Dressing someone with a spinal cord injury (SCI) presents unique challenges and considerations. The right approach to dressing can significantly impact the wearer’s comfort, skin health, and overall well-being. Understanding these needs is crucial for caregivers and patients alike to ensure a smooth and dignified dressing process. 

Importance of Proper Dressing During Spinal Cord Injury 

For individuals recovering from spinal cord injuries, especially those who are bedridden or have limited mobility, choosing the right spinal cord surgery recovery clothing is essential. Proper attire can prevent pressure sores, accommodate medical devices, and ease the physical strain of dressing. It’s not just about comfort; it’s about promoting healing and preventing complications. You can read further for more information on caring for a bedridden patient.

Tips for Dressing Someone with Spinal Cord Injury 

Consider Mobility Limitations and Range of Motion

Choose clothing that accommodates the patient’s specific mobility limitations. Garments that open fully at the front or side can be easier to put on and remove. If the patient is unable to move their arms over their head, you should consider open-back tops and pants with large openings.

Choose Clothes Suitable for Skin Sensitivity 

Opt for soft, smooth fabrics that minimize irritation and reduce the risk of pressure sores in individuals who spend extended periods in bed or seated. Clothes that have minimal seams and exposed tags will also help avoid skin irritation.

Comfortable and Non-Restrictive Clothing 

Loose-fitting clothes made from stretchable fabrics offer comfort without restricting movement or blood flow, essential for SCI patients. Look for fabric blends that include stretch and breathability, allowing for easy movement.

Moisture-Wicking Fabric 

Fabrics that wick away moisture help keep the skin dry, preventing irritation and infections, particularly critical for patients with incontinence. 

Taking Caregivers’ Ease Into Consideration

Clothing that is easy for caregivers to handle can make the dressing process quicker and less physically demanding for both the caregiver and the patient. Clothes that are easy for the caregiver to use will also help reduce the chance that a caregiver will get injured during the dressing process.

Accommodates Incontinence Products

Clothing that can provide easy access to incontinence products will make toileting and changing briefs easier, quicker and more sanitary. 

Maintain Privacy and Dignity 

Selecting clothing that is easy to manage while ensuring the patient’s privacy and dignity is respected during the dressing process is crucial.

Consider Adaptive Clothing

Adaptive clothing, designed specifically for people with disabilities, can offer solutions to many of the challenges faced when dressing someone with a spinal cord injury. Adaptive clothing features easy-to-use closures that make dressing easier and safer. These clothes might also accommodate incontinence products and other medical devices. 

Dressing the Upper Body for Spinal Cord Injury Patients 

When dressing the upper body, consider garments that are easy to slide on without requiring the patient to raise their arms. Front-opening shirts or those with Velcro or magnetic closures can be particularly practical. Additionally, ensure that the clothing does not interfere with any medical devices or catheters.

Dressing the Lower Body for Spinal Cord Injury Patients 

For the lower body, choose pants with wide openings and adjustable features such as elastic waistbands or zipper closures. Pants that open on the side can make dressing easier, especially for those who are unable to stand on their own. Ensure that the clothing allows for easy access to any medical devices or catheters.

How Adaptive Clothing Helps People with Spinal Cord Injury?

Adaptive clothing is designed with the needs of individuals with disabilities in mind. Features like magnetic closures, zippers, and open-back designs can significantly ease the dressing process for spinal cord injury patients and their caregivers. These garments are not only functional but also stylish, promoting a sense of normalcy and self-expression.

Conclusion

Dressing someone with a spinal cord injury requires thoughtfulness and a deep understanding of their physical and emotional needs. By choosing the right clothing and utilizing adaptive garments, caregivers can ensure that the dressing process is as comfortable and dignified as possible. Adaptive clothing offers practical solutions that respect the individual’s dignity, promote their comfort, and support their recovery journey.

Originally Published on https://joeandbella.com/blogs/news

Ben Graham Joe & Bella VP of Marketing

Ben Graham is the Vice President of Marketing at Joe & Bella, an adaptive-apparel company for older adults that focuses on creating innovative and fashionable apparel. Joe & Bella was recently awarded the “Most Innovative Older Adult Clothing Brand: 2022” by Global Health and “2022 Best New Apparel Brand” by Boomer Venture Summit. Joe & Bella’s first adaptive clothing line, CareZips, won the 2022 "Best New Product”award by Today’s Caregiver Magazine and Caregiver.com. Ben was previously Vice President of Marketing and Partnerships at Collaborata, an innovative marketing-research firm that brought corporate partners together to find solutions to business problems. Collaborata focuses on topics including caregiving, aging, diversity, and equity with clients such as AARP, Procter & Gamble, Bank of America, Target, and Nike. Ben spent many years, together with his family, providing care for his two grandparents who lived for nearly a decade in assisted living and memory care.