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Stroke: Getting Dressed

Overview

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 remove.

Credits

Current as of: December 19, 2022

Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine
Martin J. Gabica MD - Family Medicine
Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine
Richard D. Zorowitz MD - Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation