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Parkinsonian Links
About Clothes and Dressing.
Everyone wants to wear clothing that makes them look and feel good. But finding clothes that are easy to wear, yet fashionable and flattering can be difficult, particularly if you're coping with the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. This article is based on suggestions from a new book, "Dressing Tips and Clothing Resources for Making Life Easier" by Shelley Peterman Schwarz. The book offers ideas to help make shopping easier, to choose the right clothing or modify the clothes you own, to make dressing easier and an extensive list of catalogues.
SHOPPING may require a more systematic approach than it did before. If you're not shopping in the comfort of your home by catalogue, the Internet or TV, call ahead to locate items and compare prices. Before venturing out, make a list of the items you need and prioritize the list so that you get the things you need most before you fatigue or "freeze." Shop days and hours when stores are least busy. Use portable grocery carts to hold your purchases and handbag, as well as give you something stable to hold onto when walking. Instead of carrying your packages, mail them home. Let the store wrap and send your gifts. Check to see if stores in your area offer a shopping service.
When CHOOSING YOUR CLOTHES, get the correct size and select colors and patterns that enhance your body shape. Consider the following:
Comfort: Consider whether the garment is absorbent so moisture is not trapped against your skin. The weight should not be so heavy that it tires you out just putting the clothes on. The elasticity of knit fabrics, as opposed to woven fabrics, makes them more comfortable to sit in. Nylon, rayon, satin, acetates, silk and polished cotton are slippery making it easier to move in bed or get in and out a car. Don't choose fabrics, such as angora, that shed or tend to irritate. If you're not very active, you're more likely to feel chilled, so dress in layers for warmth and you'll have better control over your body temperature.
Durability: Generally, the more tightly woven a fabric, the more durable it is. Sturdy fabrics, like denim, wear well but don't stretch. Some stretch is usually better.
Ease of Care: Whenever possible, purchase garments that you can machine wash and dry. Dry cleaning is costly and requires trips to the cleaner, and hand washing requires time and energy. Select permanent press fabrics that wrinkle less.
Ease of Use: Velcro closures are a good solution for lack of strength or dexterity Clothing that fastens in the front is easier to manage, but avoid the open ended zippers found on many casual jackets. Vertical buttonholes and large buttons are easier to manipulate than small ones. Whenever possible eliminate fasteners by wearing wrap-around skirts, dresses and robes. Select garments with large openings for your arm, head and legs, and choose slacks, shirts and dresses with elasticized waistbands. Clothes with low necklines have fewer buttons and those buttons are easier to see. Short-sleeve blouses are generally easier to put on and take off. Over blouses don't have to be tucked in. Fanny packs instead of wallets or handbags may be easier and safer. If drooling is a problem, add a scarf or tie over your top so it can be removed if it becomes wet.
WHEN GETTING DRESSED, a few of the many items that can help make dressing easier are long-handled shoe horns, elastic shoe laces, devices to help put socks or hose on, "grabbers" to retrieve things, button hooks and collar extenders. An easy way to help move zippers on slacks and trousers is to slide a large paper clip through the hole at the end of the zipper tab. You can keep the paper clip in your pocket when you don't need it. If you want a permanent pull, attach a pendant, locket or a button onto your jacket or sweater.
You'll save time and energy in the morning if you select and lay out your clothing the night before. If dressing first thing is difficult, wait until your medicine "kicks in." Try getting dressed while sitting down. You'll save energy and won't have to worry about your balance. Dressing in front of a mirror can help you find your sleeves and match up buttons with buttonholes.
Parkinson's can make dressing more difficult and time consuming. Allow yourself the flexibility to do things differently than you did before. Take the initiative to find new ways to compensate and don't become preoccupied with your body or your illness. Your body is not your total self, only part of it, so after you get dressed for that turkey dinner, turn your attention to the dressing that goes with turkey!
Nina Brown, Parkinson Foundation of Harris County
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