Caregivers in Brookfield, IL: Tips for Clothing to Help You Give the Best Care

As a caregiver for an aging loved one, your days are going to be anything but lazy. At any given point throughout the day you could be:

• Getting your loved ones out of bed
• Dressing them
• Helping them bathe
• Preparing meals and helping them eat
• Doing laundry
• Washing dishes
• Tidying the house
• Buying groceries
• Running errands
• Paying bills
• Transporting your loved ones to medical appointments
• Helping your loved ones take medications or fulfill other treatment requirements
• Helping your loved one move around the house
• Taking out the trash
• Taking care of pets including walking the dog, changing a cat litter box or changing the water in the fish tank

The list can just go on and on. The work of a senior caregiver, as they say, never ends. This means that it is absolutely essential that you are comfortable and prepared for your day when you get dressed in the morning. Comfortable, well-fitting clothing helps you to feel your best, but also lets you move around more easily. This is important because if your movement is restricted, you will not be able to perform some of the necessary tasks of taking care of your aging loved one. Not only is this inconvenient, but it can also pose a serious danger to both of you.

Here are some tips for choosing clothing to help you be the best caregiver you can be:

• Supportive, comfortable shoes that fit you properly. You do not want to slip out of your shoes or stumble over a high heel when you are trying to help your aging loved one get out of a chair or walk across the room. Lace up shoes such as tennis shoes generally provide the best support and stability
• Absorbent socks. Good quality cotton socks will absorb sweat and prevent friction that causes blisters. Consider carrying an extra pair with you so that you can change your socks during the day if they become sweaty or wet.
• Relaxed-fit pants, preferably with a drawstring or elastic waistband for additional mobility
• A relaxed-fit shirt that is long enough that it won’t ride up as you are moving around during the day
• A hooded, zipper front sweatshirt jacket that you can easily layer on top of your clothes if you get chilly
• You may also want to consider purchasing several sets of scrubs. Not only are these incredibly comfortable, but they are also easily washable.

For Caregiver Services in Brookfield, IL call 708-761-4909. Serving La Grange, Oakbrook, Oak Brook Terrace, Westchester, Downers Grove, Berwyn, River Forest, Oak Park, Hinsdale, Chicago and surrounding communities.