What is Adaptive Clothing and How Does It Work?

Adaptive clothing is clothing made for those who have difficulty dressing due to age, disability, or a general lack of mobility. Adaptable clothing is commonly misunderstood to be solely for persons who are confined to wheelchairs; nevertheless, anyone who is restricted by regular clothes can benefit from adaptive clothing.

Adaptive clothing, such as open back shirts, extra wide slippers and shoes, simple snap slacks, and wrap-around skirts and dresses for ladies, are appreciated by many seniors for their simplicity and comfort.

Adaptive clothing can make a significant and recognized impact in life quality for persons managing health issues such as ALS, cerebral palsy, Alzheimer's, arthritis, shoulder surgery recovery, oedema, or hospital recovery simply by making dressing easier.

How Does Adaptive Clothing Assist Change?

Changing clothes is easier with adaptive clothing since it needs less mobility to adjust, remove, and put on. Instead of stretching your arms, legs, or back to adjust them, these garments focus on keeping motion centralized and close to the body. One of the most significant advantages of adaptive clothing is that caretakers may more easily change clothing on a person with limited mobility.

Adaptive Clothing Types

Open back shirts, extra-wide slip-on slippers and shoes, simple snap slacks, and wrap-around skirts and dresses are examples of adaptive clothing that appear to be standard wear at first glance yet provide convenience and comfort.

Pants with an open back

These trousers are perfect for wheelchair users and anyone who are unable to wear standard pants or bear weight. The rear of the open back jeans is cut out, however, there is a modesty flap to provide coverage. They fasten on the side with three snaps that may be adjusted by 1.5 to 2 inches. Caretakers can change someone in a standing or lying posture with open back pants.

Tops with an open back

Snaps at the shoulder are used to fasten open-back clothes. This style provides the same level of cover as a traditional shirt, but it's much easier to put on and take off. Caregivers especially like this style since it makes changing easier because the person being changed does not have to raise their arms.

Dignity (Anti-Strip) Suits

Anti-Strip Suits are mostly used with Alzheimer's or Dementia patients to avoid inappropriate undressing. These suits have snap fasteners at the rear neckline, making it more difficult for the wearer to remove the suit. Caregivers value these suits because they protect both themselves and the person they are caring for.

Slippers That Adapt

Adaptive Slippers are simple to put on and take off. Adaptive slippers open wider than standard slippers, allowing the foot to be easily slipped within with no effort, thanks to large Velcro fastening. Ideal for people who are cared for by someone else.