Giving Care: Senior & Disabled Caregiver Resource Blog

Dressing Stroke Patients: Tips for Caregivers

Stroke patient
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Getting dressed independently contributes to a person’s mental health. But what if someone is not well, suffered an injury, experienced a stroke, got into an accident, or underwent a surgery? For them, going through physical changes and getting dressed with some assistance can bring many lifestyle changes. With adaptive clothing, caregivers can alleviate the stress unexpected circumstances can bring. Easy dressing solutions can boost a patient’s mood, give them confidence and it also provides struggle free ways to get dressed.

If you or your loved one has suffered a stroke, did you find everyday tasks becoming more challenging? After experiencing a stroke, many tasks can become difficult and daunting. Going through different stages of life after a stroke can be intimidating and challenging, but dressing does not need to be difficult.

Here are some tips for dressing a stroke patient which can help both the patient and the caregiver make dressing easy:

Choosing the right fabric

The right fabric can help a patient or senior feel comfortable. If the fabric is rough or if does not suit your patient, the skin can experience allergies or itchiness. Whether it is an adaptive top, pants or nightgowns, soft yet durable fabric can effectively help provide comfort to the wearer. Soft and loose-fitting fabric is not just easy to put on, but it can slide of easily too. For example, soft cotton knit hospital gowns with open back functionality helps the caregiver dress a stroke patient easily and safely.  

Adaptive Dressing Solutions

Adaptive dressing solutions feature functional features such as open back tops, side open pants and antimicrobial protection to keep your senior loved ones or stroke patients safe and comfortable. Ideally, clothes for a stroke patient should be easy to wear and put on. Even if they are learning to dress themselves again, an adaptive wear shirt with magnetic buttons can make dressing easier for them. With magnetic button features, a stroke patient does not need to struggle with buttons because the magnets just snap in place.

Other practical easy dressing clothes can have wide neck openings and elastic waistbands. Clothes that have narrow neck openings and those that must be pulled over the head like t-shirts can be difficult for the stroke patient to manage. If your loved one is in a wheelchair, adaptive pants made especially for wheelchair users can provide a solution. Caregivers do not need to make their patient stand up to dress them. With wheelchair pants, open back functionality allows the patient to get dressed without having them to stand up or move uncomfortably.

Anti-Slip Footwear

It can be very difficult for a stroke patient to wear shoes. It can be even more challenging if they have to tie laces or if the caregiver has to bend and help them wear shoes every time. An easy solution is to opt for adaptive shoes because they are easy to wear. Adaptive footwear can be worn indoors or outdoor and they come with adjustable straps and anti-slip and skid-resistant soles. Adjustable straps or closures can be completely opened up for easy access making it easy to slide the foot inside.

Wide width is terrific for swollen feet. Adaptive shoes have slip resistant soles that can help prevent potential slips and falls. Whether your loved one is in a nursing care facility or recovering at home, durable and skid-resistant footwear can help them feel comfortable and safe.

Helpful Accessories

Stroke patients can benefit from certain helpful accessories that can make daily tasks easier for them. Accessories can range from storage options to comfortable bed jackets. Here are a few accessories that can prove to be helpful:

  • Pouch to carry small belongings
  • Non-skid socks for indoor walking
  • Pill Organizer
  • Protector Bibs for mealtimes
  • Bed Jacket for warmth

Helpful Aids

Caregivers can help a stroke patient even more by providing some helpful aids around the house. For example, adaptive bathing, grooming and personal hygiene aids can help stroke sufferers with their daily routines. Bedroom safety items such as grabbers, bed rails and anti-slip mat near the bed can help them feel safe. Mobility aids can help them take a few steps if they are able to, depending on their health conditions. Mealtime aids can include adult bibs as mentioned above. Other helpful items for mealtimes are scoop plates, plate guards and adaptive utensils.

Have you cared for a stroke patient? Do you know anyone who is recovering from a stroke? Can you think of other helpful tips that we can include in our list? Please leave a comment and let us know!

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