Adaptive clothing for people with disabilities
Adaptive clothing is clothing designed for people with special needs. Typically, for those who may experience difficulty dressing themselves due lack of dexterity and are unable to manipulate closures, such as buttons and zippers. Adaptive clothing typically offers either front or rear-closure designs so that dressing becomes easier.
Above all, Velcro replaces buttons and zippers. Adaptive clothing not only makes dressing and undressing easier for wearer but also makes it easy for caregivers, nurses, and hospice staff. Finally, adaptive clothes provide non-restrictive comfort to the wearer.
Who Wears Adaptive Clothing?
For most of us putting on clothes is an easy task. We don’t give it a second thought, right? If it is pants one leg at a time. If it’s a top or shirt, just slip your arms through and button up or zip it. But imagine you are disabled or lost dexterity of your arms. How do you dress up now? For years, people with disabilities, the elderly, and the infirm had difficulty dressing themselves. Also, caregivers have trouble dressing people with disabilities. Therefore, the solution lies in adaptive clothing.
Most of us know or come across someone with a disability. Adaptive clothes are useful for those with limited mobility, dexterity issues or have a medical condition.
Typically, the list includes:
- Elderly people
- Those with special needs
- the disabled
- Arthritis victims
- Post-surgery patients
- Those undergoing joint therapy
- People suffering from incontinence
- Parkinson’s
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Stroke victims
Where to purchase adaptive clothing?
Shop online for Adaptive Clothes
We recommend Cocoon – Senior Clothing. Cocoon is a brand of adaptive apparel launched by Old is Gold Store – A store for senior citizens. Cocoon – Senior clothing is currently available only for women.
Criteria (check list) for good adaptive clothing:
- Soft, cotton clothes are best suited material, particularly for seniors.
- Clothes are tailored for comfort and style.
- The designs are bright, colourful, energetic and also stylish – balancing utility and fashion.
- Should be able to withstand rigorous cleaning and usage.
- Dignity is important so make sure it’s not be revealing.
- Also, check whether fasteners are easy to locate
- Garments do not touch wheelchair brakes or wheels.
- Furthermore, check if shoulder open garments allow easy dressing.
Finally, check if it fits well – perfect size adaptive clothes will make a lot of difference and promotes a sense of well being. Above all, it not only helps people with disability but also makes it easy for the caregiver.