fabrics, effective in cold water, and is safe to use on colors and whites.
- LYSOL LAUNDRY SANITIZER: Better than in-wash scent boosters that just mask bad odors. Lysol Laundry Sanitizer kills the odor causing bacteria that laundry detergents alone can leave behind, even in cold water! Can be used in standard and HE machines.
Oh, yeah — if you or your loved one is sensitive to scents or dyes, there’s a Lysol Laundry Sanitizer Additive, Free & Clear version of this additive.
5. Disposable Vinyl Gloves (Latex-Free)
SWIFTLITE Disposable Vinyl Gloves
Gloves protect both you and your loved one during personal care, cleaning up messes and handling food. These multipurpose gloves are latex-free for people with allergies.
Use them for:
- Helping loved ones with bathroom needs
- Cleaning up spills
- Preparing food safely
Taking Care of Teeth and Gums
Dental problems can quickly become serious health issues. These tools make brushing and flossing easier for your loved ones.
6. Easy-Reach Floss Picks
DenTek Easy Reach Complete Clean Floss Picks
I’ve used these for my own dental health for years. But they’re also very useful for caregiving.
The longer handles make it easier to help someone else floss safely too. They’re also easier to use if your loved one has arthritis or trouble gripping things.
- Super-strong scrubbing floss is guaranteed not to break, even when used on the tightest teeth.
- Features tongue scraper to freshen breath and scaling tool to remove surface debris.
- Flexible bristle pick with advanced fluoride coating brushes deep between teeth
7. Interdental Cleaners
DenTek Easy Brush Advanced Clean Interdental Cleaners
Depending on your loved one’s health condition, flossing their teeth for them might not be practical. And simply using a toothbrush doesn’t cut it. In that situation, consider using interdental cleaners instead.
These small brushes clean between teeth for people who can’t use regular floss. They’re gentle on sensitive gums.
Best for:
- Hands that don’t work as well as they used to
- Tender or bleeding gums
- When you need to help someone with brushing
I’ve subscribed to these and the floss picks on Amazon, so I never run out.
- DenTek Easy Brush Advanced Clean Interdental Cleaners with standard fit brushes in between teeth, interdental spaces or dental appliances
- Tapered brush with soft bristles helps remove food from hardest-to-reach places
- The flexible wire allows bristles to bend for better access to clean around braces and other dental work
Making Meal Prep Simpler
Caregivers often cook meals in stages — between dispensing medications, going to appointments and taking much-needed breaks. Good food storage prevents waste and saves time.
8. Reusable Elastic Bowl Covers (Multi-Size Pack)
Vida Line™ Reusable Bowl Covers
These stretchy and colorful covers fit over bowls, plates and even open cans. No more struggling with plastic wrap. Just wash and reuse them.
Want to use these covers in the microwave? You can, but I always make sure that the plastic cover doesn’t touch the food.
- 3 CONVENIENT SIZES (32 of each size) fit small tuna cans, food prep bowls, serving bowls and full-size dinner plates. Small covers fit 2.75” – 5” containers. Medium covers fit 4.5” – 8.5” bowls and pans. Large covers fit 6” – 11…
- STRETCH YOUR FOOD BUDGET by making the most of leftovers with these reusable elastic covers for bowls and plates. This 96-piece set offers food storage covers to accommodate all your pans, cans and containers.
- COLOR-CODED in blue, yellow and red, Vida Line Reusable Covers for food storage make it easy to quickly select the size you need, and to organize foods in your refrigerator by meat dishes, fruits and vegetables, and soups and sides.
9. Reusable Elastic Bowl Covers (Bulk Pack)
MAQIHAN Reusable Elastic Bowl Covers
This is a bigger pack for busy kitchens or when you’re cooking meals ahead of time.
- Elastic Bowl Covers:The edge of the plastic food cover is a stretchable elastic strap, which makes the bowl cover very easy to use. You only need to gently stretch it along both ends of the bowl cover, and then it can easily cover dishes of different…
- Thick and Not Easy to Tear: These cover is made of high-quality plastic material, thickand not easy to tear. Washable and reusable if not severely stained
- Keep Away from Dust & Visibility: The cover effectively prevent dust and other things from contacting the food, especially suitable for use at yard parties and picnics. Compared with the traditional cloth bowl cover, the transparent MAQIHAN elastic p…
10. Silicone Stretch Lids (Heat-Resistant)
Silicone Stretch Lids for Food Storage
Not a fan of plastic covers? These dishwasher-safe silicone covers create a tight seal and work in both the fridge and microwave. Unlike the plastic covers, you don’t have to be as worried about them touching the food while in the microwave.
Use them for:
- Storing and reheating leftovers
- Keeping stored food fresher and longer in the refrigerator
- Stacking food containers to conserve fridge space
- Silicone Effortless Seal for Any Container – Our premium silicone lid covers offer elastic flexibility and create a 100% airtight seal, easily adapting to various shapes including round, rectangle, and irregular containe…
- Food-grade silicone – crafted from platinum liquid silicone for unmatched durability and stretch. Certified safe for direct food contact with no odor. It makes our food covers exceptional stretch and durability, ensuring…
- High/Low Temperature Resistant – Our German material silicone cover food lids are designed to withstand a wide range of temperatures from -22°F to 428°F. These lid covers for bowls are heat-resistant making them used in …
Helping with Movement and Staying Independent
The right equipment reduces the chance of falling while helping your loved one feel capable.
11. Folding Walker with Tray and Wheels
Lightweight Folding Walker with Tray
A walker with a tray lets people carry their own meals, medicine or personal items. They don’t have to wait for help with every little thing.
When my brother was temporarily incapacitated due to a health event last year, I got him one of these. Now that he’s back on his feet, he’s still using it.
Helps with:
- Preventing falls
- Moving around the house safely
- Staying independent
- FSA or HSA Eligible: The Loyoda walker supports up to 350lbs, enhancing mobility for those needing extra assistance. Its sturdy aluminum frame is lightweight yet durable, providing reassurance for long-term use
- Keep Items within Reach: Providing a stable surface for carrying items such as drinks, snacks, and personal belongings. Simply slide the tray onto the front bars for a secure fit. Also it can be easily removed when not in use
- Space Saving and Transport: The trigger release mechanism ensures effortless operation, making it easy to fold and transport. This compact walker fits in a car trunk or can be stored in a corner of a room
Seeing Better and Staying Connected
Vision problems can lead to mistakes and add to stress. Communication tools can help reduce loneliness for loved ones and reduce stress for family caregivers.
12. Handheld Magnifying Glass with Light
JMH Magnifying Glass with LED Light
Bright light plus magnification makes it easier for you or your loved one to read medicine bottles, mail and bills.
I often use this to read the tiny print on insurance ID cards as well as financial and legal documents.
- HIGH POWER MAGNIFICATION: This magnifying glass provide Optical high magnification, allowing users with low vision to read text, no matter the size.
- ULTRA BRIGHT 18 LED WITH 3 MODES: The built-in energy-saving 18 LED lights provides extra luminance to ensure an overall better reading experience even at night or dark places. The stepless dimmable 3 lighting modes (cold, warm and mixed) can be swit…
- EASY TO USE: Comes completely assembled, just requires 3x AAA batteries (not included). Easy to operate with a simple ON / OFF button switch, making it perfect for the elderly or those requiring an intuitive magnification system.
13. Smart Display for Reminders and Video Calls
Echo Show 8
Smart displays help with:
- Reminders to take medicine
- Video calls with family members
- Weather updates and daily routines
These work especially well for seniors living on their own and caregivers managing busy schedules.
Consider this if you’re a long-distance caregiver. You can reduce some stress by enabling the Echo’s “drop-in” feature. It lets you initiate a video call with someone to check on them if they aren’t answering their phone.
- Better inside and out – Entertainment is more immersive with spatial audio and an 8″ HD touchscreen. Video calling is crisper with high-quality sound and a 13 MP camera. And your home is more connected than ever with the built-in smart home hub.
- Vibrant sights, full sound – Content on Prime Video, Netflix, Fire TV Channels, and more comes to life with an HD display and room-filling spatial audio. Ask Alexa to stream Amazon Music, Apple Music, or Spotify. Subscriptions for some services requi…
- Smart home, simplified – Pair and control devices compatible with Zigbee, Matter, and Thread without a separate smart home hub. Manage cameras, lights, and more using the display or your voice, or activate routines via motion. Also supports connectiv…
Which caregiving tools should you get first?
I suggest you start with the most important items first.
- Cleaning and germ control (wipes, sanitizer, gloves)
- Help with walking safely (walker)
- Daily living tools (magnifier, oral care items)
Add convenience items later when you can afford them. You don’t need everything at once. Prioritize what solves today’s problem.
The right caregiving tools make a big difference.
Caregiving is hard, repetitive work that often goes unnoticed. The right tools won’t replace love or patience, but they can make daily tasks easier and help you prevent caregiver burnout.
Family Caregiving Products FAQ
How often should I disinfect high-touch surfaces when caring for someone at home?
Clean high-touch surfaces 2 to 3 times daily. More if they’re sick.
Focus on wheelchair arms, walker handles, TV remotes and bedside tables. Also, don’t forget doorknobs and light switches. You can keep wipes in each room so you can clean quickly between other tasks.
Are alcohol-free sanitizers as effective as alcohol-based ones?
Yes. Alcohol-free sanitizers kill most germs just fine.
They use a different ingredient called benzalkonium chloride. They’re much gentler on skin. This matters when you’re cleaning hands all day long.
Alcohol-based sanitizers work a bit faster, but both do the job.
What’s the most important safety item to buy first for an aging parent?
Consider a walker or grab bars.
Falls cause more injuries in seniors than anything else. Take steps to prevent falls first. After that, you can add other items based on what your loved one needs most, like a magnifier or pill dispenser.
How can I encourage my loved one to use a walker without hurting their pride?
Call it an independence tool, not a disability aid.
Show them how it lets them carry their own coffee, phone or medications without asking for help. Let them add personal touches, like adding their favorite color, a cup holder or a small basket.
Adjusting to new equipment may take time. Their feelings matter.
Do I really need disposable gloves for everyday caregiving?
Yes, especially for bathroom help and cleaning up messes.
Gloves stop germs from spreading between you and your loved one. They also make awkward personal care tasks feel less uncomfortable for everyone. Consider keeping a box of gloves in the bathroom, bedroom and kitchen.
Change gloves between different tasks. Don’t use the same pair for everything.
