Abstract: Devices for assisting a frail or physically handicapped user include an angled handgrip that is positioned for use by the user in rising from a seated or reclined position. The device may be in the form of a crutch in which the handgrip projects rearwardly from the upper end of the crutch, preferably at an angle of about 45° from vertical. Alternatively, the device may be in the form of a telescoping shaft that is attached to a frame member of a chair or bed, with the handgrip projecting rearwardly from the upper end of the telescoping shaft.