What is the best clothing for the elderly?

I get my cousin's clothes a little larger too. I think they are more comfortable with her sitting in a wheelchair. Plus, going in the dryer often shrinks things up. Also, anything easy on, easy off is good for frequent changes that may be needed for accidents.

I try to go with soft fabrics that feel comfortable and that are easy on her skin.

All I get are elastic waist, but I'm not sure if that would work for a man, though they could wear sweat pants.

This isn't clothing, but one thing I did for my 91-year-old incontinent lady was to cover her favorite recliner seat with a Chux pad, then a towel the same color as the chair. That way she wouldn't worry that she would "leak through" and ruin her chair. Your dad may not worry about this, but it might give you peace of mind. I also make the bed with several layers for the same reason. Chux pad on mattress, another on mattress pad, then two fitted sheets, each with a Chux. That kept me from re-making beds at 2am, and also provided peace of mind. I agree with track suit type clothing - fleece lined cotton, with zippered leg bottoms rather than elastic. Hand warmers can be placed in pockets and are very comforting.

If he gets to the stage of needing diapers, go with Belted Diapers (Save Mart). They are so easy to change without removing pants and shoes.

Amen to the Buck and Buck catalog

great suggestions I would suggest get the clothes at least two sizes too big because once there in a wheelchair its so much easier to dress them

Thanks so much for all the great ideas. We have incorporated some, but there is a lot that still bothers my husband. Will look on the suggested sites and check out above. That gives me some encouragement. Bless You All.

buckandbuck
I found this company that specialized in adaptive clothing and have ordered some of their things for my mother.

Snaps and more snaps. Buttoning is difficult when one has dementia. You could cut some sweat pants in the front and add snaps to keep him warmer. Add layers for warmth and a small heater that cannot work if tipped over might help his feet. Ask his doctor about circulation problems.

I work in an adult day center and like jogging pants without elastic ankles. This makes it easier when we have to do a complete change for them. It is also nice if they have pockets, since many older men are used to carrying a hankie around with them. We have another gentleman that wears regular pants but with suspenders. He is able to "participate" by putting the suspenders over his shoulders and pulling up his pants. It gives him a small amount of independence which we always encourage.

Fleece tracksuits and t shirts are nice and warm for people who get cold easily, and are comfortable to put on and take off, and easy to wash. When my mother was in a care facility after a hip replacement they would often lose her clothes, or boil them in large group machines and write her name in them with Sharpie markers, so I took her good clothes home and got her track suits on clearance for $3 or $5 at Target and Walmart. They were actually not bad and very soft and comforting for her.

Thank you. :)

Hi Kelly.......welcome!

Pants with elastic waist bands are a must. Tennis shoes with Velcro tabs instead of laces. And you might want to consider sweatshirts if your dad is always cold and is incontinent. Sweaters (like button down) that hang down can get in the way and become soiled. Strike a balance between what's easiest for you and what your dad finds comfortable.

Thank you! Just joined this site.

do a search for "adaptive clothing" and several sites will come up. also look at the "Elder Care" tab above and click on "Personal Care & Dressing"