Augusta, GA--
A stroke can affect motor activity, causing temporary paralysis or weakness on one side of the body and making something as routine as getting dressed quite cumbersome. With a little work, most of these problems can improve over time or go away completely. But until then, reclaiming even a small portion of independence in dressing and undressing can enhance a survivor’s self esteem.
If you have been affected by a stroke, make it a point of getting up and getting dressed each day. Just that one step will go a long way to improve your attitude. A good attitude will help in rehabilitation, because when you set your mind on recovering, chances are you will.
"Strokes affect different people in different ways," said Mary Alice Bell, an MCGHealth Occupational Therapist. "Stroke survivors have to relearn tasks using the methods that work best for them."
However, here are some general guidelines to help you get a handle on dressing:
Choose the right clothing. Clothing may be easier to handle if it features elastic, Velcro fasteners or snaps. Shirts or dresses that have to be pulled down over the head are more difficult to maneuver, so opt for ones that fasten down the front. Elastic waist pants are a safe bet, too. Since ironing can be a chore, you may want to select knit fabrics because they wrinkle less, are stretchy and tend to wear better.
Loose fitting clothes will also be easier to put on, so avoid snug-fitting pants, sleeves and undergarments. Speaking of undergarments, nylon pieces have a smoother surface and make outer garments go on with less work. Likewise, overcoats and jackets that are lined with satin, silk or nylon will also be easier to put on than unlined coats.
Prepare ahead for the task. Before you get dressed, place your clothes on a bed or other piece of furniture in the order you plan to put them on, so that things like undergarments are on top. Begin dressing with the side of your body that has been most affected by the stroke to get the difficult part out of the way.
Putting on clothes is a bit easier when sitting down than standing because your balance can be shaky after a stroke. You may want to sit on the edge of the bed or chair to dress. Even if you feel you can stand steadily, keep a chair nearby for balance and support.
Have a few tricks up your sleeves. When dressing and undressing, begin with buttons or fasteners at the bottom of your shirt because they are easier to see. Work your way up. Use a mirror to see areas that you may not be able to see otherwise, such as finding the sleeves or matching up buttons with buttonholes.
"In stroke patients who are having deficits with perceptual tasks, relying on a mirror may not always be the best option, though" Bell said. In cases like this, you may want to simply feel your way through the process.
For some of the finishing touches in dressing, like tucking in shirts, putting on belts, socks and shoes, here are a few additional suggestions:
Belts: Put your belt in the waistband of your pants before putting on the garment. Use your unaffected hand to tuck in shirttails.
Socks: Socks can be put on with one hand, and wearing a size a little larger than normal will help. You might also apply a little powder to your feet first. The powder likely will make it easier to take off socks later, too.
Shoes: Slip-on shoes, or those with Velcro fasteners, work well, and you can choose from a variety to purchase without sacrificing style.
A stroke may slow you down, but you can win the dressing room battle.
MCG Health, Inc. (d/b/a MCGHealth) is a not-for-profit corporation operating the MCGHealth Medical Center, MCGHealth Children’s Medical Center, the Georgia Radiation Therapy Center, and related outpatient facilities and services throughout the state. For more information, please visit mcghealth.org.