Dressing aids that make getting dressed easier: sock aids, shoe horns, button hooks and more

Socks without bending: a sock aid

Slide the sock over the flexible sleeve, lower it to the floor by its cords, put your foot in, and pull the cords to draw the sock up. Sock aids work best with thinner socks; compression stockings usually need a specific stocking aid.

• Sock aid
• Vive sock assist and remover – approx. US$17–23

Shoes without bending: a long-handled shoe horn

A long-handled shoe horn lets you guide your heel into a shoe while sitting upright. Some have a hook on the other end to help take socks off.

• Long-handled shoe horn
• Vive long-handled shoe horn with sock remover – approx. US$15

No more tying: elastic no-tie laces

Elastic laces turn lace-up shoes into slip-ons, so you only tie them once. Combined with a long shoe horn, they remove most of the bending from putting on shoes.

• Elastic no-tie shoelaces
• HICKIES no-tie elastic laces – approx. US$15–18

Buttons and zips with less grip: a button hook

Push the wire loop through the buttonhole, hook the button and pull it back through. Many have a zipper pull on the other end. A thick handle is easier to hold if your grip is weak.

• Button hook and zipper pull
• Vive button hook with zipper pull – approx. US$7

Reach your clothes: a dressing stick

A dressing stick pushes and pulls clothing on and off, such as getting trousers over your feet or a jacket off your shoulders. It also helps retrieve clothes from the floor.

• Dressing stick
• Vive dressing stick with zipper pull – approx. US$12–13
• Reacher grabber (32-inch)

Tips that help

Lay out clothes within reach the night before. Sit down to dress your lower body. If one side is weaker, dress that side first and undress it last. Loose clothing, elastic waists and front openings are easier. An occupational therapist can show you techniques that fit your precautions.

Safety notes

• Suction grab bars are a balance aid only. They can release without warning and must never hold your body weight or be used to stop a fall.
• Anchor wall grab bars into studs or approved blocking, never drywall alone, and follow the manufacturer's instructions or use a qualified installer.
• Check the weight capacity and fit of any seat, rail or pole, and follow the manufacturer's instructions.