Clothing for nursing home residents
Tips and considerations when shopping clothing for loved one’s
Clothing choices when shopping for elderly in nursing homes
While not something many people think about — getting dressed and wearing clothing is one of the most fundamental experiences we all share daily. Unless we have ourselves observed or experienced reduced capacity, we may not fully understand the benefit of making both the process of getting dressed and the ‘result’ of being dressed as one which can be improved with a sense of wellbeing for all.
Therefore, helping you to make a better choice when shopping for your loved one’s clothing is important.
Clothing choices are also important for nursing staff at intermediate and long-term care facilities are frequently required to help dress residents. Due to the limited physical capabilities of many of the residents, dressing often entails repositioning and manual handling.
Special care clothing – what to think about when shopping clothing?
The right style and the right fabric for the clothing are the two main elements that benefit the patient and the carer to provide a safe and comfortable dressing experience.
Fabrics need to be soft, breathable, a natural blend that has a bit of general stretch helping to make the garments comfortable on the skin. The garments are then easier to get on and off, will help to avoid allergies, abrasions and itchiness.
Clothing with fewer accessories (buttons, snaps, Velcro or zips) promote safety and can help prevent injuries to the skin.
A loose fit and open-back garment that will cover the whole back and shoulder area provides both dignity and warmth to our loved ones.
Why open back clothing shopping is a better choice for aged care facilities
The nursing staff at intermediate and long-term care facilities are frequently required to help dress residents. Due to the limited physical capabilities of many of the residents, dressing often entails repositioning and manual handling.
The following will help to explain the differences in the different ways carers can provide clothing for our loved ones in care.
Sestra Care Solution open back clothing for bed-confined individuals
Special Features of Sestra Care Solutions adaptive clothing garments
The unique cross-back design includes a yoke and 2 cross over panels. The yoke covers the shoulder blades and the attached cross over panels drop to provide closure to the back to the garment. This protects our client’s dignity and provides them with a degree of independence in dressing themselves.
The Sestra Care sleeve width and length is practical for accessing the arms and hands for care as well as medical treatment. The design protects the frail skin on the arms and elbows of clients.
The fabrics that are used are breathable, light in weight, skin-friendly, flexible with general stretch and wrinkle resistance. Our fabrics hold their colour and shape, industrial dryer and washing machine friendly.
We have eliminated the need for any studs, buttons, velcro or zips.
We have chosen to print a label on the inside of the garment that can have their name written with a permanent marker for easy identification. The family no longer needs to order expensive tags that must be sewn on each new garment. Appropriately labelled garments prevent loss or misplacement of clothing. Having the clothing at the right place saves time and improves the dressing experience.
