Difficulty getting dressed
Have you noticed that getting dressed is taking more and more time or energy? Perhaps you’re finding it difficult to fasten buttons or put on your socks properly. Sometimes moving can be painful when changing clothes. You may also find yourself choosing comfortable clothes more often, because other clothes have become too difficult to manage. Getting dressed may seem like a simple task, but there is a lot involved. You need to be able to bend down, reach, turn, keep your balance and make small movements with your hands. If you find this increasingly difficult, getting dressed can become frustrating – especially if you want to remain independent and don’t want to have to ask for help all the time.
What do you notice?
Difficulty getting dressed can start without you even noticing. Later on, you may find that you can no longer put on certain items of clothing or that you dread getting changed.
You may, for example, notice that:
- it is difficult to put on socks or shoes;
- if you have difficulty with buttons, zips or laces;
- bending down or reaching causes pain;
- you quickly get out of breath whilst getting dressed;
- you lose your balance whilst standing on one leg;
- if you need help putting on or taking off your clothes;
- you avoid wearing clothes that you actually like to wear;
- Getting dressed takes a lot of energy at the start of the day.
Sometimes this can also affect how you feel. You may feel dependent or become insecure about your body. That is understandable. Getting dressed is a personal matter and directly affects your independence.
