Stroke: Getting Dressed

A stroke often affects movement and use of one side of the body, so getting dressed is often difficult for people after a stroke. Your stroke rehab team can suggest things that can help you. But here are some tips to make getting dressed easier.

• Use assistive devices that may help you dress. Getting dressed may be easier if you use stocking/sock aids, rings or strings attached to zipper pulls, and buttonhooks. Clothing may be easier to put on if it has features such as:
  • Velcro closures.
  • Elastic waistbands and shoelaces.
  • Snaps and grippers.
• Lay out your clothes in the order that you will put them on. Place the clothes you will put on first on top of the pile.
• Sit down while you dress.
• Put your affected arm or leg into the piece of clothing first when dressing. Then put in the unaffected arm or leg.
• Remove the stronger arm or leg from the clothing first when undressing. Then slip out your affected arm or leg.
• Think about whether to avoid clothing that goes over your head. It can be hard to put on and take off this clothing by yourself.