Adaptive Clothes for Seniors: Types, Benefits, and Where to Buy

Aging with grace is the approach everyone desires, and we all want to be as independent as possible for as long as possible.

But everyday processes — like getting dressed — can become that much more difficult as we lose dexterity and mobility.

Adaptive clothing for seniors makes getting dressed easier and more dignified. 

Learn more about adaptive clothing and how it can improve one’s overall well-being.

What Is Adaptive Clothing for Older Adults?

Adaptive clothes for elderly people support seniors in keeping their dignity by giving them a stylish and comfortable wardrobe.

This clothing is easy to wear because it includes features such as:

• Side openings in pants
• Open back functionality in shirts
• Magnetic snap connectors to replace buttons
• Slip-on shoes or shoes with easy touch closures
• Zippers
• Velcro; and
• A loose fit

People dealing with mobility issues should avoid clothing with: 

• Buttons
• Laces 
• Thick seams
• Material that bunches while sitting

Who Is Adaptive Clothing For?

Adaptive clothing is made for:

• Seniors or other people with limited mobility
• Disabled people
• People dealing with sensory issues; and
• Anyone recovering from injuries that affect their range of motion.

When dexterity issues set in, people can’t use their hands as they used to. 

Many people suffer due to things like: 

• Parkinson’s disease
• Memory issues
• Arthritis. 

Therefore, choosing adaptive clothing can help make daily routines simpler. 

One study shows how using adaptive clothing helped a woman with rheumatoid arthritis dress independently, which, in turn, gave her a lot of confidence.

8 Benefits of Adaptive Clothing for Seniors

Adaptive clothing can make life easier and more comfortable for everyone. The more knowledge you have, the more manageable dealing with challenges becomes. 

#1: Reduces Risk of Injury

Keeping loved ones safe always tops the list of why adaptive clothing is essential. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that falls are common and costly.

• About 36 million older adults report falls yearly.
• One in every five falls ends with an injury.

Fall prevention is the number one benefit of using adaptable clothes for seniors. 

With this specific clothing, there is no need to worry about …

• Tripping on
• Falling; or 
• Getting tangled up 

… in clothing.

#2: Makes Dressing Easier

Adaptive clothing is designed to go on easily and still looks like regular clothing. It helps people get dressed and undressed efficiently and safely. 

Save time and reduce frustration during morning and night routines with adaptable clothes for seniors. Adaptive clothing makes the process go faster, helping everyone feel calmer.

Struggle-free clothing changes lives. 

#3: Reduces Pain

Some types of clothes can cause pain for people. 

1. Tight clothes can make it hard for people with joint pain to move around.
2. Clothing with thick fabric seams puts additional pressure on the parts of the body they touch.
3. After surgery, ordinary garments cause too much pressure on the operated area leading to chafing and discomfort.

Adaptive clothing for seniors is designed to help ease the discomfort and pain of anyone with mobility issues. 

Wide openings and minimal seams can be a more comfortable option for your loved ones.

#4: Prolongs Independence

As people get older, they tend to worry about being unable to get around. And this issue hits hard; it is a warning sign that they are losing their independence. 

Adaptable clothes for seniors can help because they allow seniors to do the following with ease: 

• Get dressed
• Undress themselves
• Go to the bathroom, and
• Feel more comfortable overall

Adaptive clothing allows seniors to continue enjoying activities they love because of how easy it is to get dressed and get where they need to be.

#5: Protects Dignity

Not having to rely on someone else helps protect your loved one’s dignity. 

Having clothing designed to keep people’s dignity intact can help your loved one feel better as life is changing before their eyes. 

For example, having something as simple as large back overlaps for wheelchair transfers can help bring back your loved one’s feelings of self-respect and worth.

#6: Helps Caregivers

Investing in adaptive clothing keeps caregivers and patients safe. This clothing makes it easier for caregivers to assist in dressing and undressing patients.

With adaptive clothing, caregivers no longer need to lift patients and worry about straining their backs or pulling something. Using this type of clothing decreases the risk of injury to everyone involved. 

#7: Provides Easy Access When Changing

Unfortunately, your loved ones sometimes need help with their hygiene. 

Adaptive clothing for the elderly makes it easier to assist with:

• Monitoring surgical areas
• Dressing wounds; and
• Changing absorbent underwear or adult diapers

In particular, open-back designs make it easier to help patients suffering from:

• Incontinence
• Paralysis
• Alzheimer’s; and
• Dementia 

#8: Increases Confidence

When seniors look and feel great, they have the confidence to engage with others and join social activities.

Adaptive clothing was made for comfort and ease. When your loved ones feel better, they are more likely to lead an active lifestyle. 

The ability to age healthily is connected to being physically active. This guide on how to keep seniors active is a great resource.

Where To Buy Adaptive Clothing for Seniors

What are three major brands that make adaptive clothing?

You may not have known, but these fashion brand names offer adaptive clothing. 

• Adaptive Seven7: Jeans with lower pockets and fewer seams for less bunch up, which can cause discomfort
• Tommy Hilfiger Adaptive: A designer label that started producing fashionable adaptive options
• Aerie Slick Chicks Undergarments: This brand provides adaptive clothing and accessories for different types of medical devices

Not everyone is looking for brand names, as they are often more expensive. However, having more options on the market is always a win.

Online

Shopping online is fast and convenient. 

Amazon offers a wide range of adaptive clothing options. Additionally, Amazon makes returns easy in case you need different sizes or styles. 

Esty is a place where sellers often offer customized items for their customers. If you need bigger or smaller sizes than you find, someone on Etsy may have exactly what you need.

Shopping online is a piece of cake. You may want to check out these online selections:

• Dignity Pajamas: Gowns, sleep shirts, and pajamas with open backs and easy-to-close Velcro
• MagnaReady: Casual and dressy styles with magnetic closures
• Buck & Buck: Comfortable styles and a variety of prints developed with caretakers and users in mind

Retail Stores

Major retailers also offer adaptive clothing these days if you prefer trying on things in a store. 

• Kohls: Has many options, so people don’t have to deal with difficult buttons, snaps, ties, or zips
• Target: Offers various brands and a variety of adaptive clothing types
• JCPenny: A store that follows the rule to “treat others as we would like to be treated” and sells clothing for everyone

Specialty Stores

Even specialty stores are developing adaptive products these days.

• Zappos: Sells adaptive, sensory-friendly clothing and shoes — you can even buy a single shoe if needed
• Reboundwear: A brand that has a line of post-operative care clothing
• Koolway Sports: Often focuses on providing clothing for younger customers, but there are also senior choices, especially for those who enjoy spending time outside
• Zeba: A shoe brand that you don’t even have to bend down to put on — they are the easiest shoes to put on

Does Medicare cover Adaptive Clothing?

No, Medicare does not cover adaptive clothing. Learn all about what Medicare offers in its Part B plan.

Please note that adaptive clothing is not usually considered adaptive equipment.  

In addition, insurance doesn’t usually cover adaptive clothing in its policies because it’s not considered medically necessary. Yet, we all know how important it is for the patient’s well-being.  

How To Make Adaptive Clothing for Seniors.

If you want to modify some of your loved one’s current clothing, you can switch buttons for Velcro. Choosing elastic waistbands, slip-on shoes, and loose clothing makes getting dressed and undressed easier.

For people who don’t want to or can’t invest in a whole new wardrobe, you may be able to alter some favorite pieces of clothing and then only need to buy a few new items. 

Senior Services of America: Providing Dressing Assistance to Residents

When your loved one lives in a Senior Services of America community, caregivers are there for daily dressing assistance. Your family members always have what they need when getting dressed and undressed and every other time of the day. 

If you are wondering what the important things are to consider when choosing a retirement home, learn the difference between needs and wants to make an educated decision. 

We have the experience and know-how to guide you in making these impactful decisions. 

Are you ready to learn more? Search for your nearest community and call the facility number to speak with a representative. 

The content in this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.