For most of us, getting dressed for the day isn’t something we spend much time thinking about. We get on with it, and hope that what we’ve chosen matches the variety of weather conditions we might experience on a regular day of Northern living! However, for some residents living in long-term care homes, getting dressed involves the support of other people and different techniques to actually get into the clothing, which can add new challenges to this daily living activity. Specialized adaptive clothing can help make dressing easier, but they’re often expensive for families to provide for their loved ones. When residents lack appropriate clothing, it makes the process of getting dressed less dignified and can pose safety risks for both the residents and the care team.
Seeing this need amongst their residents motivated the care aides at Jubilee Lodge in Prince George to develop an adaptive clothing loaner program. The care team collaborated with the Recreation Therapy and Social Work departments to source donated clothing from residents’ families, community volunteers to perform clothing alterations and sewing, as well as the UHNBC Laundry department to permanently label clothing by size and type.
Residents, families, and staff at Jubilee are thrilled with the outcomes of this project. One resident expressed their gratitude, saying, “Thanks so much. Jakey (my care aide) found this for me to wear, and I really love it. It fits nice and comfortable.”
Residents are being dressed in dignity and comfort, staff feel safer, and the Jubilee community has been strengthened by this exemplary teamwork. With such positive impact, this project and the individuals and teams that made it happen deserve recognition and celebration!
If you or a loved one is seeking adaptive clothing, consider altering existing garments for cost-effectiveness. Numerous online resources provide helpful information on how to make these alterations. Additionally, many retailers offer ready-made adaptive clothing.
Participate in this program
If you would like to participate in this program by donating adaptive clothing or volunteering to sew/alter clothing, please contact Jenna Hemmerich at Jubilee Lodge: 250-645-7475 or jenna.hemmerich@northernhealth.ca.
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