If you’ve just had a draining and incapacitating surgery, your strength isn’t what it was in your younger years, or your height doesn’t allow you to retrieve things that are high up, a grabber tool can offer the extra help you need.
Not only can they reach low floors and high shelves easily, but they can also prevent you from having to bend or stretch, or risk your life climbing a ladder to get to something you need.
For the elderly and invalids who are most prone to problems with mobility, a grabber tool is a convenient way of solving this problem.
What Is A Grabber Tool
A grabber or reacher tool is an assistive and handy tool with great flexibility that works like your hand to help you collect objects or reach out to places that are impossible or difficult to get to naturally.
It’s useful for people who can’t stretch their arms, stoop or bend for reasons best known to themselves, especially those with injuries, mobility limitations, recovering from surgery, or the elderly.
Some grabber tools have rotating heads that are useful for versatile work whether at home or in the office, so you can pick large lightweight or small metallic objects conveniently.
It’s a lightweight, easy to use tool that makes life easier for its users depending on the features integrated into its design.
Elderly people can benefit most from using a grabber tool, so if you’re looking for one for yourself or a loved one, check out our list of the best grabber tools for elderly people. We’ll also give you a buyer’s guide at the tail-end of this post so you know what to look for when choosing the best grabber tool.
Best Grabber Tools For The Elderly
There are several types of grabber tools available today for different categories of people, which makes picking the best one a daunting task.
Here’s our roundup of the best grabber tools for the elderly that are not only durable but also have versatile designs and work well. We picked the 10 on our list based on material, length, weight, and load.
1. Ettore 49036 Grip ‘n Grab Reach Tool
Instead of using an expensive, heavy ladder to access high areas in your home, which will also frustrate you, this grabber tool will come in handy for you.
It is long (34 inches) so you don’t have to climb ladders or stools to access things that are high up, and also its multi-purpose design makes it functional and works well whether you’re in the home or outdoors.
Its exemplary quality is drawn from its lightweight aluminum build, which can be used for long periods without issues. Plus, it’s rustproof and features a sleek and well-balanced profile that lets you reach items effortlessly.
The long-reach design of this grabber tool ensures you don’t have to strain or bend while using it, plus it’s easy to maneuver. It also has an articulating head that grabs different sizes of objects (up to five pounds) with little effort and allows you to pick low or high objects without any damage.
Its comfortable design makes it a popular tool worldwide thanks to the comfort grip, which lowers motion fatigue, and the soft non-slip and non-irritant surface makes it easy for use in and out of the home.
2. VIVE Reacher Grabber
VIVE is a premium grabber tool that improves access to hard-to-reach objects and areas in your home. It is well-engineered and measures 32 inches, plus its light, ambidextrous design means you can use it with any hand, especially if you struggle with arthritis.
The grabber is easy to use thanks to its suction-based system that makes it convenient for elderly people.
Its features include the strong rubber that grabs most objects like cans, boxes, and bottles well, but you can also retrieve your pills and other small items like coins and more weighing up to five pounds.
It also has a durable and rustproof aluminum frame that ensures your hands or elbows aren’t irritated. Its ergonomic handle is comfortable because of its non-slip grip that most elderly people will appreciate, and it’s backed by a lifetime guarantee, making it a valuable product.
3. RMS Featherweight the Original Reacher
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This grabber or reacher tool is lightweight and ideal for use by the elderly at home. It retails in two sizes – a 26-inch for maximized control and useful for delicate items like medication, and a 32-inch model with a well-balanced design for maximum reach.
It is built with aluminum, which makes it durable, and has a slim chance of breaking or even rusting. The shaft is well-balanced for easy maneuvering and its comfortable trigger handle makes it enjoyable to use.
The RMS Featherweight reacher is also ideal for traveling because of its lightweight design, and you can also move with it in different rooms with ease. Plus, it has a post for dressing, and a magnetized tip that picks up small (up to five pounds) items like coins easily. There are also clip fasteners you can use to secure it on your walker, wheelchair, or hospital bed.
4. Sammons Preston Reacher Extension Grabber Tool
Sammons Preston designed this versatile grabber tool with several desirable attributes. It has a long 26-inch handle that’s convenient for reaching tall cupboards and picking up trash.
Its features include a durable head with flexible magnetic tip jaws, which can clasp and retrieve most small metallic items like coins, jewelry, and more, which are in tight, hard-to-reach spots.
This grabber tool also has 3-inch wide jaws that fit and secure objects weighing up to one pound, and you can use it whether you’re indoors or outdoors. You can also pick up trash using this tool without straining your shoulders or your back.
It has a comfortable handle and ideal ergonomically-designed trigger action so you can use it while standing or from your wheelchair without major problems. It’s also durable so it won’t break over time and is made of high-quality aluminum.
The lightweight grabber tool is also rust and corrosion-resistant.
5. Duro-Med Reacher Grabber
This grabber tool by Duro-Med handles most duties easily thanks to its lightweight, plastic, and convenient design. You won’t struggle while using it to access objects on a shelf, in your attic, or on the floor.
It’s also durable and comfortable to use in your home, and has sturdy two-and-a-half jaw opening grabbers, and interlocking jaws that grab objects with minimal effort. If you pick up cans or keys often, this grabber tool will be great for you.
It also has a magnetic pickup tool and a long 32-inch reach design that’s convenient. The elderly can use it effortlessly every day, and it’s affordable too. What’s more, you don’t need professional skills to set it up or use it every day.
6. PikStik Pro Aluminum Reacher
This lightweight grabber tool is made of anodized aluminum, which makes it easy for elderly people to use it effortlessly. It also has a durable dual-channel shaft with a slim risk of bending or breaking.
The PikStik Pro grabber/reacher measures 32 inches long so you can reach attics or tall shelves without straining.
It also has 5.5 inch rotating jaws ideal for picking trash, cooking, or even dressing, and grabs many items easily from different angles.
It’s a fun-to-use tool with a unique, responsive trigger and handle design that won’t irritate your hands or palms, so you just need to squeeze it to close the jaws completely.
Elderly people with weak hands will find it a handy feature.
A warranty is available with this grabber, and if it fails or breaks in less than 12 months, you’ll get a free replacement grabber tool from PikStik.
7. Handi Grip Grabber
This reacher grabber by RMS helps elderly people access high areas easily. The high-performance device is durable and features a versatile design that meets the needs of many people.
It is 19 inches long, with an impressive weight limit, and can help you pick or lift heavy items thanks to its low-profile design.
So if you’re in a wheelchair, you’ll find it easy to use to reach for several items up top or on the floor in your home.
Its head is desirable and is made of heavy-duty, durable plastic with a non-slip design that rotates when you want to pick your medication from a shelf or pick up trash outdoors.
You can also reach and grab from every angle and easily maneuver using this tool.
The RMS grabber doesn’t slip or irritate your hands, and fits snug in your hands thanks to its comfortable grip, without tiring your hands or wrists.
It’s also backed by a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee and lifetime warranty.
8. RMS Royal Reacher Grabber
Elderly people and those who have mobility limitations, like short or disabled people, will find this grabber tool useful.
Not only is it made of lightweight aluminum so you don’t have to strain to use it, the material is also durable to resist corrosion and rust so you can use it indoors and outdoors.
If you suffer joint pain or arthritis, which compromises your mobility, this grabber will improve your quality of life by helping you reach difficult areas like shelves.
Its swivel head grabs items from different orientations, and its balanced design allows you to maneuver easily without straining your joints.
Its claws measure 4.5 inches, and its non-slip rubber surfaces allow you to grip many items well. A plastic handle with an on-board ergonomic trigger is available that lets you use the tool with ease.
The RMS Royal Medication Solutions grabber is also affordable, and you can trust its quality parts to last long.
A 100 percent money-back guarantee is available that speaks of its quality, but the company is also ready to replace defective models hassle-free.
9. ArcMate EZ Reacher Outdoor Pro
ArcMate EZ is a quality grabber tool for elderly people that help them to pick small items and trash, among other things.
It features a quality design that is perfect for helping them access and retrieve items from areas that are hard to reach, like shelves.
Plus, it has a long, convenient 32-inch design to help elderly people add to their reach.
Its lightweight design/frame won’t frustrate you indoors or outdoors, and it doesn’t crumble under load.
Most grabbers do this, and end up frustrating the user especially when handling medication and other delicate items.
Even though it is light, this grabber tool is sturdy and durable, plus it is rust and corrosion free thanks to its aluminum build.
It also won’t break or bend over time when handling heavy objects.
Its strong rubber cup lasts long, and its non-slip and ergonomic grip secures many item types well.
It is also affordable, so you get all these benefits in a budget-friendly package.
10. Unger Professional Nifty Nabber
If you struggle to bend for long picking items on your lawn, or having to climb stools or ladders to access hard-to-reach areas, this Unger Nifty Nabber will come in handy for you.
The reputable model measures 36 inches with a feature-rich design, which the elderly can use effortlessly.
Its lightweight aluminum frame makes it portable, and you can maneuver and lift it on demand without straining too much.
It also has rubber-tipped grippers to handle delicate items of up to five pounds and a magnet that secures metal objects.
This grip also doesn’t irritate your hands, wrists, or palms so you can use it for long periods without issue.
It’s a cost-effective grabber tool that’s affordable, easy to use, and its quality design will serve you well for years to come.
Buyer’s Guide: What To Consider When Picking The Best Grabber Tool For the Elderly
A grabber tool for elderly people is a vital thing to have in the home. Not only does it make it easy to access hard to reach areas or locations, but it’s also perfect for picking up items like coins, trash, and other objects from the floor.
To get a model you or your loved one will enjoy using daily, here is a list of factors to consider during your selection:
Material
If you’ve seen a grabber tool you like, check that its materials are durable, rustproof, corrosion-proof, and work well indoors and outdoors.
Also check whether it’s built with aluminum or plastic, because the former may be more expensive than the latter.
A well-built model will serve you for years.
Length
The main reason for getting a grabber tool is to enhance your ability to reach items or hard-to-reach areas. If you’re on the market for a grabber tool, check for its length depending on your height as well.
If you’re short, a longer model will suffice, but short grabbers also tend to be strong and good for lifting heavier objects.
A standard grabber’s shaft measures 32 inches long, which is a comfortable length for many people, but this depends on your needs.
Some are straight while others are foldable and easy to store.
Check also its specified vertical and horizontal lifting capacity as this determines if you’ll put pressure on your wrist or hand, which can be unsafe for you.
Grip and Trigger
The gripper of the grabber tool you’re considering should have some rotation. Some rotate 90 or 360 degrees while others are fixed.
The tool with a 360-degree rotating jaw is best as it can operate in horizontal or vertical positions to pick up items in hard to reach or tight places.
For a firm hold, non-slip rubberized jaws are fitted on some grabbers’ grippers, to help you pick objects easily.
For metal objects, find a grabber with a rubber jaw that has a built-in magnet.
Also, check for a trigger with a rubber element or one that’s contoured so your fingers don’t slip during handling.
Comfort
Test the grabber tool for comfort before making that purchase.
Comfort counts a big deal because ergonomic handles are the best option for elderly people or even the disabled.
This way, they can pick up trash, medication, and even organize high shelves, because the tool is easy to use.
It’ll also make the retrieval of items easier thanks to the secure grip.
The handle should also be soft and easy to maneuver so find a reputable grabber tool brand you’ll enjoy using daily.
Overall Benefits Of Using A Grabber Tool
Whether or not you’re an elderly person, recovering from an injury or surgery, or you’re pregnant, you may still find a grabber tool useful in your daily life.
Grabber tools are not only helpful but also excellent for efficiency. They make repetitive and mundane tasks move much faster and easier.
A good example would be picking up trash, toys or cleaning up your yard, which goes along quicker and easier if you use a grabber tool.
Some people also use them while they’re mowing their lawns to pick up items like sticks or others that get in their way without necessarily stopping what they’re doing.
Grabbers are also helpful for people with neck, back, or knee problems that arise due to repetitive squatting, bending, and improper stretching. You can use a grabber to reduce such repetitive actions.
They also make certain life tasks safer in general, for instance having to climb a stool or ladder to reach something. A grabber tool makes it easier to reach the item safely while you’re firmly planted on the floor.
When you’re outdoors, grabber tools also help you stay away from harmful objects like bee hives or wasp nests and tall trees or bushes.
Do You Need A Grabber Tool
Elderly people get weaker as they age, so it’s harder for them to perform the tasks they did daily with much more strength when they were younger.
Things that were so easy to do back then, like climbing a stool or ladder to reach a cabinet, suddenly become strenuous or hazardous.
A grabber tool can help improve the quality of the elderly person’s life if they’re at that stage where they just can’t reach for things easily.
This includes people struggling with arthritis, bone or joint pain, general fatigue or malaise, and back issues among others.
As much as it looks like a luxury item, it’s a necessity for the elderly at that time in their lives.
It helps them reach up slightly to areas they can’t ordinarily get to, or avoid straining their hands, arms, or backs by bending down to pick up objects like mail, coins, medication, and much more.
Other people that could do with a grabber tool are those who have undergone surgery, or those recovering from injuries, who find it hard to return to their daily lives.
A grabber can help them get back on their feet and perform typically simple tasks like picking up objects, grabbing the TV remote, or putting things away without much strain on their injured parts.
Wrapping Up
We hope you now know the best grabber tools for elderly people and how to look for one out of the many options available on the market today.
Each of the 10 grabber tools we’ve listed are highly convenient, especially for seniors and elderly people, as they allow them to work as normal doing their daily tasks like putting away clothes, picking up objects, yard work, and more without exerting themselves or changing their routines.
They’re not just for the elderly, but other people struggling with mobility issues can also benefit from the extended reach and firm grasp that these grabbers help them with.
Remember, while the brands and models may look similar, they don’t necessarily work the same. Check for durability and features like length, grip, comfort, and other extras you can work with indoors and outdoors.
If you’re getting a grabber tool for medical reasons though, check with your doctor for recommendations or head to the dealer and try different models before settling on one of these ten options.
Diana Paul is a certified nutritionist who writes for leading health blogs. She is a master herbalist, yoga teacher, forager, and wild-crafting writer She is focused on helping people transform life blocks to opportunities. Based in NYC, she often holds health seminars and lectures.