My wife has ALS and she is to the point that she can no longer dress herself. She wears loose fitting clothes to make it easier for me to help her, and take care of her personal needs, however she feels uncomfortable wearing clothes so large. Is there anything I can do or buy to help her that would make her feel more comfortable?
- Phil, Rockland County, NY
There are specialty stores that focus exclusively on garments that allow for easier dressing and can also look nice. As with many forms of Assistive Technology, the assistance it provides is not just for the individual with the disability, but also provides assistance for the caregiver. Performing the fine motor skills needed to use buttons, zippers, and laces, makes dressing increasingly difficult for someone with ALS. However there are clothing options available that eliminate the need for such dexterity.
Adapted clothing may open and close from the side or back, whichever more easily allows for personal care without extensive maneuvering. Velcro offers easier opening/closing on shirts, blouses, pants, and dresses. While the fit of adapted clothing may feel the same to a person with ALS, it can make dressing and undressing easier for caregivers, minimizing the need to lift a patient as much, and thereby minimizing the stress to a caregiver’s back. You can search on the internet for adapted clothing, or contact me if you have any questions.
- Ben
To ask Ben a question, simply email him at blieman@als-ny.org or call at (212) 720-3057. Ben will answer all questions directly as usual, but not all questions will appear in the Monthly Update.
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