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Clothing and dressing tips

Submitted by Emma Hamilton on Tue, 12/07/2011 - 7:20pm
Always consider the person's health conditions before purchasing clothing.

Frail older people can often have problems getting dressed and finding clothes to fit. People with arthritis can struggle with small buttons whilst someone with dementia may forget how to dress altogether.

 

Choosing clothes for an older family member

When buying clothes for an older family member consider purchasing clothes that allow for easy access to the toilet, room for slings, splints and incontinence products.

People who are bed or chair bound can benefit from adaptive clothing that has been specially designed for people with restrictive movement or loss of function. These garments make dressing easier and less painful.

For someone with dementia choose clothes that foster independence and individuality. People with dementia often have a favourite outfit and may resist wearing certain clothes. Buying several of the one outfit can help.

People with dementia may not feel a change in temperature. You may have to ensure a person with dementia is dressed appropriately for the weather. You can try storing summer clothes in cupboards or ringing a loved one and asking what they are wearing for the day if you are worried. 

 

Clothing Tips

  • Choose natural fibre and cotton fabrics that breathe
  • Choose clothes with elastic waists for easy access
  • Slip on shoes are easier than lace ups. Avoid wearing slippers, ensure shoe has a non-slip sole
  • Avoid clothes with small buttons, zippers and hooks
  • Velcro straps and elastic waist pants are easier to use for people with incontinence
  • Stretchy fabrics are easier for those with paralysis, pain or decreased functioning of a limb
  • Bra’s that clip at the front for someone with arthritis
  • Boxer shorts for men
  • Cotton underwear for women
  • Front or side closures for easy access
  • Tops that open at the back for people who are bed or chair bound
  • Choose large buttons for poor hand coordination
  • Ensure lots of room in sleeves or calves for splints
  • Choose wraparound skirts or elastic skirts to pull over the head
  • Choose fabric that can be washed frequently, for nursing home residents, up to 90 degrees
  • Slippers should be fitted
  • Socks with grip for someone that refuses to take their socks off overnight and are at risk of falls 

 

Tip: When dressing paralysed limbs dress the affected limb first, undress the affected limb last.

 

 

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3 comments

Guest wrote 26 weeks 5 days ago
You can also get more information about adaptive and alternative clothing and tips for easier dressing from your local Independent Living Centre. Independent Living Centre (ILC) is an information and advisory service about assistive technology. Assistive technology is anything that can help you do a task. They have Occupational Therapists who can help you decide what you need. Solutions can involve equipment, changing a technique, using a service, handy hints or adapting something you can find around the home. They are a non profit organisation and do not sell equipment. Call 1300 885 886 to be connected to your local Independent Living Centre. There is one located in each state of Australia!
Emma Hamilton wrote 28 weeks 3 days ago Aged care nurse
Hi Ronda, Getting dressed is a simple thing we do everyday without thinking but as we age it can be difficult getting clothes on and off! When you talk about strategies are you after information to help someone with dementia or arthritis get dressed? Dressing hooks and reachers are a great aid to help a person pull a sweater over their shoulders. Otherwise choose stretchy fabrics sometimes buying the next size up can help if a person has a sling or stiff contracted arms. Helping a person with dementia get dressed can take a little patience, laying out clothes for a person, labelling drawers and limiting choice to favourite items can make it easier for a person to get dressed., http://agedcarer.com.au/topic/aged-care-tips/personal-hygiene-dressing/home-care-aids-help-with-dressing-and-grooming Hope this helps may be a topic for our next newsletter!
Ronda Bilton wrote 28 weeks 6 days ago
Hello, I was wondering if you have any resources that provide strategies to help a senior get dressed? Espcially sweaters and coats. Thank you in advance for any assistance you may be able to provide. Ronda Bilton

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