Dressing is one of the daily challenges that I faced as a person with a spinal cord injury at the beginning of my injury. It can be frustrating, time-consuming, and sometimes painful for newly injured survivors, But over the years, I’ve learned what makes it easier and enjoyable for me to dress myself. I want to share some of them with you, and hopefully, this helps.
The first thing that I consider when choosing clothes after my injury is comfort. I try to wear clothes that are soft, breathable, and not too tight or loose. I also try to avoid clothes that have too many buttons, zippers, and hooks, Instead, I opt for clothes that have elastic, and velcro. These are easier to put on and take off, and they also reduce the risk of pressure sores and skin irritation.
Another thing that I look for in clothes is accessibility. I want to wear clothes that are easy to reach and adjust, especially when I’m sitting in my wheelchair. I avoid clothes that have, hems, or tails that can get caught in my wheels or drag on the floor. I also avoid clothes that have pockets,, or other accessories that are in awkward places or hard to access.
Some clothes that I like to wear are:
T-shirts, tank tops, or dresses that are made of cotton, linen, or other soft fabrics. They are comfortable, breathable, and easy to put on and take off. I also like to wear dresses that have a a V-neck, or a wrap style. These are flattering and easy to adjust.
For Pants, I love leggings, am not a denim person, They are not comfortable on me.
Another thing I do to dress myself is to ask for help when needed.Sometimes, I encounter situations that are too difficult or impossible for me to handle by myself, such as putting on or taking off a necklace, or a sweater,In these cases, I don’t hesitate to ask for help from my family, friends, or anyone available . They are always willing and happy to assist me, and I appreciate their support and kindness.
There are also many adaptive equipment that assist quads when dressing this days also remember to always ask for help when you need help as a spinal cord survivor .Heres a detailed video on how i dress .comment below if you have any dressing tips .Thank you