Article - Dressing With Success

Ever since we were toddlers, getting dressed has been an independent activity. Some people like to dress in seconds; others prefer to luxuriate in the process. But for some of us, getting dressed is a dreaded chore. Maybe you've had surgery or a stroke, or perhaps you have arthritis or other physical challenges. All you know is that your clothing has become the enemy.

It may be harder to twist and turn or raise your arms to put on your shirt. You may have trouble with the buttons, zippers or snaps. Or, perhaps you have trouble reaching your feet well enough to put on socks or shoes comfortably.

Don't despair! The staff at Dynamic-Living.com has identified products and tips that will help you maintain your independence and comfort when dressing.

Socks and Shoes

• Avoid bending over or stretching too far by using a Sock Aid to put on your socks. The sock slides over the sock aid while it is in your lap, leaving an opening that is easier to slip your foot into. Then drop the sock aid to the floor, slide your foot in and pull on the long loops until the sock is over your foot.

• Use a Dressing Stick to remove the socks at the end of the day.

• To make laced shoes easier, swap out existing shoelaces for Elastic Shoelaces. They stretch so your foot can slide into your shoe without untying the laces each time.

• When putting on your shoes, assist your foot with a long handled shoe horn. Some have a dressing hook on the opposite side that can stretch and position shoe laces.

Buttons

• Small buttons can quickly become a nightmare when your dexterity is even slightly decreased. Try using a button hook that helps guide your button through the button hole.

• Another option is to replace your buttons with VELCRO® based easy close buttons. This can be done at home, with only a little sewing knowledge, or by a tailor or seamstress.

• If your shirt is a little too tight at the neck, try Collar Extenders. These handy accessories can add up to ½" to the neck size, making it easier to close buttons.

Zippers

• Small zipper tabs can be difficult to grasp and hold onto. Nylon thread, like fishing line, can be looped through the eye of the zipper. You can then put a finger through the loop to pull up the zipper. The thread is clear and is not visible behind the flap of cloth normally over the zipper.

• Button hooks often have a small hook on the opposite side to help with zippers. It takes a little more coordination than the nylon loop, but nothing can get caught in the zipper.

• Playful zipper pulls can be a decorative and helpful accessory on a jacket. Use little animals, flags or big colorful buttons tied through the eye of the zipper to keep your coat closed.

Brassieres

• Brassieres can be nearly impossible to get together when you are single-handed or have arthritis, MS or limited hand strength. Some women have discovered that it is helpful to close the bra in front and then twist the closure around to the back. A Bra Angel adds a helpful hand to this process as it holds one end of your bra in place so it is easy to bring both ends together.

• Bra Back Extenders can give you more breathing room for maneuvering. They have hooks and eyes all on one piece, adding up to 3 inches to your current bra.

Pants

• If pulling up pants or stretching to put on a jacket is becoming difficult, with a little practice and patience, you can extend your reach by using a Dressing Stick with a hook at the end or by using short Reacher.

• Single handed people might find it difficult to pull up pants and underwear. This is where the Pant Clip comes in handy. Similar to suspenders, they clip onto the front of the pants. Once you have the pants up, remove the clips and tuck them into a bag or fanny pack. This way you'll have them with you if you need to use the bathroom while you are out and about.

• Belts with buckles can be nearly impossible for people with limited dexterity or only one hand. Try an Easy-to-Close Belt that snaps onto your belt loop, holding it in place while you tighten the belt. It closes simply with a hook and loop strip.

Dressing doesn't have to be a dreaded chore. You may need to approach the task differently, but with the right attitude, the right tools and the right clothes, you too can get dressed with success!

© Copyright 2008 Dynamic Living, Inc.
Dynamic Living Newsletter may only be redistributed in its unedited form. Written permission from the editor must be obtained to reprint or cite the information contained within this newsletter.

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