What to Know About Dressing and Undressing Products
A physical disability or condition, such as arthritis, could make it difficult for someone to dress themselves. Dementia or other cognitive impairments could also make it hard for a person to remember how to get dressed, or to put clothing on in the correct order. In some cases, a person might simply be too weak or frail to manage clothing on their own.
Assisting your loved one with dressing tasks means being patient and taking your time. Help them with one article of clothing at a time, and be prepared to offer assistance with tasks like buttoning or zipping. It can be helpful to lay out the clothing beforehand so that the person you are helping knows what to expect. Always respect the person's modesty and privacy, and give them as much control over the process as possible.
We offer a variety of items to help you assist your loved one with a dressing routine, such as:
Bibs, Gowns, Protective Clothing & Accessories
Designed to support those in a caregiving situation where there’s potential mess, this category boasts items like:
- Bibs & gowns offer both stain resistance and maximum protection against spills.
- Protective clothing includes scrubs, shoe covers, surgical masks & caps to help provide protection against cross contamination and protection against bodily fluids.
- Accessories such as jobst gloves assist in donning or doffing compression stockings.
Apparel
Designed for those at risk of falling, we offer:
- Non-slip socks and slippers with gripped bottoms to help prevent slipping and falling.
- Hipster briefs with padding along the hips for those at risk of falling or fracturing a hip.
Adaptive Apparel
Designed to meet the needs of those with difficulty dressing independently, we offer:
- Recovery wear includes ankle and wrist sleeves and supports to help relieve sore and weak joint, as well as minimize swelling.
- Chin straps - for those with sleep apnea, chin straps can help improve effectiveness of CPAP treatment by keeping the mouth closed during sleep.
- Non-slip socks and slippers offer gripped bottoms to help prevent slipping and falling.
Footwear & Socks
- Non-slip socks and slippers - Made with gripped bottoms to help prevent slipping and falling.
- Compression socks & Hosiery - The graduated compression helps ensure optimum blood flow and reduce swelling in the legs.
- Diabetic Socks - Developed to keep feet dry, reduce the incidence of foot injury, and improve blood circulation.
- Shoehorns - For those with physical limitations such as bending or reaching, using tools such as sock aids and shoe horns can help your loved one work on independence in putting on socks and shoes.
How to Choose:
Choosing clothing for you or your loved one often comes down to:
- Adaptive Need: Your loved one may have a specialized need that adaptive clothing can support. That may mean looking for velcro-fastened shoes if your loved one doesn’t have strong fine motor control, or it may mean slip-on shoes for those that are unable to bend down.
- Style preference: Your clothing should make you feel beautiful and confident, so look for clothing in styles and colors that you enjoy.
- Comfort: Look for clothes that will promote maximum comfort for you or a loved one.
- Size: Your loved ones’ size will likely change from one article of clothing to the next - reference our sizing guides to get the best fit.
FAQ's:
What is considered adaptive clothing?
There are many types of adaptive clothing available, including shirts, pants, dresses, and even pajamas.
Why do people need adaptive clothing?
Adaptive clothing is designed to meet the needs of people with physical disabilities that cannot dress independently, those who have difficulty using conventional clothing, or individuals who need special accommodations for their disability.
What do compression socks do for you?
Compression socks are designed to apply pressure to your lower legs, helping to improve blood circulation and reduce swelling, and are often used by people who have conditions that affect blood flow, such as varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and lymphedema. They may also be recommended for pregnant women and people who have to sit or stand for long periods of time.
Wearing compression socks can help to:
- Reduce swelling in your feet and ankles
- Relieve pain and discomfort from varicose veins
- Reduce the risk of DVT
- Improve blood circulation
- Reduce fatigue
- Prevent cramping
- Speed up recovery from exercise
What are nonslip socks called?
Non-slip socks are often called “gripper socks” or “fall management socks” and are designed to prevent slipping. They are usually made from a material with a high friction coefficient, such as rubber or latex.
What can you use to help put on compression stockings?
When legs are moist or too dry, try a light dusting of Talcum powder or cornstarch to help the stocking slide onto the leg.
How does a sock aid work?
A sock aid consists of a plastic or metal frame that is curved to fit around the foot, and a fabric sleeve that is attached to the frame. This aid assists those with physical limitations - such as bending, reaching, or arthritic fingers - to independently put on socks or stockings.
- Place the sock or stocking aid between the knees and draw it over the end without straps.
- Place the sock aid in front of your foot on the floor while seated.
- Insert your toes into the opening of your socks/stockings.
- Pull the handle straight back until your toes are fully encased in the sock/stocking.
- Once the sock/stocking reaches your heel, pull at an upward angle toward the ceiling to wrap it around your heel.
- Remove the sock aid from the sock/stocking and finish putting on the sock/stocking.
Related Articles:
What Are Compression Socks: Everything You Need to Know
