As we grow older, many tasks and activities that used to be simple and effortless 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.
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. This includes getting dressed without assistance, and feeling comfortable in the clothes being worn. Adaptive Clothing exists specifically to help individuals feel more relaxed in their clothes day-to-day, and enhances the potential for greater independence when it comes to dressing oneself.
Seniors or family caregivers with sewing skills may have the ability to 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, there are clothing companies that specialize in adaptive clothing. There is a wide range of apparel available with a variety of benefits for seniors.
Some of the beneficial features of adaptive clothing include:
As mentioned before, it is often possible to adapt existing clothing to make it a little easier to manage if getting an entirely new wardrobe is not a feasible option. 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 entirely filled with things that work and feel great.
Changing the way we view clothes and dressing is something that can help in the process of adjusting to the realities of older age. Along with getting clothes that work and fit better, there are also tools that can help make the process of getting dressed easier in other ways.
There is a wide variety of assistive devices available that can make the process of getting dressed a little less strenuous. Some dressing aids to consider include:
We service all of Waterloo Region & surrounding areas.