Because Parkinson's affects movement and often produces tremors, carrying out some of the essential tasks of daily living can become a challenge. One of the day-to-day activities that often presents significant obstacles is getting dressed. Fortunately, there are ways to make dressing easier. Use the recommendations below to simplify the process of getting ready in the morning. 

How to Get Dressed When You Have Parkinson's

1. Leave Plenty of Time

As you plan the day or week ahead, leave yourself ample time to get dressed. This might mean getting up earlier or rearranging your schedule to accommodate your changing needs. When time constraints force you to dress in a hurry, you may feel stressed, rushed, and frustrated. Additional time allows you to take it easily and at your own pace.

2. Have a Chair & Dressing Aids Readily Accessible

There many tools that you can use to make getting dressed easier. Some tools that many Parkinson’s patients find helpful include sturdy chairs for sitting or providing balance, shoehorns for footwear, gripping sticks for pulling up skirts or removing socks, and button hooks that make fastening shirts, pants, and cardigans a breeze. Arrange these items in a central location where you can access them as necessary throughout your dressing. You may also find it helpful to place all the clothes you’ll need for the day in this same location to minimize trips to the closet or dresser. 

3. Choose Appropriate Clothing

Selecting clothing designed with simplicity in mind will make getting dressed much more manageable. Velcro shoes, for instance, are much less challenging than lace-ups. Soft, stretchy fabrics and elastic waistbands are comfortable, stylish, and easy to pull on. You may also want to have Velcro sewn into the inside lining of shirts and coats to eliminate the need for painstaking buttoning or zippering.

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with Parkinson's, Connecticut Advocates for Parkinson's will provide a number of empowering and beneficial resources. Serving clients in Hartford County and throughout the state, they offer outreach initiatives, Parkinson's care collaboration, wellness and educational programs, and clinical trials for patients. To find the services that can best support you or your loved one, call (860) 266-6040 or visit them online today.