With Parkinson's disease there are various difficulties with regard to clothing. The most common are problems with balance, tremors and limited finger movement. It can often be frustrating to find that you can't stand still while you're putting on clothes, or have trouble handling buttons or other fastenings.
Below are some tips to make getting dressed and undressed easier:
- Take enough time and space to dress.
- Try to dress when you are 'on' and your medication has the maximum effect.
- It's easier, safer and faster to sit while dressing. Both for the upper body and lower body.
- It's easier to focus on dressing if you aren't distracted by the radio or conversations with other people.
- When you need to stand up to pull or straighten items of clothing, ensure a good balance by standing with the back of the calf muscles against the bed or chair.
- There are many aids such as a clothes stick, shoe puller, button hook, etc., but these can also cause frustration in people with Parkinson's disease.
- If necessary, place large mirrors so that you have a view of both your front and back. This can help to 'straighten' the clothing.
Tips & Tricks
We would like to give you some tips that you should pay attention to when purchasing clothes. Choose clothes that make you feel good, as this improves self-confidence.
- Replace clothes that are difficult to put on and take off with easier pieces. Maybe you can buy a size larger than you normally wear.
- Choose stretch fabrics that are comfortable to wear and easier to put on and off.
- If you have stiff shoulders, choose clothing that can be closed at the front, such as a skirt or bra, for example.
- Choose trousers with an elasticated waistband instead of zippers and buttons, as these are easier to put on and take off.
- Wear pullovers without closures with sufficiently large sleeves or choose a jumper with hidden magnetic buttons.
- Larger and thick buttons with a long buttonhole are easier to handle than small buttons. Are buttons no longer an option? Then definitely try the shirts with magnetic buttons.
- When a zipper is difficult to handle, a loop or ring can facilitate the grip. With reduced fine motor skills, a jacket with a magnetic zipper is also very handy.
- Make sure your clothes are not too long so that you cannot trip over them.
- Choose clothing with large pockets so that you can easily take out your handkerchief, glasses, medication, diary, cell phone ...
- If it’s difficult to pull trousers on with a reduced gripping function, loops can be sewn on the side. By hooking the fingers or thumb in the loop, the trousers can then be pulled up more easily.
Shoes
- Comfortable and closed shoes reduce the risk of falling (no slippers!)
- Lighter shoes are more comfortable and cause less-sore feet,
- the height of the heel is another important consideration - a higher heel (height of 2 - 3.5 cm) may be useful if you tend to fall back while shoes with little or no heel help if you tend to lean forward.
- Choose a shoe sole that's sufficiently stable and not too slippery.
- Many shoes now have Velcro or zip fasteners, which are easier to use than laces or buckles. Friendly Shoes, for example, are very convenient for people with Parkinson's disease. They are light as a feather and have an easy-to-handle zip that makes it easier to get in and out.
If you have any questions about these tips, feel free to contact us. We'll gladly help you further.
Best of wishes,
Sofie en Jessie
