Clothing and dressing tips
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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