For those in long-term care, some types of clothing are more practical than others. In today’s blog article, we are going to give you some tips on what types of clothing work best in long-term care environment.

Comfort

The first thing to consider is the comfort of the individual. Choose clothes that are soft and not tight fitting. No one needs to make a fashion statement in long-term care, so function should come before form.

Ease

The next consideration is ease of getting dressed and undressed. Buttons, for example, can be hard to manage for those with limited dexterity. Aim for zippers, snaps, or soft stretchy pieces that do not need any closures at all. There is also clothing specifically designed for those needing help getting dressed which have Velcro or magnetic closures. This is sometimes referred to as “adaptive” clothing.

Washability

Choose clothing that washes well and is not going to shrink or require ironing. Clothing that can go in the dryer and come out wrinkle-free is a plus. Everyday clothing that needs to be dry-cleaned will be a headache for the individual and the caregivers.

Layers

Our last suggestion is to prepare for layered clothing. It’s much easier to take off a layer when you are too warm or add a layer if you are too cold, than it is to change clothes. Soft and comfortable layers will be very practical for day-to-day usage.

If you would like to talk to us at the Hamlets at Vernon about choosing clothing for someone in long-term care, please do not hesitate to call us at (236) 426-1488.

The Hamlets at Vernon is an assisted-living and long-term care community in Vernon, BC, Canada. Designed to take the worry out of senior retirement home living and following the tenets of Christianity, The Hamlets at Vernon offers compassionate care in a beautiful environment.