One of the most frustrating day-to-day challenges of living with arthritis is the difficulty of getting dressed, particularly in the mornings, when joints can be especially stiff and sore. Needing help to change clothes can also lead to a loss of self-esteem and a reduced sense of independence, so finding ways to keep your aging loved one self-sufficient in regard to dressing is important. If you provide care for a loved one, check out the following dressing tips that can make mornings easier while promoting his or her self-sufficiency.
Encourage Getting Dressed while Seated
Trying to maintain balance with stiff joints can be difficult for seniors. Have your loved one sit in a chair or on the bed while you help him or her with each piece of clothing.
There are a variety of age-related health conditions that can make it more challenging for seniors to live independently. However, many of the challenges they face can be easier to address if their families opt for professional elderly home care. You can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep your loved one safe and comfortable while aging in place.
Choose Comfortable Clothes
Select clothes that don’t pinch or cause sore spots on the skin. Good options include t-shirts, sweaters, or skirts made from natural materials.
Avoid Clothing with Buttons
Clothing with buttons can be difficult or impossible for seniors to manage if they have arthritis in their hands. Your loved one may find it easier to put on clothes with elastic or Velcro closures instead of buttons, ties, zippers, or buckles. Make sure fasteners are in the front or on the side.
Use Pullover Shirts
Pullover shirts make it easier for seniors to dress their upper bodies. In the cooler months, opt for sweatpants and sweatshirts because they’re easier for older adults to pull on and take off.
If your elderly loved one needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a trusted provider of Waterloo senior home care. Our caregivers provide transportation to and from medical appointments and social events, nutritious meal preparation, assistance with daily exercise, and help with everyday tasks like bathing, grooming, and light housekeeping.
Purchase Trousers with an Elasticized Waist
These types of pants are easier to change into independently and allow seniors to avoid the difficulty of trying to grip zippers or buttons.
Choose Special Clothing for Older Women
There are certain pieces of clothing that can pose extra difficulty for women. Encourage your aging mother, grandmother, or other female loved one to use knee-length trouser socks to replace full-length nylons, and provide housedresses or housecoats for her to wear around the home, as these are more comfortable and easier to change out of.
Older women should also switch to sports bras, which avoid fasteners altogether. Alternatively, a bra that closes in the front may be your best bet. You may also suggest your loved one wear camisoles instead of brassieres, which can be difficult to put on independently, especially if her shoulders are arthritic.
Buy Slip-On Shoes
Shoes without buckles or laces provide aging adults with additional convenience. By eliminating the need to tie laces, your loved one will likely be able to pull or slip on shoes independently.
Make Sure Socks Are Stretchy
Socks that have a stretchy component that won’t shrink in the wash are easier for older adults with arthritis to put on.
If your aging loved one needs occasional help with bathing, grooming, cooking, or other basic household tasks, or if you need time to attend to important personal matters, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of live-in and respite care. Waterloo seniors can maintain their independence while living at home with the help of our reliable respite caregivers. We will work with you to create a customized home care plan that’s suited for your loved one’s unique needs. Call the Home Care Assistance team at (519) 954-2111 today.