If dressing
is difficult, try mail order catalogues for easy-on clothes. You don't
have to buy two sizes too large! If your clothes fit your body and your
sense of style, youÇll have a better day! Go for it!
If we consumers
patronize adapted clothing catalogue companies, weÇll keep them alive to
determine and meet our needs. They fail because they don't understand needs,
and the market is small. We need these products, and we can educate the
marketplace. Companies started by a personal need will usually listen to
your needs.
Soon we'll
all be on the internet with our TV. Today, a librarian will help you search
the internet for free. Type key words like, adapted clothing + disabilityâ
in a search engine. Print a list of 800 numbers to call. Most offer exchanges
and returns, and can be emailed with questions. A social service agency,
independent living center, a
relative, or a librarian could
email for you. Go to a manufacturer directly, within the U.S. Here
are some tips:
*Family Service
agencies and the Department of Rehabilitation reimburse for clothes or
purchase them when it means independence.
*Adapted clothes
equip us for life, so ask about tax deductions.
*Abilities
Expos are useful for seeing modified clothing. Tell vendors where and how
your clothes should open. Look for longer openings and full side zippers.
Velcro can stay soft and clean with a little care, and is the easiest fastener.
When you are interested in a product, ask how long the company has been
in business.
*Sitter pants
require careful measuring. Seated, your waist thickens and torso shortens;
the seat needs to be deeper and the pant leg longer. Measure accurately,
or youÇll be mailing the pants back. AdrianÇs Closet, Rolli-Moden, and
USA Jeans make sitterÇs pants. The rise (seat depth) runs from 3â (AdrianÇs
Closet) to more than 6â. Measure from back waist to front. Ask the maker
for the rise measurement. If you sit most of the time, youÇll like sitter
pants!
*Buck &
Buck and Caring Concepts make attractive geriatric clothes. Nicer clothes
mean better quality of life. Avoid words like, Smockâ, Nursing Home Apparelâ,
Health Care Apparelâ or, Bibâ. Trisha's of Acton makes an attractive nightshirt.
*Back closures
for easy on or to foil undressing: Adrian's Closet, Buck and Buck, Caring
Concepts, and a host of companies on the internet.
*Wheelers:
rainwear runs from $70- $250. Most $70 capes are not waterproof. Ask for
waterproof, not resistent or repellent. Plan to spend at least $70 for
at least six years of good service. Get the dimensions of the cape, and
measure. Ask if machine laundry is possible; if it ruins the, waterproofingâ,
the cape isnÇt waterproof.
*Incontinence:
Join one of the many internet groups to discover products. 10-20 incontinence
sites and medical equipment central sites are useful. Adrian's Closet,
Buck and Buck, Special Clothes for Special Kids, and other companies have
drop front pants or snap inseams for changes. My Pool Pal and Special Clothes
for Special Kids make swim
diapers.
Enjoy your
life! Look good, and be comfortable!