Dressing is an essential activity of daily living (ADL) but can be difficult for those with disabilities or limited mobility. Beyond getting dressed for the day or changing at night, people need to manage dressing for using the restroom, exercising, swimming, managing layers of clothing throughout the day, and other related activities. While consumers can search online for options, having the opportunity to try equipment with an occupational therapy practitioner (OTP) is very valuable. And this blog post may give you a head start in your research as you explore options.
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Sock Aids
These half-cylinder devices help people to don socks and stockings without having to bend over. Most are very inexpensive. A few variations include:
Plastic sock aid with rope attachments: The Rehabilitation Advantage Sock Aid with Foam Handles is a good example. The basic steps include 1. Place the sock aid on the lap. 2. Slide the sock over the sock aid. 3. Hold onto the ropes while allowing the sock aid to land near the foot. 4. Point the foot down into the sock aid as both hands pull up with the rope, sliding the sock onto the foot.
Flexible sock aid: This type is covered in terry cloth or slick material and may provide more comfort during the sock donning process. One example is the Flexible Sock and Stocking Aid from Performance Health.
Wide or bariatric sized sock aids: Larger individuals or people with edema (leg swelling) may require a larger sized device. Measuring tape will come in handy for the determination.
Compression Garment Aids
Compression garments are notoriously difficult to handle. While the task may take some effort even with device use, a few options may help. Among the most common:
4. Easy slide aids: The compression garment applicators are for open-toe style compression garments only. The device looks like a combination of a sock and a plastic funnel. After placing the easy slide aid on the foot, the compression garment is pulled on over the slick easy slide aid. The easy slide aid is then pulled off the foot through the open-toed compression garment.Check out the Arion Easy-Slide.
5. Wire framed stockings donner: The user slides the compression garment over the central section of the device. The foot then slides into the compression garment as both hands pull up on the side handles. Be sure to check the sizing and dimensions to obtain the proper device.Try the Jobst Stocking Donner.
Shoehorns
Shoehorns can help people to put on their shoes without having to bend down or prevent the back of the shoe from collapsing while trying to slide the foot in.
6. Long-handled shoe horns: Several varieties exist including metal or plastic versions, cushion handles, multi-tool shoe horns doubling as a dressing aid, and telescoping handles.
7. Foot funnel: The Foot Funnel by Insightful Products is a plastic shoe horn with a long string attached that is temporarily placed within the heel section of the shoe, allowing the foot to slide in. Then the string is pulled to remove the foot funnel from the shoe. For some users, this device requires less coordination, bending, and reaching compared to a standard shoe horn.
Dressing Sticks
Dressing sticks are long-handled devices with hooks or other attachments that can be used to help people dress themselves, even if they have limited mobility in their arms or hands. Typically, one side of the hook is used to pull clothing up over the legs and another side pushes the clothing off the legs.
8. Dressing stick variations: Different options include wood dowel or plastic shaft, foam padded shafts, telescoping shaft, and multi-tool with shoe horn on one end.
Reachers
9. Reachers: are a multi-purpose tool, dressing tasks included. Commonly, reachers are used to lace pants or shorts through the feet and then pull them up over the legs. With a little patience and perseverance, they can help with sock tasks as well. A reacher may also be used to obtain shoes or clothing from off the floor.We cover reachers extensively in our blog post Get A Handle On Reacher Types and Options.
Button Hooks and Zipper Pulls
These devices can help people with limited dexterity to button and zip their clothes.
10. Dressing aid kit with button hook and zipper pull: This is a combo device. One side allows for one-handed or limited dexterity buttoning while the other has a hook for managing zippers.The Vive Health Button Hook is an example. 1
Alternative Shoelaces
Several devices reduce or eliminate the need for shoe-tying and untying.
11. Classic elastic shoelaces: The classic version is an elastic lace that needs to be tied once securely, and then the elastic accommodates stretching to slide the foot in and out of the shoe.
12. No tie elastic shoelaces: These versions secure with a screw lock, clips, or magnets; or feature individual bands without need for tying. Another type features a central button to both cinch and release the laces.
13. Magnetic laces: One brand, called Zubits, uses magnet closure. When the magnets are separated, you slip into a wide open shoe with space at the tongue, like there are no laces at all. After the foot is in, snap the magnets together to secure.
Portable Dressing Equipment Options
Many of the items discussed don’t lend themselves well to use outside the home due to their size and shape. However, needs may still exist for zipping up jackets and toileting tasks in the community, for example.
14. Clip and pull dressing aid: Similar in appearance to suspenders, clips attach to the pant waist bands while the adjustable hand held straps pull up the pants. The metal clips could be difficult for a person with hand dexterity issues to manage. As an alternative, a user could consider leaving the clips attached and placing the straps into pockets while the pants are worn.
15. Pant Clip Dressing Tool: This no-frills Plant Clip Dressing Tool entails two plastic clips connected via string. Used during toileting tasks, one clip attaches to the pants and the other to a shirt, preventing pants from falling down to the ankles. The plastic clips may not be strong enough to hold up jeans or heavy pants, however.A stronger DIY option could entail connecting two large binder clips with a shoe lace.
16. Telescoping reachers and dressing sticks: While they still may not be purse-friendly, telescoping reachers and dresser sticks will save a little space and may collapse down to fit into a backpack or large wheelchair bag.
17. Pocket Dresser: A pocket dresser is a small device with four tools that fold in and out, similar to how a pocket knife operates. Its small size lends itself well to transport.Try the PocketDresser by HealthSmart.
Summary
In summary, adaptive equipment for dressing can help people with limitations maximize their independence. There are a variety of devices available, with some of them being portable for use on-the-go. If you need specialized assistance or training with dressing equipment, contact an occupational therapist for help.
