To help people with Parkinson's get dressed more easily, there are adaptive clothing is an excellent option. Parkinson’s clothing features struggle free dressing solutions and is designed to resolve the dilemmas faced by Parkinson’s patients and their caregivers.
How does Parkinson's Disease Impact Dressing?
Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects the central nervous system. People with Parkinson's experience a range of symptoms that can interfere with their ability to perform daily activities, including getting dressed.
Here are some reasons why Parkinson’s patients may struggle with dressing themselves:
Tremors | One of the hallmark symptoms of Parkinson's is a resting tremor. This can make fine motor tasks, such as buttoning a shirt or tying shoelaces, quite challenging. |
Bradykinesia (slowness of movement) | Another common symptom of Parkinson's is bradykinesia. This can make every action slower, from reaching out for a piece of clothing to pulling it on. |
Rigidity | Muscle stiffness or rigidity can make it hard to move arms and legs fluidly, thus complicating the process of getting into or out of clothes. |
Reduced Dexterity | Fine motor skills can be compromised, making it difficult to handle small objects like buttons, zippers, or jewelry. |
Balance and Postural Instability | People with Parkinson's can experience balance issues, making it risky for them to stand and change clothes, especially if they're trying to balance on one foot while putting on pants or shoes. |
Decreased Coordination | This can lead to difficulties in coordinating movements needed for dressing. |
Freezing of Gait | Some people with Parkinson's experience "freezing" episodes where they temporarily can't move. If this happens while they're in the middle of dressing, it can be distressing and challenging. |
Cognitive Challenges | While primarily a movement disorder, Parkinson's can also lead to cognitive changes in some people. This can make multi-step processes, like getting dressed, more difficult to sequence or remember. |
Sensory Changes | Some people with Parkinson's report altered sensations, which can make it uncomfortable to wear certain types of clothing or fail to notice situations like a twisted piece of clothing. |
Fatigue | Many people with Parkinson's experience fatigue, which can make the effort of getting dressed seem daunting. |
Whether you are looking for independent dressing solutions or assisted dressing solutions clothing for Parkinson’s patients can help them feel safe and secure.
Women's Parkinson's Clothing Styles
Clothing that reduces the challenges associated with the symptoms of Parkinson's disease can make a big difference for both self-dressing and assisted dressing. Here are some recommendations for each scenario:
For Women who are Self-Dressing with Parkinson's
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Elastic Waistbands: Elastic waist pants and skirts are easier to pull on and off compared to those with buttons, zippers, or clasps. This also avoids the challenge of handling a belt.
Front-Closing Bras: Front-closing bras are often easier to handle than back-closing ones, like this Women's Front Snap Closure Adaptive Bra by Silverts.
Pull-over Tops and Dresses: Choose items without complicated closures. Pullovers can eliminate the need to handle buttons or zippers.
Velcro or Magnetic Closures: Replace traditional buttons with Velcro or magnetic closures for ease.
Loose-Fitting Clothing: Clothes that are not overly tight can be easier to maneuver.
Shoes: Opt for slip-on shoes, shoes with Velcro closures, or loafers. If laces are preferred, consider elastic no-tie shoelaces.
Layering: Layering can be beneficial, as it allows for easy adjustment to temperature changes which some individuals with Parkinson's might be sensitive to.
Large Zip Pulls: For items with zippers, consider adding large zip pulls to make them easier to grasp.
For Women who Require Assisted Dressing
Side or Back Opening Clothing: These can make it easier for a caregiver to dress the individual. For example, there are specially designed dresses that open completely down the back.
The Petal Back range of dresses and blouses for women is an excellent choice for assisted dressing thanks to the unique 'petal back' design of the garments which allows quick and easy dressing and undressing.
Adaptive Bras: Some bras are specifically designed for ease of caregiver use, with front closures and easy adjustments.
Open-Back Pants: These are pants that have a flap and closures at the back, which can be especially useful if the individual spends a lot of time seated or in bed.
Wrap-around Skirts: These can be easily wrapped around the individual without needing them to stand.
Snap Closures: Clothes with snap closures can be easier and quicker for caregivers to manage compared to traditional buttons.
Adaptive Shoes: There are shoes designed to open fully and wrap around the foot, making it easier to place the foot inside without needing to push or pull.
Seamless and Tagless Clothing: To ensure comfort, especially if the individual is seated or lying down for extended periods, consider clothing without rough seams or tags.
Soft and Stretchable Materials: Fabrics that stretch can be more comfortable and easier for caregivers to work with.
Consider Special Needs: If the individual uses a wheelchair, has a feeding tube, or has other specific needs, there are adaptive clothing options tailored to these requirements.
Men's Parkinson's Clothing Styles
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As with women, men with Parkinson's can benefit from clothing that is easy to manage and comfortable. Here are recommendations for both scenarios:
For Men who are Self-Dressing with Parkinson's
Elastic Waistbands: Pants with elastic waistbands are more straightforward to pull on and off compared to those with buttons or zippers.
Pullover Shirts: Opting for t-shirts, polos, or sweaters that can be easily pulled over the head eliminates the challenge of buttons.
Velcro or Magnetic Closures: These can replace traditional buttons or zippers on shirts or jackets, making them easier to handle.
Loose-Fitting Clothing: A bit of extra room can make clothing easier to put on and take off.
Shoes: Slip-on shoes, loafers, or shoes with Velcro closures can be more comfortable to put on. If laces are preferred, consider elastic no-tie shoelaces.
Layering: Layering is beneficial for easy temperature regulation.
Large Zip Pulls: For items like jackets with zippers, large zip pulls can make them easier to grasp and use.
No-Tie Ties: If ties are worn, consider clip-on ties or zipper ties that look traditional but don't require tying.
For Men who Require Assisted Dressing
Back-Opening Shirts: Shirts that open in the back can make it simpler for caregivers to help with dressing. Silvert's Men’s Open-Back Adaptive Active T-Shirt and the Open Back Adaptive Flannel Nightgown for Seniors are both great choices.
Adaptive Pants: There are pants designed with side openings or rear flaps to simplify the process for caregivers, especially if the individual is often seated.
Snap Closures: These can be quicker and easier for caregivers to use than traditional buttons or zippers.
Adaptive Shoes: Shoes that open wide and can be secured with Velcro or other simple closures can make the process smoother. They essentially wrap around the foot, removing the need for pushing or pulling. We recommend exploring CosyFeet range of wide-fitting and adaptive shoes for men.
Seamless and Tagless Clothing: This ensures comfort, especially for those who may be seated or lying down for extended periods.
Soft and Stretchable Materials: Fabrics that have some give can be more comfortable and easier for caregivers to manage.
Avoid Back Pockets: For individuals who spend a lot of time seated, pants without back pockets can be more comfortable.
Consider Special Needs: If the individual uses a wheelchair, has a feeding tube, or has other specific needs, there are adaptive clothing options tailored to these situations.
Customised Adaptive Clothing for Parkinson's Disease
Our team at Adaptive Clothing Australia can provide women and men with Parkinson's disease a uniquely personalised service.
We take your favourite garments and tailor them to suit your individual needs so you can continue enjoying that special skirt, top, pants or dress.
We achieve this by incorporating the closure type of your choice, whether it's a side zipper with an easy-to-pull loop, convenient front Velcro, or even magnetic closures.
Contact our team today: info@adaptiveclothingaustralia.com
Disclaimer: The content provided in this blog is for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. We are not medical professionals and the information should not be considered as professional medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for medical advice and treatment.
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