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Daily Living > Do It Easier > Great Tips > Dressing and Grooming Tips
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Dressing and Grooming Tips

Easy-on clothing. When shopping for clothing, look for pants, dresses and skirts that are lined. Lined clothes are easier to slip off and on.  

Simple slip-ons. If you find it difficult to tie sneakers, buy elastic laces and have a friend lace and tie them – once – turning your lace-up shoes into slip-ons. 

Horn in. Use a long-handled shoehorn to help you put on tightly fitting shoes. Make one by taping a shoehorn to the end of a yardstick.  

Sit and shower. To avoid falls in the shower, sit on a waterproof chair. You can buy one at a medical supply store or use a sturdy lawn chair. 

Wash up. Instead of using a washcloth when bathing, use a shower mitt made of terry cloth or loofah. If you sew or know someone who does, make these mitts out of an old towel. 

Easy nail care. To make trimming fingernails and toenails easier, soak hands and feet beforehand to soften nails. 

Easier perspiration protection. If you find spray anti-perspirant cans difficult to use, try a stick or roll-on variety. 

Tub tip. If arthritis or recent surgery makes it difficult to get into and out of the bathtub, place a towel on the edge of the tub. Then sit on it and swivel and in out of the tub.

Sally Estes
25 Apr 2011, 20:40
I have problems with hair dryers. I've got really thick hair, so it takes a long time to dry and I find my arms get tired before I'm finished. Are there any dryer models that get the AF Ease of Use award?
Nancy Comer
08 Jan 2011, 19:49
I work at a bra store. I recommend the proper way to put on the bra, which my mother
actually taught me---turn the bra backwards
so that the clasps are under the breasts,
fasten the clasps, then send the bra around
you, clasps in the back, insert one arm into
strap, insert the other arm into strap, bend
over, wiggle the entire bra,adjusting the band, bringing the band to correct position......ready to go.!
If you wear an underwire, make sure the underwire is BELOW breast tissue (on the
ribcage!) If it does not do that it is not
a correct fit, BE SIZED by a professional.
st.raheim
04 Jan 2011, 12:09
I think that the whole reason for dressing is to provide beauty and respect,dressing is an opportunity we have everyday,lets use it to enhance our beauty in a respectable manner thanks.
Sherry
02 Nov 2010, 14:38
Just like Gail I've had trouble with pantyhose, however I've just opted to use thigh-highs. Now I don't have to fight with them once their on to go to the restroom.

Also, I've had the button holes to my jeans enlarged by a simple snip so they are easier to open and close.
lilian1965
27 Jul 2010, 01:00
Just be simple because simplicity is better than beauty.
jerry
01 Apr 2010, 16:32
I discovered a device called lace-amatic which lets me use my favourite laced shoes again. It gets me in & out of knotted shoes with a push with the heel of my hand. If you like the support of laced shoes but have limited strength & finger dexterity then it's worth checking out.
Gail Pritchard
28 Jul 2009, 16:26
The best tip I got from my OT was for washing my hair. I got a hairbrush with wide-spaced rubber bristles, and squirt the shampoo on it and brush it through my wet hair.
The tip I gave her: I find it impossible to get into panty-hose. So now, I buy two pairs and cut one leg off each. Then I put each leg on seperately, stepping through the hole on the other leg. Of course, you have a double layer at the top, so don't try this with control tops!
Shirley
31 May 2009, 15:39
This is a suggestion for Phoebe Joseph. An easy way to put on your bra is to put it on over your feet and pull up. It comes up right in place and you slip your arms through. I hope you have the dexterity to do that.
Phoebe Joseph
26 Apr 2009, 12:27
Have trouble fastening bra in back.
Front closing does not work either with my weak hand.
closing it in front and then pulling the bra around and getting arms thru is also difficult.
Dot
19 Apr 2009, 06:12
Drugstores sell those mesh puffs for bathing. The ones that are on a long handle are great for those with stiff joints.

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