Nursing Home Clothing: Comfortable and Functional
When it comes to clothing for older adults, the goal is twofold: comfort and functionality.
Nursing home residents often spend a significant amount of their day seated or in bed.
So, it's crucial to find clothes that are comfortable in these positions and can accommodate a range of movements.
Nursing home clothing need to be easy to put on and take off, either by the wearer or caregivers, and should not restrict mobility. Special attention must be given to ease of dressing for those with mobility issues, arthritis, Dementia or Parkinson’s disease.
These specific challenges can be eased with the correct type of nursing home clothing.
Mobility Challenges
Your older loved one may be dealing with mobility issues, which makes certain clothes impractical. Therefore, ease of movement must be a priority when choosing clothing.
Sensory Changes
Ageing can bring about sensory changes. Clothes must not only be easy to put on but also accommodate alterations in temperature sensitivity and diminished fine motor skills.
Health Conditions
Arthritis or diabetes and other health conditions often call for comfortable clothing that doesn't restrict blood flow or aggravate sensitive, frail skin.
Adaptive clothing for nursing homes
Adaptive clothing comes to the rescue with features like Velcro fastenings, magnetic buttons, elastic waists, open-back designs, and side or front openings.
These carefully considered features dramatically ease the process of getting dressed and
undressed, reducing stress for both the wearer and their caregivers.
What's more, these garments are designed for comfort and adaptability, accommodating changes in weight or swelling that can occur due to medical conditions.
Common types of fastenings
Some common types of fastenings used in adaptive clothing for nursing homes include:
Velcro closures: Easy to use, require minimal dexterity, and can be quickly secured or adjusted as needed.
Magnetic closures are simple to fasten and release, requiring less coordination than traditional buttons or snaps.
Snap buttons: Easier to manage than regular buttons and provide a secure closure without requiring precise finger movements.
Elastic waistbands: Comfortable and flexible, accommodating varying waist sizes and reducing the need for daily adjustment.
Petal back style closure: All Petal Back Clothing opens from the back and slides up the arms first and then over the head. Due to its unique design, Petal Back Clothing requires no closure type at all. This reduces the risk of skin tearing or bruising and makes assisted dressing easier.
Benefits of adaptive clothing
While it's true that the upfront cost of adaptive clothing can be higher than conventional attire, it's important to look at the bigger picture.
Let's unpack the long-term value these clothes bring:
✅ Ease of Use: Adaptive clothing can be a real time-saver, cutting down on dressing struggles for the wearer and their caregivers. This reduction in daily frustration can significantly enhance the quality of life for seniors and those who care for them.
✅ Reduced Risk of Injury: Struggling with traditional fastenings can lead to falls or other injuries. By simplifying the dressing process, adaptive clothing helps make daily routines safer.
✅ Durability: Made to last, adaptive clothes are sturdy and resilient. This durability means you'll be replacing garments less often, saving money over time.
✅ Health and Hygiene: For those living with specific health conditions, adaptive clothing can make the use of medical devices easier or simplify the process of changing clothes. This ease can help maintain personal hygiene and potentially lower healthcare costs.
✅ Independence: By making dressing easier, adaptive clothing empowers elderly individuals to maintain their independence for longer, reducing the need for assisted living or professional care.
When choosing nursing home clothing, it's important to factor in these long-term benefits. While the initial cost might be a little more, the added convenience, safety, and durability of adaptive garments make them a smart investment for the long haul.
In a nutshell, adaptive clothing doesn't just add to the wardrobe; it adds to the quality of life.
How can I get clothing adapted?
Contact Adaptive Clothing Australia and we can discuss your requirements and provide a quote over the phone or email. Contact our friendly and caring team today.
Tips for choosing the right type of fabric
The best clothing for nursing homes are made from durable fabric that is able to withstand frequent washing at high temperatures. Here are some fabrics that fit this criteria.
Denim
A hard-wearing cotton-based fabric renowned for its durability, able to withstand both high temperatures and frequent washing cycles.
Cotton
Linen
Polyester Cotton Blend
Acrylic-Cotton Blend
Durability and easy maintenance matters
Selecting clothes-for-elderly-in-nursing-home isn't just about comfort, style, or insulation. An equally significant factor is the ease of maintenance and durability of the garments.
Here's why:
Washing and cleaning
In nursing homes, clothing often goes through frequent washing cycles in commercial machines, often at high temperatures.
This rigorous routine can lead to fading colours, stretching, or distortion of the garment. That's why it's crucial to pick clothes that are resilient and easy to clean. Garments that retain their shape, colour, and texture despite regular washing offer not just practicality but also longevity.
Choosing durable fabrics
Investing in durable fabrics can go a long way in keeping your loved ones' wardrobes in top condition.
Fabrics known for their hard-wearing nature can withstand frequent use and washing, ensuring the clothes retain their appearance and comfort over time. Additionally, durable fabrics often resist pilling, a common issue that can make clothes feel less comfortable against the skin.
By taking durability and ease of maintenance into account when choosing clothes for elderly in nursing homes, you can ensure that their garments continue to offer the comfort and dignity they deserve, even after numerous rounds in the laundry room.
About Adaptive Clothing Australia
We are a Brisbane-based, family run business with more than 22 years' experience working with aged care mobility products and clothing. We pride ourselves on delivering quality services with a caring, personal touch. Our team of experts is dedicated to providing you with the most accurate and reliable information to help you make informed decisions about your adaptive clothing needs.
Affiliate links
Adaptive Clothing Australia has established affiliate partnerships with reputable healthcare product providers. When you make a purchase through our affiliate links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help support our mission to provide valuable information and resources to our readers. We appreciate your support and trust in our recommendations.
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The Adaptive Clothing Australia Team
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