Does the dad in your life have a mobility impairment? If so, Father’s Day is a great time to consider a thoughtful gift that could make his life a little – or a lot – easier.
If you’re the dad, consider doing something for yourself!
Dads love fun gifts as much as anyone else, but they also appreciate something practical every now and then. That’s what Father’s Day gifts like the ones we found below are all about.
(By the way, these are great gifts for moms, too! Everything here could certainly apply to her, just as all the health tips we’ve shared for Mom make good advice for Dad.)
1. Non-slip shoe blocks.
These handy foot stools are perfect for dads whose ability to reach the floor from a sitting position is limited. They raise the foot and keep it in place to aid with putting the shoe on and tying the laces.
2. Extra long shoe horn.
Regular shoe horns go great with the shoe blocks mentioned above, but both require transitioning from standing to sitting before using them. A shoe horn with a 3-foot handle, on the other hand, allows dads to step into their shoes and don them without having to bend down.
3. Voice command assistant devices.
Devices like Amazon’s Echo, Google Home and Apple HomePod are wonderful when getting around the house is a chore. These digital assistants can make calls, check the weather, play music, you name it, all with a simple voice command.
4. Grabber devices.
When all Dad wants to do is pick up his wallet, the phone, the remote control, or whatever it is that’s just out of reach of his favorite chair, these reach extenders are a life-saver. (In some cases, literally. Anything that prevents the risk of falls could save a call to 911.)
5. Safety grip for the tub.
Dads aren’t always ready or able to do a complete bath/shower remodel to install safety fixtures like grab bars. A simple solution is a safety grip that attaches with strong suction cups.
6. The LifeGlider.
A hands-optional, fall-safe, upright mobility aid could be life-changing for Dad. It could enable him to walk with confidence, participate more in social life, and maintain his independence. He might even use it to walk his daughter down the aisle at her wedding.
7. Rotating tray table.
Mobility impairments make setting up a standard TV tray challenging. But with a swivel tray set up beside the couch or recliner, all Dad has to do is reach down one-handed to pull it up and over his lap.
8. One-handed jar opener.
Mount this simple lid-gripping device under a table or cabinet, and jar-opening turns into a one-handed operation. If arthritis or weakness is an issue, dads can use the other hand to assist with turning the base.
9. Power lift chair recliner.
For dads who need help getting up (and into their LifeGliders!), this can be a wonderful addition to the living room. Power lift chairs can be very comfortable when you get into them and lift forward to assist with getting out of them.
10. Extra long drinking straws.
Looking for an inexpensive but no less thoughtful gift? Many people with limited motor control benefit from simply not having to lift a glass to their lips. Get them in Dad’s favorite color!
11. Remote-controlled curtain rod.
We don’t always realize just how important natural light is to our mental health. Dads with mobility impairments could be suffering more than they realize simply by not being able to (easily) open the curtains to let the sunshine in. Remote control can make a huge difference.
12. Robot vacuum cleaners.
One contributor to the loss of independence for dads with disabilities is the struggle to maintain a clean environment. Cleaning either takes a lot of risk, a lot of time, or a lot of money. But if he’s got a little robot friend helping out, all he needs to do is empty it periodically. Great gift!
13. Motion sensor lights.
Automatic lighting can really help with fall prevention. Anyone can trip over something in the dark, but for dads with mobility impairments, the likelihood that an injury will result is higher. Part of your gift could be installing these for him in the darker corners and corridors of the house.
14. Bed rail with storage pockets.
When you give this to him, tell Dad you’re not worried about him falling out of bed. This just gives him a little extra support as he’s getting in and out, and as a bonus, he can keep some stuff in it. Like a little notebook and pen to record his deep thoughts … or a secret candy stash.
15. A meal kit service subscription.
Cooking gives some dads with mobility impairments a lot of joy, and the right mobility aid can help. But for others, cooking and cleaning aftward is just too difficult to do it every day. A meal kit delivery service like Blue Apron or Freshly makes it a lot easier to put healthy meals together.
For Father’s Day, Give Dad the Gift of Independence
Whether you’re getting Dad a bunch of extra long straws or something as significant as the LifeGlider, the idea is the same. You want him to enjoy more independence in his life.
The question is, how much independence do you want to give him?
If you’re interested in giving the Dad in your life the ability to spend more time safely on his feet, walking tall through life, that’s what the LifeGlider may be able to offer him.
To put the LifeGlider within reach for more dads (and moms, of course!), we offer financing through Klarna. You can learn more about financing options here and apply during the ordering process here.
Questions? Don’t hesitate to reach out and ask.
Whatever you do, we wish you a very happy and safe Father’s Day!
