What is low-risk AT?
Using low-risk AT is a reablement strategy. It provides practical support for older people to do things for themselves.
This page will explore low-risk AT and other reablement strategies that older people can use to get dressed.
By the end of this page, you'll be able to help your client identify AT and other reablement strategies that can help to support their independence.
Why use low-risk AT to help older adults dress themselves independently?
It might not seem like it because we do it every day, but dressing yourself can have an enormous impact on your health and resilience. It helps people maintain their sense of dignity, as well as:
- Balance
- Cognitive skills
- Hand dexterity
Low-risk AT can help older people keep getting dressed on their own. This allows them to keep practicing and improving essential skills.
Examples of helpful AT for different dressing tasks
Here are some examples of AT you can use for various tasks and challenges involved in getting dressed, including:
- Managing zips and buttons
- Reaching clothes on the lower body or overhead
- Managing socks and stocking
- Managing shoes and shoelaces
Please note that while brand names may appear on this site, their inclusion does not imply our endorsement. Branded images are sourced from the National Equipment Database (NED).
AT for buttons and zips
These assistive devices may be helpful for people who have difficulty manipulating buttons and zips. This could be due to joint stiffness in the hands, weakness in the hands, reduced sensation in the fingers, and tremors or shaking.
Button hook and zip pull
Has 2 ends: A wire loop for fastening buttons and a hook for pulling up zips.
Zip pull loops
Has two main parts: a ring and a looping attachment mechanism. Attach the loop to the zip, hook your finger into the ring, and pull up.
Cuff and collar extenders
Snaps onto buttons and adds extra space to cuffs and collars without the need to unbutton them.
Try modifying this task to make it easier for the person to do:
- Keep shirts buttoned up and slip them over the head.
- Replace buttons with Velcro tabs for easier fastening.
- Choose loose-fitting clothing items or those without buttons.
AT for reaching clothes
These assistive devices may be helpful for people who are unable to reach:
- Their feet to put on lower body clothing like underwear, pants, or skirts
- Over their head or shoulders to pull on coats or rack and unrack clothes hangers
This could be due to obesity, surgical precautions (e.g., if the person is not allowed to bend forward), breathlessness or dizziness, or pain or poor flexibility.
Dressing stick
The large hooks on one end are for pulling clothes up or pushing off pants, socks, and shoes. The small hook on the other end is for pulling up zips.
Instead of a small hook, some dressing sticks may have a rubber thimble that can also be used for pulling up or removing clothes.
Moderate grip strength is needed to hold and use this item.
Long-handled reacher
With a hand trigger at one end and a grabber mechanism at the other, this device helps people pick up items without overstretching.
This tool requires moderate coordination and effort, as the user must maintain their grip on the trigger while pulling clothing up.
Try modifying this task to make it easier for the person to do:
- Elevate the foot with a footstool for easier reach.
- Choose loose-fitting, elastic-waisted pants for easier removal.
- Put skirts on over the head instead of stepping into them.
AT for socks and stockings
These assistive devices may be helpful for people who are unable to reach their feet to put on socks and stockings. This may be due to obesity, surgical precautions (e.g., if they are not allowed to bend forward), breathlessness or dizziness, or pain or stiffness in the backs, hips, or knees.
Here are a few things to consider before recommending the use of a sock aid:
- Socks aids come in a variety of designs to meet different needs. It's essential to ask questions about your client's specific needs, such as their level of mobility and hand dexterity, before deciding which sock aid to recommend for their situation.
- Sock aids require moderate to good hand strength, depending on the style. Rigid designs may need more strength for loading the sock.
- Most people need instruction or training to use sock and stocking aids effectively, and they may require several sessions.
Fabric sock aid
Features a terry cloth outer lining and a nylon inner lining that keep socks secure while allowing the foot to slide in easily.
Flexible plastic sock aid
Features an ergonomically shaped plastic design and a notch to secure the sock in place – allowing it to accommodate large feet without stretching the fabric.
Rigid plastic sock aid
Consists of a lightweight plastic gutter – the sock is fed onto the gutter, slipped over the foot, and then pulled into place without too much bending.
Standing sock aid
Also comes with a doffer, a long-handled stick with a curved or hooked end that can function as a shoehorn.
Try modifying this task to make it easier for the person to do:
- Use a footstool to raise the height of the foot and reduce bending. The person may be able to put on or take off socks without an aid by using a footstool to elevate the foot.
- Socks that are 'non-binding,' have 'comfort tops' without elastic, or are 'loose fit' are less restrictive and easier to put on and take off. These options may reduce the need for assistive equipment.
- Wear rubber gloves when putting on compression stockings to improve the grip on the fabric.
AT for shoes and shoelaces
These assistive devices may be suitable for people who are unable to reach their feet to put on or take off shoes or manage laces.
This could be due to obesity, poor vision, surgical precautions (e.g., if they are not allowed to bend forward), breathlessness or dizziness, reduced sensation in the hands or fingers, poor coordination of the hands or fingers, or pain or stiffness in the back, hips, or knees.
If your client's difficulty with managing shoes is related to deformities (e.g., bunions), foot pain, or wounds or fragile skin, you should report this to your client coordinator. Your client coordinator can then refer your client to a podiatrist or doctor as appropriate.
Long-handled shoehorn
With an easy-grip, long-reach handle, this item is ideal for people who have difficulty bending down to put on their shoes.
Elasticised shoelaces
Allows shoes to be slipped on without tying or untying the shoelaces.
Shoelace locks
Shoelace locks are elastic, no-tie fasteners that secure shoelaces in place, eliminating the need to bend down and tie them.
Modified shoe designs
Zips and Velcro fasteners make the opening of the shoe wider and easier to put on. They require less coordination than laces, but the user still needs to be able to reach their feet.
Try modifying this task to make it easier for the person to do:
- When putting on shoes or tying shoelaces, elevate the foot on a footstool. This can help the person reach their feet more easily while reducing strain on their back and legs.
Maximise the benefits of using AT with these reablement strategies:
Useful resources
If you found this page helpful, you may also be interested in the following. These resources provide more detailed advice about the items mentioned here. They also have general tips on how people can stay independent and healthy as they age.
This guide helps older people find and choose simple assistive items for all areas of life. These items are available in everyday online and offline stores. Occupational therapists also share tips on how to use these items the right way.
Our Sector Support and Development team researched and created these guides. They will help you understand key parts of wellness and reablement. They will also help you share the benefits of wellness and reablement with your clients.
NED is the biggest database of assistive technology in Australia. It's helpful for users, carers, and health professionals to find, compare, and buy AT.
Next steps
Incorporating assistive technology (AT) and other reablement strategies for dressing can help your clients maintain their dignity, independence, and to age well.
If you're interested in learning more about how to integrate AT devices into your care planning, please email us at keepable@ilaustralia.org.au or click 'Contact Us' below.