Here Are Some Easy Dressing Tip You May Find Helpful.

Independence in dressing and undressing is an important goal in assessing the need for those who need adaptive clothing. By providing the right style of clothing, independent dressing is encouraged and made possible. If assisted dressing is needed it can be made so much easier with the right kind of adaptive clothing.

A very important factor is trying to keep an elderly or infirm person in a happy and content state of mind. We are all aware of the fact that being clean, fresh and well groomed does so much to uplift our spirit. In no way should an elderly or disabled person be made to lounge around in pajamas all day! Make the effort to help them have easy to put on clothes that are comfortable, non restrictive and attractive. A pretty dress, a nice crisp shirt and slacks will put a smile on everyone's face-including yours!

Our experience in providing adaptive and special needs clothing for nursing home residents and listening to the concerns of nurses, family members and caregivers have given us an understanding of the difficulties being faced in helping the elderly, disable or infirm to meet their need of dressing with ease. 

You may find the following suggestions helpful  for those who have dressing challenges.

Dementia: A simple routine in the dressing process are the best thing for those with forgetfulness, dementia or Alzheimer's. Dresses or muu muus that pull over the head or sweat suits and pant sets with elastic waist slacks are a good choice. Back zipper jumpsuits are a good idea for men or women who tend to undress inappropriately.

Diabetics: Sensitive skin and a lack of sensation is an issue with diabetics especially in their outer limbs. Diabetic socks are non-binding, seamless and comfortable. Look for shoes and slippers with hook and loop closures that can be adjusted for comfort.

Elderly: Sensitive skin, chills, immobility, and the use of walkers or wheelchairs are a common factor for the elderly geriatric person. Sensitive skin will appreciate cotton underwear or soft 100% polyester blouses and dresses. Sheepskin like arm grips for walkers and  arm rests for wheelchairs are so appreciated by those whose hands or arms are irritated by walker and wheelchair use. Pouches that attach easily to walkers and wheelchairs make everyday life so much easier by keeping thing organized, handy and within reach. Sweaters, lap or shoulder throws will keep those frequently chilled warm and comfortable. For those who are bed bound, garments with cut-out seats are a comfortable choice-no excess fabric bunching up underneath them.

Incontinence: Frequent changing may be needed, therefore make sure there is enough underwear in their wardrobe. Cut-out seats in the rear of the dresses, dusters and pants are a great solution for those who are incontinent as well as wheelchair or bed bound. They are comfortable for the wearer as there is no unnecessary fabric bunching up underneath them. However, modesty and dignity should never be compromised when using these clothes. For those who are ambulatory, choose adaptive pants and pant sets. They have side zipper closures which are easy for dressing and toileting. They are available for both men and women. Another good choice is back snap dresses that are easy to get into if frequent changing is necessary.

If incontinence underwear is needed, there are several styles available. For light incontinence use, a washable, absorbent and non-bulky looking brief may give one a feeling of security and peace of mind. A more bulky style brief or diaper may be needed for those with total incontinence. Another great item to consider is the incontinence half slip, which provides a moisture barrier, giving women an added sense of security.

Paralysis: Partial or complete paralysis is an issue to be dealt with when clothing those with spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis or stroke. An important idea is to provide clothing which make independent dressing easier not only for their physical well being, but also as a morale and confidence boost. As much physical movement as possible should be encouraged in order to strengthen and exercise muscles. Therefore front closure zippers, easy to step into clothes or easy over the head styles are helpful for those with weakened arm muscles. For those with paralysis in the arm, back snap dresses and tops are easy to assist putting on and taking off. Paralysis in the leg can make dressing and bathroom use a challenge. Try using side opening pants that feature either Velcros, zippers or snaps. Adaptive clothing with back snap openings may help make assisted dressing easier for those with paralysis in their arms and for those confined to a wheelchair. To help keep everything as handy as possible try using a carry all pouch that easily attaches to the side of a bedrail, walker or wheelchair.   

Stiff or Painful Joints: Those with arthritis, painful joints, limited mobility due or stiffness would be so pleased with many of our back snap opening clothes. Arms do not have to be raised and rotated to get into. Women have choices in sleepwear, sweaters, blouses, tops, dresses, dusters, muu muus, 2-pc pant or skirt sets. Another popular item is our front zipper opening dresses. These dresses feature a large decorative zipper pull which are easy to grasp. Men's favorites are the 2-piece pant sets, back snap shirts and tops, and easy on nightshirts. For those afflicted with arthritis mainly in their fingers, a simple pull over the head style-without zippers, buttons or snaps can make dressing so much easier.

Swelling: Excessive fluid in the lower extremities, such as swollen ankles, or feet can be comforted by wearing diabetic sock which are non-binding and have a lot of stretch. Because swelling may be sometimes more pronounced than others, edema shoes, booties, or slippers which close with Velcro-like hook and loops making it adjustable according to the degree of swelling. Culottes style pants or skirts are the answer for those with edema in the calves or knees. Regular pants may be too tight and constrictive.

Tremors or Imbalance: Tremors and stiffness due to general instability or Parkinson's and make certain garments a challenge to put on. Buttons and snaps are difficult to use. Therefore simple over the head styles or easy to step into clothes should be considered. Easy to step into clothing that can be put on while seated instead of having to stand up help reduce the risk of a fall due loss of balance. Dresses with large zipper pulls, 'muu muus' and pullover head style tops, or pant sets can be helpful.

Ventilator Dependent: Any person on a ventilator needs clothing that are non constrictive in the neckline area. For females a V-Neck opening in the front of dresses, dusters or nightgowns can be a comfortably worn. Clothing that have back snaps work well too, as the top 1-2 snaps can be left open. Males can do well with V-neck undershirts, T-shirts or backsnap tops.

Please feel free to call or e-mail: AdaptiveClothingShowroom@kewnet.com   with your questions so we may further assist you in finding the proper adaptive clothing to make your job that much easier.

On behalf of our elderly or disabled-Thank You!