Living with chronic illness or a disability can come with its own set of challenges, but over the years, I’ve discovered a few life-changing disability hacks that have made a huge difference. These items are constantly in use, not just by me, but by others in my household too! If you’re looking for ways to make daily life easier, these hacks might be just what you need.
1. Electric Tin Opener: A Must-Have disability hack for Everyone
One of my all-time favourite chronic illness hacks is this electric tin opener. It has been a lifesaver in my house, and even my mum had to get one when I moved out! The one-touch button makes it incredibly easy to open any tin without the strain of manual twisting or gripping, which can be difficult for those with limited hand strength. If you struggle with opening cans or find it painful to use traditional tin openers, this simple tool is a game-changer.

2. Hair Dryer Stand for Hands-Free Drying
When it comes to hair care, holding a heavy hairdryer or lifting my arms above my head is often too tiring or painful. That’s when I discovered the hair dryer stand — one of the first chronic illness hacks I ever found! This stand attaches to my dressing table, allowing me to dry my hair hands-free without straining my arms or back or causing me extra POTS symptoms. It’s been a game-changer! It’s perfect for anyone who struggles with holding heavy items for long periods or maintaining awkward positions. This product was actually made for grooming dogs but it’s the perfect accessible hack!

3. Heated Blanket for Comfort and Warmth
During the colder months, I practically live in my heated throw blanket. It has a timer and 9 different heat settings, so I can always stay warm, even if my home isn’t. Chronic illness can often cause sensitivity to temperature, and this heated blanket has become essential for me. Whether it’s for pain relief or just to feel comfortable and save money on heating.

4. Shower Stool and Wheelie Kitchen Stool for Accessibility
Unfortunately, my home isn’t fully accessible, so I’ve made sure to create places to sit in every room. A shower stool was one of the first items I got when I became chronically ill, and I can’t recommend it enough if you struggle with standing in the shower. It allows me to shower comfortably without tiring out so much. Similarly, my Wheelie Kitchen stool in the lets me sit down while still moving around and doing tasks, making my kitchen more functional and less exhausting to use and sitting down always reduces my POTS symptoms. I find the saddle stool style the most comfortable and supportive for my hypermobile hips.


5. Headache Halo for Chronic Headaches and Migraines
For anyone who suffers from chronic headaches or migraines, the Headache Halo is an absolute must-have. It’s helped me through my CSF leak and continues to be a lifesaver for my chronic headaches. The ice packs are specially designed to stay super cold for a long time, and you don’t have to worry about melting or condensation. The ice lasts for several uses and when in needs a refresh you simply pop the ice packs in a bowl of water for a minute then back in the freezer. I’ve had mine for years and only needed to replace the ice packs once. If you’re looking for a way to manage head and neck pain this product will be a game-changer.

Bonus Hack: Ask for Help
This last hack might seem simple, but it’s incredibly important: ask for help! We often feel like we should be able to do everything ourselves, but the reality is that we all need help sometimes. Whether it’s from family, friends, or support services, asking for help can make life so much easier. It’s okay to lean on others when you need it.
Living with chronic illness or a disability means we have to get creative to make our day-to-day lives more manageable. These top 5 ultimate hacks have truly made a difference in my life, and I hope they can help you too. From practical gadgets like the electric tin opener to comfort-driven items like the heated blanket, these hacks can make a huge impact.
What’s your ultimate hack for managing chronic illness or disability? I’d love to learn from your experiences!