Clothing & Dressing Aids

Being able to accomplish activities of daily living means being able to live independently for longer. One of the activities that people are assessed on is the ability to get dressed—something that we all take for granted, but that can become more and more difficult as we experience medical conditions that affect dexterity and flexibility. Not being able to bend over to put on shoes or maneuver a zipper can be frustrating and discouraging. Clothing that slips on and off easily as well as dressing aids for the elderly like zipper pulls and dressing sticks, can make all the difference, enabling you to get dressed on your own.

Among easy-to-put-on clothing choices is the unisex snap closure gown with a generous back overlap for full coverage and freedom of movement. Equally comfortable and easy to slip into, the Sherpa fleece slippers have extra large openings and they close with a wide strip of hook and loop. Lined with sherpa fleece, the slippers’ bottoms are non-skid vinyl.

When your fingers are not as nimble as they once were, buttons and zippers can be a challenge. One answer is a dressing stick, ideal for people with limited upper extremity movement or decreased hip flexion. Look for a dual function model with a push-pull hook on one end and a C-pull hook on the other.

Shoes and socks can be other sources of frustration. A variety of dressing aids are available to assist.  The Mboss Sock and Stocking Aid is a flexible sock aid that makes putting on socks easier for people who have difficulty bending. The sock or stocking stays open as the three fingers gently bend to accommodate the contours of the heel and foot. The smooth inner surface allows the foot to glide effortlessly into the sock while the outer embossed ridges hold the sock firmly in place.

Sock Horn/Stocking Horn is another tool that assists people with back, hip or knee limitations in putting on hosiery or socks. A sock is loaded onto the aid and kept in place by the horns; 30-inch long looped handles reduce the need to bend and are easy to manipulate. Its small size makes it easy to travel with.

The Jobst Stocking Donner is an easy to use device to help apply Jobst hosiery. Ideal for people who have limited dexterity or difficulty reaching their feet, it can be used with closed and open toe styles.