Special Needs Equipment: October 2010

Benefits of Handicap Reachers and Grabbers

Disability, Handicap Equipment

What are Handicap Reachers and Grabbers?

A handicap reacher is a device designed to reach objects from a distance and bring them close enough to grab. People with limited reaching capabilities find using a reacher is helpful when reaching for things that are difficult to get to such as dropped coins, dropped papers or mail, or even items inside cabinets and refrigerators.

Recommended Handicap Reachers and Grabbers

32 Inch Aluminum Handicap Reacher – Has a non slip gripping surface and is sturdy enough to pick up lightweight objects. Perfect for assisting with socks.

Handicap Reacher with 31 Inches – Lightweight reacher that is able to pick up a penny or even a can of vegetables. Handle is perfect for most users.

Lightweight Foldable Grabber – Foldable grabber that can be stored in a suitcase for portable use in travel or vacations.

Aluminum Reacher with Magnetic Tip – Handicap reacher with a magnetic tip and a jaw that can pick up cans. Magnetic tip works perfectly for picking up lightweight metal objects in hard to reach places.

Reachers come in several different weights and styles depending on the needs of the individual. Some of the different styles of reachers available are listed below.

Aluminum frame reachers are lightweight and easy for the individual to manage.

Rotating head reachers are perfect for picking up small items that are in hard to reach places.

Reachers and handicap grabbers are great for individuals who need lift chairs and have trouble reaching things when they are seated.

Rotating arm handicap reachers are great for tight spaces where extra movement may be necessary for picking up an item.

Suction cups on reachers aid in grabbing an item securely making even slippery items easy to pick up.

Magnetic tip reachers have a magnet on the tip which helps the individual to pick up small steel parts like screws or bolts.

Foldable reachers are handy when the individual has limited space for storing their reacher, or needs to take the reacher with them when they leave home.

Most reachers utilize a trigger mechanism which helps to ensure a tight grip on the object being picked up.

How Can A Reacher Improve Your Quality of Life?
Reachers can improve the quality of life for people with spinal injuries, arthritis, hip, joint, or bone pain, or simply those people who find using a reaching device is easier, safer, and less strenuous, than bending over to pick something up.

Listed below are a few ways people might make good use of their reacher:

Picking the remote control for your television

Opening drawers or cabinet doors

Getting an object from a high shelf

Taking a book from a bookshelf

Retrieve pens and pencils from the floor

Where Can I Buy a Reacher?
Handicap reachers can be purchased from pharmacies, grocery stores, online stores, and even flea markets. Depending on where you choose to buy your reacher, and the quality of reacher you decide on, the prices may range from $10.00 to $40.00. You can check out our list of recommended reachers and grabbers.

Tags: Foldable Reachers, Handicap Grabbers, Handicap Reachers, Magnetic Tip Reachers