Dressing techniques

 

Dressing tips

• The patient should dress in a warm, comfortable room and follow the sequence of how they used to dress if possible
• The patient should choose what they would like to wear, even if this means bringing items from their cupboards to select
• The patient may need to plan the task beforehand
• The patient should sit to dress
• Dress the affected side first
• Avoid tight fitting clothes
• Ensure dignity and privacy at all times
• Do not rush; rest if needed
• Have all clothes within reach before starting, as well as any assistive devices and mobility aids (i.e button hooks, Velcro closures, elastic loops for buttons at cuff, zipper pull, labels)
• Colour coding and labels may assist patients in orientating items of clothing
• Give verbal prompts and guidance if needed

For more information about dressing after stroke, including the use of assistive devices, click here http://bit.ly/dressingtechniques

Patients may need support in thinking about different types of clothing eg front fastening bras. There are many catalogues which can help with these choices