Comfort and Dressing Mobility Aids

By Handy Healthcare - 2006-09-26 - Viewed 3007 times. Find more articles like this in our Disability Products category.

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If getting yourself dressed is getting harder and harder, and doing up buttons and zips is becoming more difficult, then a selection of dressing mobility aids can make things easier.

Here is a list of 5 types of mobility dressing aids which are designed to aid those with limited dexterity and mobility.

Dressing aids such as dressing sticks, button hooks, zip pullers and zip grips can make the daily task of getting dressed much easier.

There are various types of dressing stick available, but they are usually quite similar. They have a hook, or an S shaped hook at one end, and possibly another dressing aid such as a shoehorn, at the other end.  They work by hooking to the clothing that you are trying to put on.  This can make putting on clothing such as shirts, blouses, jackets and cardigans much easier and without the need to stretch as far. Button hooks can greatly assist when dressing one handed. The button hook passes through the button hole, and over the button to grip the thread, and is pulled through in a twisting motion.  Zip pullers have a long, sometimes thick handle, which allow those with limited mobility, or a weak grip, to easily raise or lower zips.  Zip grips attach to the zip, and are similar to a zip puller, and provide additional grip and leverage.

Sock and stocking aids allow those who have difficulties bending over, or reaching, to put on socks and stockings more easily.

The sock or stocking is fed on to the aid, and the foot is inserted into the sock or stocking, which is held secure by long tapes.  The sock or stocking is then pulled up the leg using the long tapes. Tights aids, using the same methods, are also available. There are other slightly different sock and stocking aids, which may be more appropriate depending on the dexterity and mobility of the user.

Traditional grooming products such as hair brushes and nail clippers can be difficult to use for those with a weak grip or limited mobility.

Ergonomically designed long handled hair brushes and combs are available for those who have difficulty using traditional brushes and combs. Depending on the model, the brush or comb may fold into its handle, similar to a Swiss Army Knife, to make the brush or comb pocket sized.  Table top nail clippers are useful for those with mobility or dexterity problems. These nail clippers may have a light, or a magnifying glass, or an emery board fitted, depending on the model, and can be operated one handed even by those with a weak grip or limited mobility.

There are various mobility products available to ensure foot comfort, such as specialist socks, toe separators and insoles.

Socks for diabetics, are totally ridgeless and have flat seams and have an elastic free top.  They are both smart and traditional looking, and so are suitable for everyday use. Toe separators are available to reduce pressure and friction between toes and can protect corns, calluses and other foot ailments. Some types of toe pads are available with mineral oil in them to soften and lubricate the skin. Shock absorbing insoles can help to prevent aches and pains in the feet, legs and back. They work by evenly distributing energy, and rebounding to their original thickness.

Once dressed, staying warm can be a problem for some people.

There are hot water bottles and wheat packs that can be warmed in a microwave oven and some have the additional therapeutic benefits of lavender. Warm packs and collars can help to ease back and neck pain without additional medication. Heated seating pads, similar to electric blankets, are also available and can provide warmth to any area of the body.

These are just a few examples of the range and variety of mobility dressing aids that are available.  Why not see if there’s something that could make your daily living easier?

See Disabled Worlds range of mobility products and other aids for people with disabilities and the elderly.

For more information about Mobility Aids and Disability Aids, Healthcare Products and Occupational Therapy Supplies, please visit http://www.handyhealthcare.co.uk

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