How to Buy Clothing for The Elderly

My 92 year old Mama looking FLY!

As our population ages, it becomes increasingly important to not only get useful gifts for the elderly, but, more importantly, safe gifts. It might take a little searching, but the right clothing is out there.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

1. Your first step in purchasing the best clothing for the elderly is to check with their caregiver. This person knows the requirements (and limitations) the best. Don't just assume that the gorgeous name brand zip up the front top you just picked up will work the best for Mom or Pop.

2. Well, it might be your and my idea of 'what not to wear' but it works for Gert!

   Bed Clothing - Elderly fingers don't always move the way we'd expect them to so avoid buttons, no matter how big they might seem to you. I've found that the best night clothes slip right over the head. Try to purchase robes with pockets in the front versus the sides - makes it much easier to get those ever present tissues where they needs to be (Note to readers: check ALL pockets before laundering..). Finally, purchase robes that can be washed frequently - a warm down robe does not necessarily fit the bill. Fleece is better.

3. Shoes - Make SURE that you don't purchase shoes with rubber soles. The elderly frequently shuffle, and the last thing they need is a shoe that will grip and throw them. Stick with leather soles. Velcro enclosures work fairly well but stay away from shoes with laces (unless you are around to tie and untie them - if you do get shoes with laces, double knot the bow so it won't come undone and trip them). And, if you're buying those nice fleecy socks for your friend to run around in, make sure they don't have those grippy bottoms on them.

4. Tops - as mentioned above, purchase tops which are easy for them to get on and off. Slipovers work best. Silk undershirts work well for warmth. And, remember, 70 degrees to you might feel like 40 below to a 92 year old. (While you're out there purchasing warm tops for Mom, you might want to consider sleeveless blouses for you- it gets HOT in here sometimes!).

5. Pants - pull on pants work best (at least, for my Mom). Zippers proved to be way too challenging and, as noted above, buttons are, well, OUT! If you can find them, fleece pants are a nice way to keep the elderly a bit warmer. And, again, pockets in the front work better than pockets on the side.

Tips & Warnings

• NO rubber soles on shoes. Please! These are very dangerous for elderly who might shuffle their feet. And, for added warmth, make sure an elderly love one's ankles are covered by socks.

Resources

• Top five ways to keep the elderly warm
• Top five things to know when accompanying the elderly to the doctor
• How to Find Skin Care Products For Senior Citizens
• How to Make Life Easier For a Senior Citizen
• How to Prepare Your Home for Life with a Senior Citizen
• How to Prepare Lunch for An Elderly Person When You're Not Home
• How to Cook For an Elderly Person
• How to Assist the Elderly During a Hospital Stay
• Reasons to buy a Kindle ebook reader for a senior citizen
• Top five tips to helping the elderly confused
• Top five gifts for an elderly person