Dressing Aids: Buttons, Zips, Socks and Shoes

Why dressing becomes hard

• Arthritis in hands. Fine movements such as buttons, hooks and zips are painful; see arthritis daily living gadgets.
• Limited bending. Back pain, stiff hips, new hip replacement precautions or breathlessness make reaching the feet impossible; see cushions after hip replacement.
• Weak arm or hand after a stroke; see dressing after a stroke.
• Shoulder stiffness. Reaching overhead or behind the back is painful; see frozen shoulder.
• Tremor. Shaking hands miss buttons.
• Poor balance. Standing on one leg to put on trousers risks a fall.
• Poor vision. Hard to see buttons and match clothes.
• Memory and attention. In dementia, the order of dressing is forgotten.
• Breathlessness and fatigue.

Types of dressing aid

### Sock aids

A sock aid is a curved plastic or fabric trough with long cords or straps. You slide a sock over the trough, drop it to the floor, put your foot in and pull the cords to draw the sock up the leg, without bending. Useful after hip surgery and for stiff backs. Practise the technique to get used to it.

### Long-handled shoehorn

A shoehorn 40 to 70 cm long, which helps get the heel into a shoe without bending down. Combine with elastic laces or Velcro shoes.

### Dressing stick

A rod with a hook at one end, used to push clothes over the feet, to pull up trousers and to take off socks. Useful after hip replacement or for limited reach.

### Button hook and zip pull

A small hook or wire loop that threads through a buttonhole, grabs the button and draws it through. Often combined with a zip pull ring. They have a large, easy-grip handle. They take practice.

### Reacher

A grabber for pulling clothes from shelves or the floor and for pulling up trousers and skirts; see reachers and grabbers.

### Elastic laces and shoe aids

Elastic or "no-tie" laces turn lace-up shoes into slip-ons. Velcro straps and magnetic fasteners help.

### Trouser and bra aids

Trouser pull-ups with loops, and bra fasteners (front-closing, or a bra extender or aid that hooks the back closure), help those with limited reach.

### Zip and fastener extenders

Loops, rings and small tags make zips easier to hold.

### Dressing seat or perching stool

A stable seat for dressing, particularly after hip surgery; a shower chair can serve; see shower chairs and stools.

### Magnifier and good light

For seeing buttons and fasteners.

Easier clothes

The best aid is sometimes a different garment.

• Front-opening tops and dresses, such as shirts, kurtas with buttons or snap fasteners at the front, are easier than pullovers.
• Velcro, magnetic or snap fastenings instead of buttons and hooks.
• Elastic waists on trousers, pyjamas and skirts, avoiding zips and buttons.
• Loose, stretchy fabrics such as cotton and jersey.
• Raglan or wide sleeves that allow the arm in easily.
• Slip-on shoes with Velcro or elastic.
• Larger armholes and necks for stiff shoulders.
• Adaptive clothing designed with openings for people who dress in a chair or bed.
• Cotton or soft fabrics for sensitive skin.
• Simple colours and patterns that are easy to match.
• Longer tops for warmth and modesty.
• Saris and dhotis can be difficult to manage with limited mobility; consider simpler garments for the daily routine, while keeping traditional wear for occasions. Respect personal and cultural preferences.

Techniques

Sit down to dress. Sitting in a stable chair with arms, or on the bed edge, with feet on the floor, is safer than standing on one leg.

Lay out clothes in order the night before, in the sequence they will be put on.

Dress the weaker or painful side first, and undress it last. This is the standard rule after stroke or with a painful joint.

Use gravity. Let clothes hang from the arm and lower them into place.

Lower clothes over the feet with a dressing stick or reacher if you cannot bend.

Put trousers on while seated, pulling them to the knees, then standing with support to pull them up, holding a stable surface.

Do not rush. Allow time.

Take rests if breathless.

Keep the room warm, and the floor non-slip.

Take care of the hip. After hip replacement, do not bend beyond the allowed angle or cross the legs; use the aids as taught by the occupational therapist.

Dressing after a stroke or with one arm

A few key points; see dressing after a stroke and simple gadgets for one-handed living.

• Put the weaker arm into the sleeve first, then bring the garment around the back, and the stronger arm last.
• Take off the stronger arm first.
• Use a dressing stick, elastic laces and Velcro.
• Sit supported and use the strong hand to lift the weak limb.

Footwear and falls

Wearing shoes that stay on, grip and support is essential; see walking aids and footwear. Avoid walking in socks or loose slippers. If your parent cannot put on shoes, a long shoehorn, elastic laces or Velcro shoes can help. Do not sacrifice safety to avoid effort.

Privacy and dignity

Dressing is private. Offer help only as needed, ask before assisting, close doors and curtains, cover the person when changing and let them do as much as possible. If a carer helps, explain what you are doing and respect modesty; see dignity in intimate care. Choose clothes the person likes. Encourage dressing in day clothes, because it improves mood, activity and a sense of normality.

Buying and trying

• Try items in your parent's hands, or with an occupational therapist.
• Start with one or two aids, not a whole kit.
• Practise together, since many aids need a few attempts.
• Choose washable, durable items.
• Keep aids in the bedroom where dressing happens.

A morning routine that works

A fixed routine makes dressing quicker and safer. The night before, lay out the clothes in the order they will go on, with the weaker or sore side's sleeve or leg ready. In the morning, sit on a firm chair with arms or on the bed edge, with the aids within reach on a small table, and a reacher or dressing stick leaning beside you. Start with underwear and trousers pulled to the knees, then socks with the sock aid, then stand holding a stable support to pull the trousers up. Sit again for shirt or blouse, weaker arm first, and finish with shoes using a long shoehorn. If breathless, rest between steps. Keep a mirror and good light nearby so your parent can check buttons and collars, which keeps pride and independence. Review the routine after two weeks and change what is not working, whether that is the order, the chair height or the type of fastening. Praise effort, not speed, and never take over unless asked.

When to ask a professional

An occupational therapist can assess dressing, teach techniques and recommend aids. After hip surgery or stroke, ask the hospital team for advice. See a doctor if your parent suddenly cannot dress, has new weakness, confusion, severe pain or breathlessness on dressing. Our care advisors can arrange an occupational therapist visit and supply aids.