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* Your sock/stocking slip over the flexible part of the aid so the top of the sock/stocking is held open. Once the sock is slipped onto the flexible part, you drop it to the floor while you hold onto the handles. Your foot is then slipped into the sock opening. With the two handles, you pull back and upward so your foot slips into the sock and out of the sock aid.
* Comes in standard sizes.
* Should be able to accommodate feet of all sizes and work well with most socks and stockings. Some are designed to help with compression stockings as well.
* Easy to store and portable.
* Most models are suitable for travel.
* Can be purchased at the local medical supply store or from companies that offer durable medical goods and assistive devices.

Factors to Consider:
1. Do you need flexible or rigid sock/stocking aid?
Flexible sock/stocking aids bend, they are easier to load the hosiery on the holder, and will not overstretch the sock/stocking. Rigid sock aids are usually larger and will stretch the sock/stocking more to hold it open wider. If swollen feet are a problem for you, choose a rigid sock aid that is extra wide. For compression stockings, use a rigid heavy duty designed sock aid. Flexible sock aids covered in fabric could be more skin friendly. The cloth fabric covering on the outside helps the sock to stay in place, and the inside material is slick to reduce friction of heel sliding inside the sock/stocking aid. Some rigid sock/stocking aids are designed with an indentation or groove in the centre to guide the heel when pulling the sock/stocking aid.

2. Do you need one or two handles or no handles?
Some sock/stocking aids have long rigid handles which are easy to hold, but make it difficult to store the sock aid. Single cord handles will work well for people with the use of only one hand, but can be difficult for people with depth perception issues since the handle is a continuous loop. Sock aids with two handles require more coordination to pull the handles up at the same time using both hands. For people with arthritis, large foam grips are used to make holding the handles easier. Adjust the length of the cords as needed for the sock aid to reach the floor when the user is in a seated position.

3. What styles and colours are available?

Standards

Standards
Some assistive technology needs to meet Australian or other standards. Standards may relate to materials, manufacturing and installation. Products that meet Australian or international standards will have written certification. To find out if a product meets Australian Standards ask the supplier to show you the certificate. For more information about standards also see
http://at-aust.org/home/assistive_technology/standards.html

TGA
Many of the items on the Assistive Technology Australia website are categorised as a Medical Device. Medical devices that are approved for use in Australia have been entered into a national database called the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG), which is maintained by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). You can ask the supplier for the ARTG number for the device you wish to purchase and search the ARTG for the entry. To access information on the ARTG visit www.tga.gov.au

When buying a medical device it is advisable to only choose a medical device that is recommended by a healthcare professional and has been included on the ARTG.