Dressing aids: Is there a device that helps manage buttons and zippers?
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Is there a device that helps manage buttons and zippers?
Question
Our answer
Products mentioned in our answer below are provided to inform you about the types of technologies available and have not been evaluated by CanAssist. They may or may not be appropriate for your particular situation. Some technologies and devices may require an in-person assessment. Speak with your health care provider for additional information and support.
There are a number of fairly inexpensive products on the market that can help with these types of challenges. You may be able to find
some at your local medical supply store or pharmacy.
In addition, here are direct links to some examples – each under $20(CDN) - that can be purchased online:
- Lifestyle Essentials One Handed Buttoning Aid Hook (at Macdonald's Home Health Care) enables easier single-handed buttoning.
- Dressing Stick by SP Ableware (at seniorsstore.ca) is a 24 inch shaft that has a C hook mounted on one end to assist when pulling zippers.
- Wood Dressing Stick by DMI (at Amazon Canada) is an easy-to-grip tool that has a button aid on one end and a zipper pull on the other.
If your mom has weak grip strength, she may need to use foam tubing to improve her ability to hold the button aid and/or zipper pull. Below is a direct link to an example of such a product:
Color Coded Handle Foam by Impresa Products (at Amazon Canada) can help to increase the size of the handle on hard to grasp items. This product costs about $20(CDN), plus a shipping fee.
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