Adaptive clothing is special clothing that is easier to get in and out of, often made in a unique design for those with disabilities or mobility limitations. While it is common to use adaptive clothing at any age, it is more common to use them at the end of your life.
Adaptive clothing allows seniors to retain a lot of their independence by providing clothes they can dress in on their own. Additionally, bathroom breaks are easier, and often, an assistant isn’t needed when they are wearing the right pieces.
Whether you think that a family member might need adaptive clothing or you think that you need to purchase some for yourself, it can be a difficult topic to approach. In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know to help you comfortably discuss adaptive clothing with a loved one.
Who Needs Adaptive Clothing?
Before we dive in, let’s take a moment and discuss who needs adaptive clothing. Despite common belief, adaptive clothing isn’t just for the elderly. It can be used for those with skin sensitivities at any point in their life or by younger individuals following an extensive operation. Below is a list of individuals who may need to use adaptive clothing:
- Seniors over the age of 70
- Individuals with autism spectrum disorder
- Amputees who are missing a limb or hand
- Those who use a wheelchair
- Patients following an intensive surgery
- Adults and children with skin sensitivities
While reading this list, did you think of someone you might know who needs adaptive clothing? If so, read on, as we cover how to approach the topic.
How to Approach the Topic of Adaptive Clothing
1. Start With Empathy
No matter what your age, or the age of the person you are caring for is, it can be difficult to admit you need more help for an easy task like dressing. It can also come across as hurtful when someone else brings it up.
Therefore, we recommend starting with empathy. Ask questions, putting yourself in the individual’s shoes. Below are some examples.
- “I noticed the buttons on your shirt are difficult to use, even for me.”
- “I’ve begun looking into clothing that is easier to take on and off for myself and saw this and thought of you.”
- “Some of these new outfits are so difficult to get dressed in. I often long for something more simple.”
There is a wide variety of statements that you can use. Just be sure to approach the topic by making yourself the subject. Otherwise, you may come across as judgmental and rude to your family members.
2. Show Adaptive Clothing Options
Adaptive clothing options have come a long way in recent years, and large brands, like Tommy Hilfiger, even offer options. Some adaptive clothing you can’t even tell is adaptive!
So, once you bring up the subject, have some websites up and ready to go. Then, you can look through them with your loved one and discuss some of the options.
It can help to already have several options you think your loved one will enjoy pulled up. Such as shirts with Velcro or magnets instead of buttons for someone with arthritis. As you search, point out items you like. Don’t insinuate that they would like any of them, let them come to that conclusion on their own.
3. Discuss the Benefits of Adaptive Clothing
As you peruse, also discuss the benefits of adaptive clothing, but ensure that you keep your language neutral or about yourself. Say things like, “Oh wow, that looks nice and so easy to wear, too.” If your loved one adds their own opinion, that is great, but if they don’t, let it go!
The last thing you want to do is to have your loved one feel like they are forced into choosing adaptive clothing. If they don’t choose it this time around, bring it up again in a few weeks.
4. Gift Adaptive Clothing
One of the best ways to get your loved one interested in adaptive clothing is to gift it. Sometimes, they may not want to purchase a piece on their own, but if you buy one for them, they will give it a try!
Take a look at our articles, the 10 Best Adaptive Clothing Brands for Senior Women and What to Know About Adaptive Clothing for Men to find gift ideas.
Ensure you pick stylish pieces that suit your loved one. Nothing is worse than feeling like you are losing your individuality when choosing adaptive clothing. Also, ensure that the clothing chosen suits your family member’s needs.
5. Have Others Bring Up the Topic
Sometimes, it can feel like a bit of an attack when only one person in your life is talking about a subject. If you can, introduce other family members to adaptive clothing and have them bring it up to your loved one as well. The more they hear about it, the more interested they may be in it!
6. Talk About Other Topics
As much as you may want to force your loved one to choose adaptive clothing, this isn’t the way to go. So, if you have gotten this far and they still aren’t interested, then leave it be. At some point, if they truly need adaptive clothing, they will come to that conclusion on their own, and you will be right there to help them with advice!
Overall, the topic of adaptive clothing can be a tricky one to approach. But if you do so with grace, kindness, and empathy, adaptive clothing can go a long way toward making life more comfortable for your loved one, as well as their caregiver. Just be sure to have some amazing brands on hand that match your loved one’s style, and you can’t go wrong!
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