Providing product selections that are relevant and helpful to our customers has always been our top priority. That's why we're pleased to announce the addition of Adaptive Clothing to our Healthwick website! This category of products for daily living is important for those facing a variety of health and mobility challenges, and we believe adaptive clothing is a great compliment to our current product selection. In partnership with Geri Fashions, our sister company, Healthwick will now be carrying adaptive tops, pants, slippers, dignity suits, and more.

What is Adaptive Clothing?

Adaptive clothing is apparel that has been designed for people who have difficulties dressing themselves due to age, disability or general lack of mobility. Common misconceptions of adaptive clothing is that it is only for people who are bound to a wheelchair, however anyone who is limited by traditional clothing can benefit from adaptive clothing.

Many seniors appreciate the ease and comfort that adaptive clothing can offer, such as open back shirts, extra wide slippers and shoes, easy snap pants, and wrap-around skirts and dresses for women.

For those managing health conditions such as ALS, cerebral palsy, Alzheimer's, arthritis, shoulder surgery recovery, edema, or hospital recovery, adaptive clothing can make a significant and appreciated difference in life quality simply by making dressing less difficult.

How Does Adaptive Clothing Make Changing Easier?

Adaptive clothing makes changing easier as it requires less mobility to adjust, remove and put on. These garments focus on keeping motion centralized and close to the body as opposed to stretching your arms, legs or back to adjust them. A primary benefit of adaptive clothing is that caregivers can more easily change clothing on an individual with low mobility.

Types of Adaptive Clothing

Open Back Pants

These types of pants are ideal for those in wheelchairs and people who cannot be constricted by traditional pants or bear weight. Open back pants are cut out at the back but have a modesty flap to provide coverage. They fasten by 3 snaps on the side that allow for adjustment approximately by 2 sizes. Open back pants grant caretakers the ability to change someone in a standing or laying position.

Side Opening Pants 

These pants open at the sides using 3 snaps much like the open back pant. However, they have full coverage in the back. These pants are good for those who are are able and want to wear a traditional style of slack but have certain mobility issue and are unable to put them on themselves.

Open Back Tops

Open back clothing is applied by using snaps at the shoulder. This style still provides full coverage as an average shirt but it is much easier to put on and take off. Caregivers also love this style as it provides an easier changing experience as the individual being changed does not need to raise their arms. This style of product is available in long sleeve, short sleeve, polo shirts, blouses and cardigans.

Dignity (Anti-Strip) Suits

Primarily used with individuals who have Alzheimer's or Dementia, Anti-Strip Suits are used to prevent inappropriate undressing. These suits are done up with snap closures at the back neckline, making it harder for the person wearing the suit to take it off. Caregivers appreciate these suits as it provides safety for the themselves as well as the person they are caring for.

Adaptive Slippers

Adaptive Slippers are easy to remove and put on. By using large Velcro fasteners the entire slipper opens allowing the foot to be easily placed inside with minimal effort. Ideal for those being looked after by a caregiver. Available in wide fit to accommodate for swollen feet.

You can shop men's and women's adaptive clothing on our Healthwick website. For more product selection, check out Geri Fashions.

As always, please do not hesitate to reach out to us with any questions. We hope this helps! Take care.