Tools of the Trade: What Every At-Home Caregiver Should Have on Hand
When you're caring for someone at home, the right tools aren't just nice to have—they're the difference between chaos and calm.
This post breaks down what should be in every caregiver’s core kit: from bedside caddies to toileting supplies, from med tools to rotation systems. If you're starting out, this is your field guide. If you're already deep in it, this is your checklist to double back.
🛒 1. Caddies & Organizers
Keep everything in arm’s reach—especially when time and energy are limited.
🌡️ 2. Vitals & Medication Tools
Daily vitals and med management are part of the rhythm. Having reliable, simple tools makes it easier to track and respond.
Medication Reminder Timer – Vibration + Alarm
🚽 3. Toileting Aids
No sugarcoating it—this part is hard. These items make it safer, cleaner, and easier for everyone involved.
Disposable Underpads – Large + Absorbent
🧴 4. Skin Care & Cleaning Tools
Preventing breakdown, odor, and rashes matters. These help keep the body clean and protected, especially when bathing isn’t easy.
Perineal Cleanser – No-Rinse Foam
♻️ 5. Rotation & Restock Helpers
Supplies get messy fast. These tools help you track what has expired, been used, or needs to be rotated.
Stackable Trays – Great for Organizing Small Items
🧠 Final Tip
Group your supplies by purpose—bathing, meds, wound care, vitals—and set up one central bedside basket for daily use. Anything not needed every day can live on your rolling cart.
Rotation matters. Barrier creams expire. Pill bottles build up. Set a reminder once a month to restock and toss anything outdated.
Need more no-nonsense caregiver advice?
Get the book:
👉 The Unmedical Manual for Caregivers (Amazon)
