Lower Body Dressing Aids

About this topic

If you have joint pain or problems moving your back, hips, or knees, you may need tools to help you get dressed. A sock aid can help you get your socks on. Other tools, like a reacher, dressing stick, or long-handled shoe horn, can help you: ‚

Take your socks off and put them on
Get your shoes on and off
Put your pants on and take them off

General

How to put your socks on: ‚

Pull the sock over the end of the sock aid. If you are only able to use one hand, hold the sock aid between your knees. Then, slide the sock over the end of the sock aid.
Put the sock aid on the floor, with the sock covered part down, and hold the straps or handles in each hand. If you are only able to use one hand, tie the handles together. This makes one large loop for you to hold onto.
Slip your foot through the sock aid. Pull the straps up until your foot is fully inside the sock aid.
Pull the straps until the sock is fully on and the sock aid will slide out.

How to take your socks off: ‚

Hold your long-handled shoe horn, reacher, or dressing stick. Use it to push the sock off your foot. Slide or push down along the back of your leg and heel, being careful not to scratch your skin.
Use your reacher to pick up your socks from the floor.

How to put your shoes on: ‚

With your reacher, pinch the tongue of the shoe.
Then, use the reacher to line up the shoe with your toes.
Slide your foot into the shoe. You may want to use a long-handled shoe horn in the heel of the shoe.

How to take your shoes off: ‚

Hold your reacher, dressing stick, or long-handled shoe horn. Use it to push your shoe off from your heel.

How to put your pants on: ‚

Sit in a chair and use a reacher or dressing stick. Hold your pants or underwear open, down by your feet. Put your feet into the clothes.
Pull the clothes up with the stick or reacher until you can reach the waistband with your hand.
Stand with walker for support, if needed, and pull clothes over your hips.
Do not take any steps forward until your pants or underwear are secure at the waist to avoid tripping.

How to take your pants off: ‚

While standing, use your reacher or dressing stick to push clothes down.
Sit down and take clothes off of legs.

Helpful tips

Wiggle your toes to the end of the sock as you pull up on the straps.
A small amount of powder on your foot may make it easier to put on your socks when using a sock aid. Use only a small amount as too much powder may spill on the floor and will be a trip hazard.
Put your belt on your pants before putting them on.
Try putting your hand into the pants pocket to pull up your pants.

Where can I learn more?

Childrens Hemiplegia and Stroke Association ‚
http://www.chasa.org/living/dressing/ ‚

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚

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