As we grow older, many tasks and activities that used to be simple can all of a sudden become burdensome and strenuous. We often take for granted having the strength and mobility to carry out daily routines to continue living an independent lifestyle. Even something as seemingly straightforward as getting dressed and ready for the day can be challenging for seniors with impaired mobility, coordination, dexterity, or diminished muscle strength. Adaptive clothing for seniors can help give them more independence, allowing them to dress comfortably and with ease, thereby enhancing their quality of life.
Physiological Changes with Age
With older age comes numerous changes that can impact daily life, like decreased mobility, sensitivity, motor skills, and other factors that can alter our ability to perform routine tasks. These changes include getting dressed without assistance and feeling comfortable wearing the clothes. Adaptive clothing exists specifically to help individuals feel more relaxed in their clothes daily, enhancing the potential for greater independence when it comes to dressing oneself.
Adaptive Clothing Options
Family caregivers with sewing skills can make little changes to clothes that make them easier to manage based on specific circumstances and needs. For those who do not have the time, skills or resources required to make adaptations themselves, some clothing companies specialize in adaptive clothing. A wide range of apparel is available with a variety of benefits for seniors. One such company is Silverts Adaptive Clothing. They have a wide range of apparel for seniors and those with limited mobility. You can shop online through their catalogue.Â
Beneficial Features of Adaptive Clothing
Softer Fabrics
Adaptive clothing, with its softer and supple fabric, provides a sense of comfort and ease. It is more straightforward to pull on and take off, making it more comfortable for individuals with sensitive skin, those who get overwhelmed by the sensory element of tactile things like fabric, or those prone to sores or pressure from clothing. This comfort is a significant benefit of adaptive clothing.
Large PocketsÂ
Particularly useful for individuals using wheelchairs or other mobility devices, having large pockets in adaptive clothing can make things easier to reach without strain. This convenience is a significant feature of adaptive clothing that facilitates seniors in their daily activities.
Easy ClosuresÂ
Adaptive clothing provides several options for getting dressed depending on ability and preference. Things like Velcro-closure tops and bottoms, zipper-backed clothes, easy snaps, magnetic closures, and other adjustments make putting things on and taking them off easier. These features help those who struggle with the finicky work of button-holes and other tricky clothing elements.
Better Fits
Adaptive Clothing makers design items specifically to make them easier to use and better fitting for individuals with diverse needs and wants. For example, having clothing designed to be worn and accessed in a wheelchair means that it fits and feels better and makes it easier to get in and out of.
Altering Existing Clothing
As mentioned before, it is often possible to adapt existing clothing to make it easier to manage if getting an entirely new wardrobe is not feasible. For instance, pants can be modified with elastic waistbands, shirts can be replaced with Velcro-closure tops, and shoes can be switched to Velcro or no-lace footwear. Having some things altered and slowly amassing a little collection of adapted clothing over time can be a great way to gradually work towards having a wardrobe filled with things that work and feel great.
Keeping an Open Mind
Changing how we view clothes and dress can help when we adjust to the realities of older age. Along with getting clothes that work and fit better, some tools can help make getting dressed easier in other ways.
Assistive Tools and Dressing Aids
A wide variety of assistive tools and dressing aids that are available can make the process of getting dressed less strenuous.Â
Some dressing aids to consider include:
- Dressing stick with hooked ends
- Button hook aids for fastening buttons
- Velcro or no-lace footwear
- Sock aids and extended shoe horns
- Grabbing tools that work like an extension of the arm
A Little Friendly Help
Promyse Home Care offers Personal Care for Seniors who may face challenges in performing activities such as dressing independently due to age-related issues, disabilities, or health conditions. Our caregivers will help them maintain a sense of individuality and self-expression.
