PELEGON Hip Kit with Reacher
Everything for getting dressed without bending, in one box: sock aid, long shoehorn, reacher and more. Ideal to buy before a hip or knee replacement.
Putting on socks is one of those things nobody thinks about until they can’t do it. After a hip replacement, with a stiff back, with arthritic knees, or simply with less flexibility than you used to have, reaching your own feet becomes surprisingly hard. And for people who live alone, needing help to put on socks every morning feels like a big loss of independence.
Dressing aids solve this with almost embarrassingly simple tools. A sock aid, a long shoehorn and a reacher can let someone get fully dressed sitting down, without bending past their comfort zone.
Who Needs Dressing Aids?
The most common reason is hip replacement surgery. Many surgeons ask patients to avoid bending the hip too far for several weeks afterward, and getting socks and shoes on is exactly the movement that breaks that rule. Occupational therapists often teach patients to use these tools before they even leave the hospital.
But they’re just as useful for back surgery, knee replacement, arthritis, obesity, pregnancy, or anyone who gets dizzy bending down.
The Tools, and What Each One Does
Sock aid: a flexible plastic sleeve with two long cords. You slide the sock onto the sleeve, drop it to the floor, put your foot in, and pull the cords. The sock slides up your foot. It sounds odd. It works.
Long-handled shoehorn: lets you slip shoes on without reaching down.
Reacher: for picking up clothes, pulling up pants, and grabbing anything dropped. See our reacher guide.
Long-handled sponge: for washing legs and feet in the shower without bending.
Elastic shoelaces: turn lace-up shoes into slip-ons, so you never have to tie them again.
A hip kit bundles most of these together, which is usually the easiest and cheapest way to get everything at once.
Our Picks
Quick Links: PELEGON Hip Kit → | 7-Piece Hip Kit → | Wide Sock Aid → | Sock Aid Device →
| Product | Amazon Rating* | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| PELEGON Hip Kit (with reacher) | 4.8 / 5 | Best overall: everything for hip surgery recovery in one box |
| 7-Piece Hip Kit | 4.5 / 5 | Best value complete kit |
| 3.93″ Wide Sock Aid | 4.5 / 5 | Best for wider feet or compression socks |
| Sock Aid Device | 4.5 / 5 | Best if you only need help with socks |
*Ratings as shown on Amazon at the time of writing. Check each kit’s contents on the listing.
PELEGON Hip Kit: Best Overall
If someone is having hip surgery, this is the simplest thing to buy before the operation. The PELEGON hip kit includes a reacher along with the dressing tools, so everything needed for the first weeks home arrives together. Unpack it before surgery and practice once, because it’s much easier to learn when you’re not sore.
7-Piece Hip Kit: Best Value Kit
This 7-piece kit covers the same basics at a lower price. Check the listing for exactly what’s included, since kits vary.
Wide Sock Aid: Best for Wider Feet
Standard sock aids can be too narrow for swollen feet, wider feet, or thicker socks. This wide sock aid gives more room. A note on compression stockings: they’re very tight, and many people find a sock aid designed specifically for compression stockings works better.
Sock Aid Device: Best for Socks Only
If socks are the only problem, a simple sock aid on its own is all you need.
Dressing Tips That Make a Real Difference
Always sit down to dress. Use a sturdy chair with arms, not the edge of a soft bed.
Dress the weaker or operated leg first, undress it last. It’s the leg that moves least easily, so it gets the most room to work.
Lay clothes out the night before, within reach of the chair.
Choose easy clothing: elastic waistbands, slip-on shoes with a firm back, and front-opening tops.
Ask for an OT visit. An occupational therapist can teach techniques for your exact situation and surgery. After joint replacement, follow your surgeon’s specific precautions, since they vary.
Making the rest of the home easier helps too. See our guides to shower seats, stand assist aids and canes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you use a sock aid?
Sit down. Slide the sock over the sock aid until the toe is snug at the end. Hold the cords, drop the sock aid to the floor in front of you, slide your foot into it, and pull the cords toward you. The sock slides onto your foot and the aid slips out.
What do I need after a hip replacement?
Most people use a reacher, sock aid, long-handled shoehorn and long-handled sponge, often sold together as a hip kit. Many also benefit from a raised toilet seat and a shower chair. Your surgical team will give you a list specific to your operation.
Does Medicare cover hip kits or sock aids?
Generally not. Original Medicare usually treats dressing aids as convenience items. Some Medicare Advantage plans include allowances for over-the-counter health items, so it’s worth asking. They’re inexpensive either way.
This guide is based on product specifications, Amazon listing information at the time of writing, and general occupational therapy guidance. It is not medical advice. Always follow your surgeon’s and therapist’s instructions after surgery. This page contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate (website0079-20) I earn from qualifying purchases. See our Affiliate Disclosure.