Taking the Struggle Out of Getting Dressed Due to Limited Mobility or Arthritis Pain
Arthritis can severely prohibit the ability of seniors to do daily activities like getting dressed. According to the National Arthritis Foundation, more than 50 million people suffer from arthritis. It’s a common issue many are faced with, but it does not mean the end of independence for those diagnosed with this disease. There are many solutions and modifications for seniors and those with arthritis to help manage daily tasks, which is why we are sharing this article and the resources that follow in the hope of helping to educate and provide solutions to many common issues for those with arthritis.
https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/about-arthritis/understanding-arthritis/what-is-arthritis
Helpful Tips & Tricks There are some ingenious tricks shared by Daily Caring and Alium that can help aid in daily dressing for those with arthritis. There are now many devices available to help seniors with dressing. A few examples of those are:
– Zipper rings
– Button hooks
– Shoe horns
– Sock donners
– Utilizing magnets to help with zippers or other metal fasteners
Arthritis-Friendly Activewear
Additionally, there are many clothing companies that now design arthritis—friendly products and clothing that make dressing easier. Today we wanted to bring attention to a company called Alium Adaptive Apparel who have created a line of clothing for adults that utilize velcro mixed with fashionable activewear to provide anyone with arthritis the freedom to dress themselves without pain or needing extra assistance.
https://www.aliumadaptive.com/
Preparing Ahead for the Next Day
Morning hours can often be difficult for those with arthritis as they are typically stiff and sore when they wake up. Arthritis.org shared a wonderful article about a woman named Linda who found a solution to this issue. Linda made a habit of preparing as much as she could each night before bed— that way, when she woke up the next morning, she only had a few tasks to do instead of trying to manage many things while dealing with the typical morning stiffness she experienced. By changing up her routine and gathering clothes, preparing meals ahead of time, and having everything ready for the next day, Linda is now able to better manage the symptoms of her arthritis without worrying if she will be able to accomplish these necessary tasks. To learn more about Linda’s story, visit
https://www.arthritis.org/spotlight-stories/florida/west-palm/lindas-story
From adjusting your wardrobe, DIY tricks, and some helpful dressing aids, these tried and true ways to manage arthritis can help seniors maintain their freedom when it comes to getting ready for the day. Incorporating these tools into your daily routine can potentially take the pain out of getting dressed independently.
Have any of these tips worked for you, your loved one, or someone you’ve cared for previously? Let us know in the comments!
Marin Home Care is a local, boutique caregiving agency. We are a care matchmaking service, 100% personalized to you! We understand the critical role that respect, compassion, warmth, and companionship play when it comes to home care. It’s our commitment to the community of Marin to stay connected and healthy, and we want to help seniors maintain a healthy and active lifestyle for as long as they can. To us, your home care is personal! We have a number of clients who struggle with these issues and hope this article sheds some light on helpful ways to navigate the daily stresses of living with arthritis. If you know someone who may need home care, we provide complimentary home care assessments; you can schedule one by calling us at 415-712-1917.