Surgery is a painful process, but it’s necessary for many forms of healing. While recovery can be a long process, the best clothes possible right after the surgery can make it much easier to get your life back on track. However, it can be tricky to locate the ideal post-op clothing items with so many options.
If you’re interested in learning more about the best clothes to have on hand post-surgery, you’re in the right place. It’s best to have comfortable and practical clothing for proper rest and care, especially after a significant surgery experience. From snapping on your clothes to keeping your legs and arms warm, every step of the process matters.
1. Magnetic Closures
One of the most valuable items on hand is clothes with magnetic closures. According to one study, grip strength is a critical tool for daily tasks, and some surgeries make it very tricky to take clothes on and off.
Magnetic closures mean you don’t have to use your fingers to handle pushing buttons in and out of tiny slits. With magnets, the clothes can come off in an instant, and you won’t have to deal with the pain that comes with it.
2. Elastic Waistband Pants
Another helpful item you might already have in your home is elastic waistband pants. Again, these items don’t have buttons, which means you’re able to slide them on and off without pushing pieces through small holes potentially taking up time and causing more pain.
Often, time after surgery means you will have trouble with your strength and overall dexterity. Elastic waistband pants make it far easier to get dressed. Consider investing in a nice pair, such as this set from Hanes.
3. Slip-Resistant Socks
When recovering, you want to remain comfortable. Rather than shoes, socks might become the new norm. Unfortunately, socks can be slippery – especially if you have hardwood floors. In that case, slip-resistant socks are a much safer choice.
Slip-resistant socks have sticky pieces on the bottom that partially adhere for better stability. Plus, they will keep your body warm as you heal. These sets from Jeuhut are an excellent place to start.
4. Open-Back Tops
Open-backed tops are practical for patients who find themselves post-op and note that tight, traditional clothes lead to pain and discomfort. With open-back clothing, it’s much easier to put on garments, and they don’t press against the boy, offering far more comfort than other selections.
Also, open-backed tops are simple to put on and take off. They allow the patient to retain dignity and comfort without hurting themselves in the recovery process.
5. Dignity-Based Hospital Gowns
According to one study, dignity is a valuable part of the aging process for older adults. Finding yourself post-op can be humiliating and less-than-dignified, especially if you’re in a situation where wearing a hospital gown is a necessity. A dignity-based hospital gown is the answer.
With these tops, they are open to allow the gown to go on the individual without forcing them to lift their hands in the air or grab at the neck portion of the sheet to pull it on. Hospital gowns might not be the most ideal experience, but these are much better.
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6. Side-Zip Pants
If you don’t want to deal with magnetic closures on your clothing, consider pants with zippers up and down the side. These are stylish, but they are also open. This ability permits the pants to go on without you standing up or getting out of bed.
Side-zip pants are simple to grasp, so most seniors should be able to pull the zipper up or down post-op without too many issues. This version from Deyeek is an ideal version to begin with.
7. Non-Slip Slippers
We talked about non-stick socks, but it’s also helpful to have non-stick slippers at your disposal, in case you need an extra layer of support on your feet. These allow a solid support system when walking through the home with the same sticky portions as sticky socks.
When choosing non-stick slippers, they don’t need to be expensive. Ensure they have enough of a stick on the bottom to prevent any falls that could happen when marching through your home. Consider checking out these Scurtain slippers.
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8. Nightgown
A nightgown is comfortable, yet offers the chance to slide a piece of clothing over the head without too much effort. A caretaker can help a patient into one, and patients who haven’t had surgery on their arms or shoulders will have little trouble putting a nightgown on.
Not all nightgowns are created equal. Consider one made of a soft material with a wide neckline, remaining loose up and down the body. There should be nothing constricting to make it comfortable to sleep in and simple to pull onto the body. To start, consider this selection from Ekouaer.
9. Arm/Leg Warmers and Protectors
According to one study, the cold can have a serious impact on your health – especially if you’re a senior. As an older adult undergoing surgery, it’s vital to keep yourself as warm as possible afterward while defending yourself.
Arm and leg warmers are two layers of defense for a person who has undergone surgery and is on the way to recovery. It will keep your arms, legs, feet, and hands warm while you’re resting and getting back to normal. If you have surgeries in any of those areas, it will protect the most vulnerable areas of your body. Consider these from Bememo.
Recovering in Clothing After a Surgery
There are ample clothing choices available for post-op experiences, from magnetic closures on clothing to arm and leg warmers and protectors to keep everything in one piece. No matter what surgery you’ve gone through, it’s critical to prepare appropriately.
Although it might not seem like a big deal, preparing as much as possible ahead of time for your surgery recovery will make the endeavor much easier to handle. Consider where your body will need the most help and invest in clothing accordingly.
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