10 Must-Have Tools for Home Caregivers (That Actually Make Life Easier)
You’re tired, overwhelmed, and probably doing the job of three people — unpaid. So let’s talk about tools.
These aren’t cute gadgets. These are the real-world, tested-by-burnout items that can keep you from snapping at 2AM while wiping someone’s backside or changing their dressing with one hand. I’ve worked as a nurse for 20 years and lived through this stuff personally. These are the supplies I’d shove in your hands if you were about to go home with a loved one and no training.
Bookmark this list. Share it with a family member. And yes — the links are affiliate, which means if you buy something, a few cents go toward keeping the lights on around here. Thank you.
1. Nitrile Gloves (Powder-Free, Medical Grade)
You’ll use hundreds. Make peace with that now.
👉 Try These on Amazon
2. Wound Cleanser Spray (No Sting Formula)
Better than saline. Easier than irrigation kits.
👉 I Recommend This One
3. Gauze Squares + Nonstick Pads
The combo you’ll use for everything from small cuts to pressure ulcers.
👉 4x4 Gauze Pack
4. Barrier Cream or Skin Protectant
For bedsore prevention and raw skin cleanup. Essential.
👉 This One
5. Gait Belt
Safest way to help someone up without destroying your own back.
👉 Solid Grip, Affordable
6. Pressure Relief Cushion (For Chair)
Comfort equals prevention. This makes a massive difference.
👉 Simple, Effective Option
7. Chux Pads (Disposable Underpads)
If they’re incontinent, these go on beds, couches, recliners — everything.
👉 Trust Me: Buy in Bulk
8. Pill Organizer (Weekly, Large Compartments)
Because meds get missed when life is chaotic. This gives you a fighting chance.
👉 Easy-Open, Clear Labels
10. A Damn Good Clipboard or Organizer
To track meds, appointments, behavior changes, supply needs — all of it.
👉 My Favorite Option
✊ Real Talk
Caregiving without tools is like going into battle with a pool noodle. You deserve real gear. You also deserve support, resources, and a community that gets it.
That’s why I wrote The Unmedical Manual for Caregivers — a blunt, no-fluff survival guide for people doing medical work without training or backup.
📘 And if the book helps, leave a review — it matters more than you know.