Getting dressed in the
mornings can take forever and leave you feeling worn out before your day even
begins. However, getting up and dressed sets the tone
for the whole day and being able to do it by yourself gives you a sense of independence
and achievement. You are not alone. Many seniors have mobility and health issues
that make dressing and undressing a major chore.
Be an active participant
when it comes to clothes shopping. Select
clothing items that are stylish, but make sure that you can get into and out of
them easily. Having clothes in your
wardrobe that are both functional and stylish will make you feel good about
yourself. Looking good is an important
part of feeling good.
Wrap around jumpers with Velcro closures or reversible
front-to-back caftans are two ideas to think about. Functionality is important. Keep an eye out for items with large buttons,
Velcro or grommet snaps instead of smaller buttons, and toggles instead of
zippers. Tops that fasten at the shoulders
or shirts with false buttons down the front and Velcro underneath are good
choices.
Another way to make dressing
easier is to modify garments that you already have, or if you buying something new
think about how you could modify it. If
you truly love something there is no reason why you shouldn’t have it if a few
minor alterations can make it manageable.
How about replacing short zippers with long ones, to make openings
larger? Use Velcro or zippers to create
openings in the side seam or in-seam of a pair of trousers to make it easier to
put on and take off. Open up the back
seam of a skirt and sew in Velcro to keep the skirt seam together. Slacks with elastic waistbands are easier to
pull on and off and you eliminate dealing with zippers.
Conserve energy by sitting
on a chair or bed when dressing. Lay out your clothing the night before in the
order that you will be putting them on. If one arm or leg is more stiff or painful
than the other it is easier to put that piece of clothing on first. It is not unusual that you will feel more
limber and capable at the end of the day than in the mornings. Learn how to use
adaptive dressing devices that will help you put on and take off garments more
easily.
People are living longer and
there is a need for clothing for people who are frail or have special
needs. Whole industries are springing up
to address issues like these. Everyone
wants to look good whether sitting in a wheelchair, trying to camouflage a leg
brace, or are just trying to get dressed without it being an ordeal.
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