In addition to using AT, it’s important to focus on building your client’s capacity to dress independently. Consider implementing these reablement strategies to enhance their overall dressing skills and promote their long-term independence:

·  Refer your client to an occupational therapist or other relevant allied health professional for assessment and advice on improving strength, increasing joint flexibility, and managing pain.

·  Support your client to participate in everyday activities and exercise programs that can help keep them and their hands healthy. The benefits of exercise and tips for keeping hands healthy can be explored at LiveUp. If a consumer wants to commence an exercise program, they should consult their service coordinator for guidance.

To complement the use of AT and further simplify the dressing process, consider implementing these reablement strategies to modify the task:

·  Keep shirts buttoned up and slip them over the head
·  Replace buttons with Velcro tabs for easier fastening
·  Choose loose-fitting clothing items and/or those without buttons
·  Improve lighting in the environment so the person can see the buttons more clearly

While assistive technology (AT) and other reablement strategies can significantly enhance a person’s ability to dress themselves, others may benefit from additional support.

For instance, you could discuss with your coordinator about connecting your client with health-focused organisations, such as the Arthritis Foundation, that can offer tailored advice and resources for specific conditions affecting dressing.

You can also refer your client to LiveUp, a free healthy ageing guide that offers additional information and demonstrations on how to effectively use low-risk AT to make getting dressed easier.

Here are 2 video demonstrations designed to help you use a button hook tool correctly:

·  How to Use A Button Hook | YouTube
·  How To Unbutton Shirt With Button Hook | YouTube

Here are a few things to consider before recommending the use of a 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 product.

The long-handled reacher requires more coordination and effort, as the user must maintain their grip on the trigger while pulling clothing up.

·  Consider the person’s potential. Ask yourself, ‘Can this person improve their abilities over time so they may not need this equipment in the future?’
·  Consider referring the person to a physiotherapist or other relevant allied health professional for advice on how to improve their joint flexibility, hand strength, and/or pain management.
·  Strong, flexible hands are vital for dressing independently. Tips for keeping hands healthy can be explored at LiveUp.

LiveUp is a free healthy ageing guide that also offers additional information and demonstrations on how to effectively use low-risk AT to make getting dressed easier.

·  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.

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 is 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.

·  Consider the person’s potential. Ask yourself, ‘Can the person improve their abilities over time so they may not need this equipment in the future?’
·  Considering referring the person to a physiotherapist or other relevant allied health professional for advice on how to improve their joint flexibility, hand strength, and/or pain management.
·  Strong, flexible hands are vital for dressing independently. Tips for keeping hands healthy can be explored at LiveUp.

LiveUp is a free healthy ageing guide that also offers additional information and demonstrations on how to effectively use low-risk AT to make getting dressed easier.

·  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.

Before deciding which assistive device to recommend to your client, it’s important to consider the specific reasons why they may be finding it difficult to manage their shoes and shoelaces:

·  Can they not reach their feet?
·  Can they not see the fasteners?
·  Do they have poor coordination of their hands or fingers?

Understanding these factors could help you determine which product may best suit their needs.

·  Consider the person’s potential. Ask yourself, ‘Can the person improve their abilities over time so they may not need this equipment in the future?’

·  Consider referring the person to a physiotherapist or other relevant allied health professional for advice on how to improve their joint flexibility, hand strength, and/or pain management

·  Strong, flexible hands are vital for dressing independently. Tips for keeping hands healthy can be explored at LiveUp.

LiveUp is a free healthy ageing guide that also offers additional information and demonstrations on how to effectively use low-risk AT to make getting dressed easier.

·  When putting on shoes or tying/untying 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.

·  You could direct the person to a specialty shoe store that has fitting specialists, and a range of specialty shoes designed to cater to individual foot needs. These stores provide personalised assistance and can help ensure your client finds the right footwear for their comfort and support.

·  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.

The MCFS guide is designed to help older adults find and choose simple assistive products for all areas of life. It includes suggested products available from well-known retailers and reliable online stores, as well as useful tips and advice from occupational therapists.

The Assistive Technology (AT) Essentials Guide introduces the benefits of AT and the role it plays as part of a wellness and reablement service delivery approach. The guide aims to build awareness and product knowledge for home care providers and can be accessed as an eBook or downloaded as a PDF.

LiveUp is an online healthy ageing guide that offers free personalised suggestions for healthy ageing. Users can take the LiveUp quick quiz to find advice, local activities, and assistive products tailored to their needs, so they can age their own way.

NED is Australia’s largest online database of assistive technology (AT). It serves as a comprehensive resource for people, carers, and allied health professionals to find, compare, and purchase AT – helping people with disabilities or mobility issues to live more independently.

Reablement Essentials are practical guides researched and curated by our Sector Support and Development team. These guides can help you better understand key wellness and reablement concepts, communicate their value to your clients, and ultimately empower your clients to pursue happier, healthier, and more independent lives.