The ability to dress and groom yourself is very important to many people. Here is a range of equipment which can be used by people to facilitate independence in these areas.
Before considering equipment to assist with dressing, consider the type of clothing to be worn. Some clothes are easier to don or remove, such as a t-shirt or polo shirt without buttons, or pants with an elastic waist rather than a zipper. There are also suppliers that make modifies clothing that may be easier to don or remove. An example is clothes with Velcro fastenings instead of buttons or zippers.
Stocking, sock and pantyhose aids may be helpful for people who have difficulty bending down to reach their feet. The clothing item is pulled over a flexible plastic gutter, and long cotton tapes are used to pull the plastic gutter up, bringing the clothing item with it. Special aids to assist in putting on compression stockings are also available.
A dressing stick is a stick with a hook on one end. It can be used to push off or pull on hard-to-reach items of clothing. Loops sewn onto clothing can make it easier for someone to use a dressing stick, by providing something for the stick to hook on to.
Long-handled shoe horns may assist with putting shoes on by reducing the need to bend.
A button hook can make doing up buttons easier for people who only have the use of one hand, or people who have limited hand function. Button aids are used by passing the aid through the buttonhole to catch the button and then pulling the button back through the hole.
Elastic laces stretch and can remain tied up while putting on/taking off shoes. Spring lace fasteners may also be used to firmly hold the laces together, and can be operated with one hand.
Shoes with velcro fasteners may be easier to fasten for people with limited hand function.
Long-handled combs or brushes can assist people who have limited arm and shoulder movement.
Mounting equipment, such as hair dryers, can be useful for people with only the use of one hand, coordination difficulties or limited hand function and can be mounted using suction caps.
For people with limited hand function, a universal cuff may be used to enable them to hold items such as brushes and razors. A universal cuff is a Velcro strap which wraps around the hand. The object is placed in a tubing pocket so there is no need to hold it with your fingers.
Electric razors and toothbrushes may be easier for some people to use as they can reduce the amount of hand and arm movement required. Long-handled nail scissors can make reaching the toes easier.
If you have any questions about assistant living equipment call 1300 885 886 Independent Living Centres Advisory Service, they can discuss your needs with you and make suggestions.
StrokeConnect also has posts about equipment if you have upper mobility limitations and need ideas such as a hair-dryer.
Helen a memeber of our Facebook community has posted: Helen Vasicek as posted: incase you have never heard of the Smart Arm i would like to say i was a part of their trials and found it to be very good if used in all stroke hospitals www.uniquest.com.au
For more information www.ilcaustralia.org.au
This article was first published in the Brain Association of Queensland Synapse magazine. www.synapse.org.au