Successful Dressing

Hi Friends,

Getting dressed with a disability is one of the most difficult parts of the job. Dressing aids can be a big help. Here's a description of some of the dressing aids available from our list of resources

Dressing Aids
	Sock and stocking aids expand the sock to hold it open for you; pull it the rest of the way with straps.
	A pantyhose aid holds pantyhose open, but it requires two hands to use. For something simpler, consider wearing stockings instead of pantyhose. Sears carries "thigh-highs" with elastic bands at the top.
	Oversized socks in light or heavy fabric fit over swollen feet or a cast.
	Elastic shoelaces stretch so you don't ever have to tie and untie them.
	A trouser pull will help you pull up your trousers from a sitting or lying down position.
	A pant clip clips pants to shirt and allows pants to fall into place as you sit up or stand.
	Dressing sticks hold open a dress, sleeve, or pant leg for you.
	Reachers grasp the fabric of your pants or hold your shoe in place while you slip it on.
	Extra long shoehorns are made so you can avoid leaning forward putting on shoes.
	Buttonhooks hook onto the button so you can bring it through the hole. (No fine-motor coordination required.)
	A zipper pull hooks onto your zipper so you can pull it up or down.

Back to top

Sewing Options
You can customize your clothes at the local dry cleaners/tailors. Simple tailoring is inexpensive. Substituting buttons and zippers for Velcro strips can really help. And colored fabric will cover typical beige medical bandages.

If you're handy with a sewing machine yourself or want to start, you might pick up this handy sewing guide, Altering Women's (or Men's) Ready-to-Wear, by Mary A. Roehr, ISBN: 0961922915, pub. 1987. The guide demonstrates practical ways to rip, sew and press the easiest to most difficult alterations. You can find it used on Amazon.com or at some fabric stores.

Here's another resource book: Clothing for the Handicapped, the Aged, and Other People With Special Needs by Adeline Mildred Hoffman, ISBN: 0398038600, pub. 1979.

The Tilt'Able is an ergonomic sewing table with a base that fits under a sewing machine, tilting it slightly forward and allowing the sewer to sit with a straight neck and upper back. The needle slants slightly so it can be seen easier. Pretty handy! You can order the sewing guides and sewing table at: http://www.agreatnotion.com

Back to top

Adaptive Clothing Companies
Some of these companies may have just what you want already made, and others customize clothes you already own:

Adaptations by Adrian has made clothes adapted for wheel chairs since 1994. Because Adrian, their inspiration, has difficulty raising his arms, the special shirts and jackets slide on from the front without arm raising or drawing the shirt across the back to the second arm. Adaptations by Adrian manufactures shirts, jackets, and sweatshirts that are shorter for the seated position.
Web Address: http://www.adaptationsbyadrian.com

Buck and Buck
http://www.buckandbuck.com
The biggest and nicest selection of adaptive clothing we’ve seen with very modest prices. While this company markets to seniors, their clothing is nice for any age adult. B&B offers many types of adaptive closures such as Velcro, and hems your inseams for no charge! Anything one needs from men’s or women’s slacks, pants, blouses, shirts, dresses, underwear, loungewear, shoes, jackets, and more! Take a look for yourself!

Fashion Magic
http://www.fashionmagic.bc.ca
Ruth Clark creates fashionable adaptive clothes.

Swartzie believes everyone should be able to feel good about the way they look, and they're trying to help! If you use a wheelchair, wear leg braces, prosthesis, or have broken your leg, Swartzie can alter your pants. You don't have to cut them off or change the type of clothing you wear altogether. Shirts, pants, sweats, and undergarments can all be accustomed for your personal needs at Swartzie. http://www.the-onramp.net/swartzie's

Specially For You.
http://www.speciallyforyou.net
Contact them for a free catalog of men's and women's clothing that is made to put on and take off easily, with or without assistance.

For People Who Are Dressed by Caregivers:
Care Apparel Industries
http://www.careapparel.com
Company offers several types of adaptive closures for patients’ seated in wheelchairs. For example, Care Apparel places snaps off-center at the back of their dresses to protect patient‘s spine. Garments have extra-large overlaps. Ask for Care Apparel’s 65-page catalog.

Back to top

Resources
Clothing for the Handicapped, the Aged, and Other People With Special Needs by Adeline Mildred Hoffman ($41.95) Hardcover (March 1979)
Charles C Thomas Pub Ltd; ISBN: 0398038600

Sammons Preston Rolyan
http://www.sammonspreston.com
Dressing, bathing, eating, drinking, cooking, rehab, and all types of independent living aids.

These dressing options will cut down some of your struggle, but let me know if you need help finding solutions for your special accessibility problem.

Sincerely,
Candace Bennett
Infinitec Managing Editor
candace.bennett@sbcglobal.net

Back to top