Though the pandemic may have many of us staying in our pajamas throughout the day there are still occasions to have us putting on some fancier clothes and when the time comes, there are many types of dressing aids available to help out.
*IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: this information is meant to alert you to the equipment that exists to help you but is not intended as a training module to use it safely. Please contact the manufacturer of each device or a qualified therapist/medical professional to help you select devices most appropriate to you and to teach you how to use it safely.
**This post may contain affiliate links from Amazon Associates or other affiliate programs through which I may earn a portion of qualifying purchases
Dressing Stick
The dressing stick is a long stick with hooks at either end. In this example the small hook on one end can hook onto zippers or shoelace loops while the larger end can help with pulling up pant legs, removing socks, and putting on shirts
RMS Deluxe 28 Inches Long Dressing Stick
Shoe Horn
Ahh the shoe horn, this simple long handled device slides in the back of the shoe to prevent that oh-so-annoying crumpling of the back of the shoe that happens when you try to slide your foot into it. They come in long and short versions that you can leave at home or carry with you.
Metal Shoe Horn Long Handle For Seniors, Set of 2
Shoe Funnel
Sometimes the shoe horn is not as simple and easy to use as the design implies. Some people find this device, the Foot Funnel Shoe Assist to be easier to use. This device slides over the back of your shoe then, after grabbing ahold of the strings, you can slide your foot in and pull up on the back. Cool, huh?
FootFunnel Shoe Assist by North Coast Medical
Sock Aid
Loss of grip or hand use, difficulty reaching down to your feet or even pain in the joints can make putting on socks tough. The sock aid spreads open the sock, allows you to slip your foot in and allows you to pull the sock up with greater ease.
The Don N’ Doffer:
This device may look daunting but it solves a common problem that many people who need to wear compression socks face: compression socks are hard as heck to get on. Even for someone with full strength and flexibility in their hands and legs pulling these suckers up is a workout. The Don and Doffer is a neat creation that actually slides the sock on very easily, saving you a ton of grief and hopefully increasing the likelihood that you will wear the socks as prescribed. This one can be a little tricky at first but their website has step by step instructions on how to use: Don N’ Doffer
Doff N’ Donner Combo Pack – Compression Stocking & Diabetic Sock Aid Kit
Button Hook
Loss of dexterity in the fingers can make buttons a real pain. Enter the button hook:
Button Hook Dressing Aids
The One Handed Bra
I don’t know about you guys but I’ve never been able to fasten a bra one-handed. There are definitely ways to do it and a quick internet video search will reveal some great how-to videos. However, I encourage you to take a look at The One Handed Bra. Bra Easy is an amazing Australia based company that developed beautiful and easy to don bras. They have a cool story and an even cooler product.
Wingspants
For anyone experiencing challenges with putting on or pulling up pants this nifty device holds open the pants, shorts or underwear and with the long handle allows you to reach it down toward your legs to place them in the openings then pull the garment up toward you. Note these come in different sizes!
Kinsman WingsPants Large
Clip and Pull Pants Assist
Clips that attach to the waistband of underwear, shorts of pants can help with pulling them up from around your feet whether you are sitting, standing or lying down.
Clip and Pull Dressing Aid Strap – 2Pcs
Pants Up Easy
This innovative device was designed specifically for persons with spinal cord injury but might be useful for anyone who has difficulty standing to pull their pants up the final 25% of the way. This device can be installed on the wall or purchased as a stand-alone device that slips under your armpits so you can lift your hips out of your chair and still have hands free to pull up the pants. Check out their webpage here: Pants Up Easy
Knowledge in Neuro 