Caregiving for a loved one means that they rely on you to assist them with daily tasks that may include bathing, feeding, and dressing. Adaptive clothing options include features such as lightweight fabrics and open-back styles that allow a safer and more comfortable dressing experience.
.
If you are a caregiver responsible for dressing your senior loved one every day and find it difficult and physically exhausting to do so, adaptive clothing may be the answer. The following are dressing tips we’ve compiled that can help both you and your loved one reduce frustration and add ease to the process of changing.
Involve them in the shopping experience.
Geri Fashions is proud to be an online shop, which allows you to sit with your loved one in front of a screen and allow them to choose items they would enjoy wearing.
When it comes to fashion, we all have preferences and dislikes, so keep this in mind when shopping.
If you know your Mom prefers floral-print tops or your Dad prefers collared shirts, choose clothing items that will accommodate their preferences. Help them look and feel great by combining their favourite fashion with functionality.
Stay simple.
Although wearing layers on layers of tops and scarves and accessories may be fashionable, all of these layers can be difficult to dress or change out of.
Instead, stick to an adaptive top and adaptive bottom combo for the summer, and for chilly days, add on a cardigan (available in men's and women's styles) and jacket in the winter.
Be calm.
Your senior may feel frustrated from their health condition, but during this frustration, the best thing you can do is stay calm and patient. Try to be understanding and positive so they feel at ease.
If they choose a piece of clothing inappropriate for the weather or event, allow them to wear it and cool down before kindly helping them see your perspective. By refusing to reciprocate the frustration, they will have nothing to fight against, and are more likely to calm down.
Create a routine.
Routines can assist a senior in establishing a sense of security. A routine can benefit carers who are short on time by providing consistency to their day and timetable. With so many tasks to complete, timeframes and scheduling can help both caregivers and elders.
If your loved one loves to dress at the same time every morning, assist or help them get ready so you may perform other responsibilities as a family caregiver.
A schedule can also minimize tension and worry since seniors will know precisely what is going to happen and who will be assisting them. This may also foster feelings of security, warmth, and safety.
We understand the importance of your role and the time and effort you invest in your loved one. It’s important to give this care no matter how hard it may get at times, and we are always here to help.
