Where can you find special clothing and shoes for disabled people?

[DodgerGirl]

My mom and I are struggling to find clothing and shoes that my dad can wear and put on easily but it seems to be very hard to find especially pants. Mom tried putting dress pants on Dad but they end up getting ripped and so about the only thing he can wear since he got out of the hospital is shorts. Shoes are also impossible for Dad to wear because of his foot Mom and I tried many types of shoes on him and first we tried tennis shoes but they caused him pain then we tried boots and they give my dad blisters as well. And now the only footwear my dad can wear with no problem is slippers and also certain socks are difficult for Dad to put on and remove because they always rip each time. Is there any places Mom and should look for that specialize in special footwear and clothing for disabled people and would it be a good idea to call shoe stores in my area as well?
Dodger

 

[Her Dotness]

Don't bother calling shoe stores. The vast majority of shoe salespeople these days would have no idea what of their stock might be workable. I can't even find salespeople who can tell me which of their styles are narrower than medium width.

Your dad's doctor's nurse may be a good source of information about sources because they'll know what his particular needs are or can advise based upon his medical history.

If he works or has worked with a physical or occupational therapist, they may have sources they know of.

There may also be social services agencies that aid disabled people where your parents live who could suggest sources.

An aunt of mine was skilled at sewing and used to alter clothing for those with missing or impaired limbs. She never charged what her time and effort were worth but likely could have had a part-time job doing that as much need as there was when she was alive. Perhaps there'll be someone like that your parents will find.

 

[lanejudy]

I agree that some of his service providers may have suggestions -- PT/OT or the specialist's office.

Some depends on what are his needs for clothing, such as why are the pants ripping and what area he needs more material. Don't be afraid to go up a size for a roomier fit if needed, also look for things like "relaxed fit" pants that have roomier legs as opposed to "straight leg" or "tapered leg" and elastic waist. If mom or anyone you know is handy with sewing and creativity, some regular items can be modified fairly easily. For shoes you may need to look at "wide" width, and maybe velcro closure instead of traditional laces, or maybe just slip-ons.

There are stores that sell "adaptive" clothing, I know JCPenney is one, and Kohl's. Try a Google search for "adaptive clothing" and you may find quite a bit; unfortunately your mom will probably need to buy online as they aren't usually available in stores, and it may be a period of trial-and-error to find what works and what doesn't.

I've bought belts from Myself Belts that also come in adult sizes (though not the fun designs). I've also bought socks from EZ Sox for both kids and adults. You might consider "diabetic" socks as well, they tend to be softer and more stretchy without getting tight; you can find them at your local drug store or Walmart.

 

[DodgerGirl]

My mom found some diabetic socks at CVS and was gonna try them on Dad but they cost too much there and adaptive clothing for Dad? Mom and I never thought of that because some clothing "as I mentioned in my opening post" is impossible for Dad to wear and we have had trouble finding pants that Dad can fit into because when Mom gets him dressed to go to the doctor for appointments his pants are tight and Dad complains that they don't fit. Where my Dad usually bought his clothing was at Macy's and so I wonder if Mom searched for "mens adaptive clothing " at Macy's would they carry it?
Thanks for the helpful advice Lanejudy
Dodger

 

[DL1WDW2]

Have you tried Wal Mart ?
I also am wondering if you are considering the fabric along with style?
Maybe he prefers the shorts because of the elastic waists and no zippers. I have never been a WalMart shopper until lately when searching for more comfortable and affordable selections for my needs as I am getting older now.
How about this online service? Clothesforseniors.com

 

[SueM in MN]

I agree with asking his therapists or the doctor’s nurses about places to shop.
There are also gadgets online for help with things like putting on socks, but they can take some practice and may not work for everyone. Here’s a link for one from Amazon.
If he’s still seeing Occupational Therapy, they could try some things out with him - since he’s having issues with dressing, he might be able to get a referral from his doctor for some OT sessions to work on ADLs (Activities of Daily Living).
For shoes, some cities/areas have shoe stores that specialize in fitting shoes for special situations - therapists would know if/who in your area.
Billy Footwear has really innovative shoes that are very easy to put on.
They have laces for making them fit closely, but the front side zips open. Unzip them, place the foot in and zip it back up.
Skechers makes slip on shoes and some slip on shoes that are ‘hands free’. A lot of stores carry Skechers, so you might find those styles in Macy’s or Kohls.

Adaptive clothing tends to be more expensive, even though it is moving into Mainstream stores like Kohls and Target; there is just not a very big market buying them. If you do look at adaptive clothing, look at whether the features will be helpful or not. A lot have adaptations for difficulty using the hands - for example, Velcro in place of snaps, buttons or zippers. Some have adaptations for access to things like feeding tubes or stomas and some are designed for people who need to dress lying down - for example, pants with Velcro on the side seams that allow the pants to open flat. So, the adaptations they have might not be at all helpful.
An OT could help you figure out what might be helpful, but you can figure out a lot by yourselves. He says the pants are too tight - what part is too tight?
If it’s getting the leg opening over his foot, boot cut pants might help or you might be able to find a seamstress to open the seam with zippers or Velcro from the bottom up about 10-12 inches to make more space. If they just seem too tight all over, pants Relaxed fit, pants with more stretch, a larger size or jogging pants might work. If he wants to shop at Macy’s, I don’t know if they still have personal shoppers. If they do, that might be a way to narrow down the selection if you can tell them what features he needs.

 

[lanejudy]

diabetic socks at CVS and was gonna try them on Dad but they cost too much there

Yes, unfortunately they are expensive. But I can say that the ones my husband wears have lasted quite well. Check Walmart, they might be a tad cheaper. Maybe over time she can pick up a pair now and then rather than trying to buy several pairs all at once.

I wonder if Mom searched for "mens adaptive clothing " at Macy's would they carry it?

It does look like Macy's has some limited adaptive clothing. Again, what's "right" for your dad's needs may or may not be represented by this selection. "Adaptive" covers a fairly broad spectrum of needs -- simple loops on socks to give a sort of handle for pulling them up, velcro closures instead of buttons or snaps; tops that snap at the shoulders instead of pulling over the head, or pants that velcro together on the sides. So it's going to take some searching. And yes unfortunately the clothes are likely to cost more.

If there is a local tailor or seamstress, sometimes that person can adapt a regular article of clothing based on the person's needs. So that might be another option, but again would be an extra cost.

his pants are tight and Dad complains that they don't fit

If his pants are too tight has your mom tried getting the next size? It's highly possible that his time in the hospital and recovery resulted in him being somewhat less active and he gained weight. Also if he is sitting in a wheelchair he may need looser clothing (either a looser fit or pants designed with more fabric in the "seat" of his pants). That is something I saw in one of my Google searches yesterday. I also saw some pants that have velcro on the legs which may or may not help him with putting them on. And again, these items are likely to cost more. It will take some time to build up a new wardrobe to suit his new needs. Maybe just try 1 or 2 new pairs of pants (same with the diabetic socks) -- and maybe you can offer to help with doing laundry more frequently so he can alternate the same items.

I don't know if it would help any but maybe you can help prepare some meals at home if that would help the budget by cutting back on take-out or door-dash orders. One door-dash lunch might cover the cost of a pair of diabetic socks. Or if there is something else "extra" in the budget that can be cut back for a bit to help your dad's needs -- things like a pricey cellphone plan that can be cut back, or TV channels that cost extra, etc. I suspect your family has experienced a lot of extra medical costs in the past several months so funds can be tight. It's obvious you care so much for your dad and want to help, I know you and your mom will find a way.

 

[jo-jo]

What about sweatpants? Some look like you’re going to the gym, but others look fine for going to dr. or elsewhere.

My DH has issues with the correct size sock leaving lines in ankle, he just went up a size.

 

[auralia]

It sounds like your dad needs a podiatrist to help him get shoes that will work for him. This is safety too foot wounds from ill fitting shoes can cause infections and even limb loss or worse. It’s worth the co pay etc to get appropriate shoes if you can. Pressure ulcers are no joke.

They make pants with zippers down both hips and the inseam… if you have a little skip with a sewing machine it isn’t hard to cut down the seem and add zippers or it runs about 60-80$ a pair online.

My grandpa used zip compression socks I got him on Amazon they were 30-40$ per pair but he had 3 of them and washed every 3rd day so it wasn’t a huge investment.

Around the house if he’s willing and just chilling hospital gowns are super easy for bed time or just lounging…. One on the front and one on the back put the one on the back on like a robe.

 

[DodgerGirl]

My mom and I finally got Dad some Skechers shoes from Macy's and he LOVES them and they are so easy for Dad to take on and off and he walks around easily in them too. Macy's had them on sale last week and my mother and I couldn't pass the deal up so we took a chance and bought the pair of Skechers and he is so pleased with them. Mom and I still are searching for pants that Dad can put on easily too

 

[SueM in MN]

My mom and I finally got Dad some Skechers shoes from Macy's and he LOVES them and they are so easy for Dad to take on and off and he walks around easily in them too. Macy's had them on sale last week and my mother and I couldn't pass the deal up so we took a chance and bought the pair of Skechers and he is so pleased with them. Mom and I still are searching for pants that Dad can put on easily too

Is he seeing an OT (Occupational Therapist)? If so, he/she could help with some hints regarding what might work and ways to put the pants on easier.

If he doesn’t have an OT, you might want to see if you can get a referral from his doctor to see one to work on dressing.
If you don’t have access to OT, watch him while putting the pants on. People usually think of putting pants on as one task, but it actually has multiple steps and any of the steps could impact his ability to pull the pants up. Also, think creatively - lying down on bed may sound like a strange position to pull up pants, but works for some people.

 

[Selket]

My mom and I are struggling to find clothing and shoes that my dad can wear and put on easily but it seems to be very hard to find especially pants. Mom tried putting dress pants on Dad but they end up getting ripped and so about the only thing he can wear since he got out of the hospital is shorts. Shoes are also impossible for Dad to wear because of his foot Mom and I tried many types of shoes on him and first we tried tennis shoes but they caused him pain then we tried boots and they give my dad blisters as well. And now the only footwear my dad can wear with no problem is slippers and also certain socks are difficult for Dad to put on and remove because they always rip each time. Is there any places Mom and should look for that specialize in special footwear and clothing for disabled people and would it be a good idea to call shoe stores in my area as well?
Dodger

May it was mentioned earlier in this thread but I saw this woman on Shark Tank and she started a clothing brand of adaptive clothing: https://no-limbits.com/

Not sure if anything there would help but it might be worth a look.

 

[DodgerGirl]

Mom and I finally found some mens adaptive clothing at JCPenney and we were gonna get some pants to try them on Dad but they were out of his pants size. But Mom and I were surprised at the selection JCPenney had for mens adaptive clothing

 

[herdtoDisney]

OP, often my Dad wears drawstring athletic pants. Not joggers (Dad doesn't like the elastic at the ankles) but pants with pockets and elastic waist/w drawstring. The elastic makes getting them on/off easier. Mom finds good selections of those at Walmart and Kohl's (and more on their websites). My dad finds dress pants/twill pants difficult to get on and off.

The shoes-Dad has had a podiatrist recommend shoes, but typically he wears Sketchers. He thinks the podiatrist shoes look like Frankenstien boots LOL (parkinsons has not diminished his humor!)

Basically casual/athletic clothes look sharp and are easier to get on and off, we've found.