Adaptive & Disabled Clothing

Clothing for the Disabled – How to Dress People with Special Needs

Clothing for the disabled can require special considerations as many are in care situations and have frequent medical needs. The disabled may have limited mobility and often require the assistance of others for dressing and undressing. Adaptive clothing allows greater access and easier dressing by caregivers and medical professionals while maintaining the look of regular clothing, thus giving the disabled person the dignity of having clothing options rather than just bland, functional hospital gown attire. Adaptive clothing also helps caregivers tend to the needs of the disabled easily with access that is more comfortable for patients. 

Many disabled people may require assistance for basic life needs, such as eating, moving and using the restroom. Clothing that allows for this assistance is especially convenient for both the caregiver and the disabled person. Adult Bibs that catch spills and dribbles during a feed help save the disabled from a possible strenuous clothing change after meals. Drop seat pants with snaps that allow easy access for breif changing may help those with incontinence issues. Elastic waist pants help for comfort. Shirts that snap in the back help give the appearance of regular clothing, but function well in a caregiver situation.

By dressing a disabled person, rather than keeping them in hospital attire or pajamas, you can change their entire outlook. Clothing for the disabled should be both comfortable and dignified.  Dressing the disabled may help encourage movement, socialization and aid with depression. By providing clothing for the disabled that are both functional in a clinical setting and fashionable enough to provide comfort for the wearer, the challenges of traditional clothing can be overcome easily. Adaptive clothing provides solutions for the disabled and those in long-term care situations in mind, aiding both the disabled person and the caregiver.