Not trying to be sarcastic, but have any of you heard of Occupational Therapists? They might be able to help. Their focus is ADLs, or Activities of Daily Living, which includes dressing. If Medicare or your insurance won't pay, you may be able to go through an agency and pay for one or two private sessions. It might cost some money, but if it makes the dressing process easier, it's worth it.
Ferris, that's highly insensitive of you. How do YOU know they don't take this person on outings? Do you think contractures mean that they cannot leave the house? I've been working as a nurse with geriatric and ALS patients for years now, and we've let NO disability out there keep us from taking our patients out for walks, or to the mall, etc. As for dressing someone with contractures, try to use shirts that have a v-neck or scoop neck of some sort. Always dress the worst-affected side first. Do not ever try to straighten a contracted joint - this can cause a significant amount of pain! Some gentle pressure to separate the arm from the body and open the elbow a tiny bit is ok. For long-sleeved shirts, bunch up the sleeve, put your arm through it, and grasp their hand. From there you should be able to slide the sleeve over their forearm, then some gentle pressure on the elbow to get it up the rest of the way. From there, put the other sleeve on. Keep the head out of the shirt until last. Pants are best done while laying down :)
As some have discovered Velcro is your friend. Even if the patient does not wear street clothes, I don't think he would be comfortable lying under a sheet naked, that is bad for moral. depending on your bathing schedule and any incontinence. You can probably leave the same clothes on day and night. Split one side of boxers or shorts and replace with velcro. if there is a reason for long trousers replace the zip on the fly with Velcro. When the patient is usually in bed it is usually the top that matters. Slitting T shirts, pyjama tops and other shirts right down the back. This tip will be controversial but it works. Pull the patient up by putting a hand on the back of the neck and pull him forward and tuck round the back. Sounds brutal but it usually does not cause pain. it saves a great deal of rolling. Using a shawl (gender appropriate) round the shoulder is a good substitute for sweaters etc. and keeps the drafts out. It is also possible to buy patterns to make handicapped clothing. A patient as severely incapacitated as your loved one will appreciate being dressed as normally as possible. It is very good for moral and commands respect in someone who has lost so much. If you have ever seen Steven Hawkin give a lecture he is always dressed in a business suit no alterations in view but I bet there are plenty. When you can only manage diapers in bed consider leggings and socks.
Yes, I sew too...before the last few weeks, i was getting up at night and turning my father to prevent soars...now that i do not habe to do that any more, i may start experimenting with closures on his clothing..that is when I feel a little stronger. I did make a half dozen cheat sheets and fitted sheets for his bed. Good suggestions.
Cover with Velcro type closings, and or with a sheet. Why does this person need dressing? It's not like they have a job and will be seen in public. Don't worry about dressing.
Great ideas above.I used "break away or tear away" pants or shorts. They are usually available at sports type stores. You might try thrift or resale shops. My kids used them for soccer and my parents used the hand me downs. They snap or velcro the full length of the legs, so you don't have to pull them up or down.
I have not encountered this, but I do sew. It seems to me the easiest thing to do is open up the top shoulder seams (including tops of sleeves) of pullover shirts and hand sew in some velcro spots, then you can pull the whole top over a person's head and arms, slide it down until you can tuck the bottom parts of the sleeves under their arms, then pull the top back up and engage the velcro. Similarly, the side seams of pants, say from the waist down to the top of the thigh (or even down the whole outside of the leg if necessary), can be opened up and velcro attached. Remember baby pants that had snaps down the inseams? This is just kind of the opposite, fasteners down the outseams. It would make it a lot easier to dress someone who is contorted and rigid and I imagine it would be lot cheaper than buying specially made clothes.
Id like to know this too. Ive been doing it for almost 2 years, and I just have to tough it out..His nurse prescribed baclofen(a muscle relaxer) which does help, but I do not like the way it makes him sleep constant and cant function enough to spoon his food, which is the only thing he is able to do. I will say when you put on a tshirt, I buy v necks or something that has a way to open the neck..I slip the sleeve on the contracted arm first...youll have to bunch up theopening first, then slip it over their hand, then carefully and with muscle, lift the contracted arm...and slipthe tshirt way up as far as you canand over that shoulder..hard, yes. then next the head, and then they will help you with the other arm which is also not easy, because they will need some rolling over while youre doing this to pull the back down, then rolling to pull the other side down..whew..yes its hard. with the pants...slip the britches as far as possible using stretchy pants like pjs, sweatpants, or jogging pants,,,these are a godsend. I pull up one leg while separating them, and pull up one side then the other...rolling himwhile you pull up...NO WONDER IM SOAR! hahahaha. I usually don't even put long pants on unless its time to get out of bed..in his case hes in bed most of the day..completely disabled..If there is an easier way, Id like to hear it too...I pray that you are getting some help, I don't have it, and God bless..this is a good question.
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It is very good for moral and commands respect in someone who has lost so much. If you have ever seen Steven Hawkin give a lecture he is always dressed in a business suit no alterations in view but I bet there are plenty. When you can only manage diapers in bed consider leggings and socks.
If you go online and search for disabled clothing, you may find some help.