by Katie Noble (Managing Director at Allied Medical and Livewell)
With the holiday season upon us, many of us are looking for gifts for parents and older family members that feel meaningful and genuinely helpful. This year, consider giving the gift of independence. At Livewell, we offer a wide range of daily living aids that support people in managing everyday tasks with greater ease, safety, and confidence.
Here are some of our top picks for this Christmas:
The Nipper Reacher is a lightweight tools helps users pick up items from the floor, high shelves, or awkward spaces without bending, stretching, or straining.
Getting dressed can be easier too. The Flexible Sock and Stocking Aid supports anyone who finds it hard to reach their feet, helping them pull on socks without needing to bend. The Shoestik Shoehorn offers extra length and leverage, so slipping into shoes becomes a smoother and more comfortable part of the morning routine.
In the bathroom, the Long Handled Bath Sponge gives better reach for washing without twisting or overreaching, helping people maintain personal hygiene with privacy and dignity.
Staying oriented throughout the day can also be an important part of feeling independent. The Digital Calendar Clock has a clear, easy to read display that shows the day, date, and time, which is especially helpful for those who appreciate extra support with memory, daily structure, or routines.
Pets are family too, and caring for them can be tricky if bending is uncomfortable. The No Bend Pet Bowl for cats and dogs brings food and water up to a more accessible height, so feeding time is kinder on backs and hips.
For hot drink preparation, the Gilia Kettle provides a secure, tipping style design that reduces the need to lift and pour a heavy kettle. It helps make that daily cup of tea or coffee safer and more enjoyable.
Opening jars and cans can be particularly challenging if grip strength or dexterity is reduced. The One Touch Automatic Jar Opener and One Touch Automatic Can Opener take the effort out of these jobs. With the push of a button, they handle the hard work, so users can open their favourite ingredients without strain.
The Good Grips Twisting Jar Opener remains a popular option too, giving a secure grip on stubborn lids. Pair it with the Kitchen Spread Board with Removable Spikes, which holds food in place for one handed use, and you have a kitchen set up that supports safe cutting, spreading, and preparing meals.
Smaller comfort items are great ideas too. The Ring Seat Cushion helps relieve pressure for those who sit for longer periods, and the Swivel Cushion assists with smoother transfers in and out of chairs or vehicles. The AML Back Support encourages better posture and lumbar support when sitting at home, at work, or in the car.
Stocking-Sized Independence Boosters
Sometimes the most meaningful gifts come in small packages. These practical little helpers can fit easily into a stocking while still delivering everyday benefits.
For readers or anyone who finds small print difficult, the Full Page Magnifier is a simple and effective solution, ideal for books, recipes, instructions, and mail.
Dressing and personal care can be eased with compact tools. The AML Button Hook/Zipper Pull assists with fastening buttons and pulling zips, which is particularly helpful for those with limited hand strength or dexterity. The AML Nail Clipper with Magnifier provides a clearer view and better control for nail trimming, supporting safe and independent grooming.
Medication routines can be simplified with the AML 3 in 1 Pill Splitter, which combines pill splitting, crushing, and storage in one handy device. These smaller items can be grouped together in a gift pack or added individually as thoughtful stocking fillers.
Visit Our New Livewell Store in Albany
We are excited to welcome you to our new Livewell store in Albany. It is a warm, welcoming space where you can explore a wide range of daily living aids, mobility products, and comfort solutions in person. You can try products, ask questions, and chat with our friendly team, all while enjoying a relaxed environment and a cup of coffee.
Visit us online at livewell.co.nz or pop into the Albany store to find the perfect gifts that support independence and wellbeing for the people you care about.
This season, consider gifts that bring confidence, comfort, and freedom into everyday life. From simple kitchen tools and dressing aids, through to mobility equipment and comfort-focused seating, our range is designed to support independence at every stage. Explore our collection online or visit Livewell in Albany, and give the gift of independence to someone who matters most.