How To Use Some of Our Most Popular Dressing Aids

At Active Mobility, we understand the challenges many people with disabilities or limited mobility face when it comes to dressing independently. Everyday tasks like putting on socks, pants, shirts, or shoes can be challenging or even impossible without assistance, but with the right tools, these tasks can become easier and more manageable!

Our aim is to empower you to live more independently, so in this article, we’ll explore how to use various dressing aids, like sock aids and stocking aids, leg lifters, dressing sticks, button hooks, and shoe horns, to help you dress independently and with confidence.

How to use a shoehorn

A shoehorn is a tool to help slide your foot smoothly into a shoe without damaging the back of the shoe or your heel. Here are the steps on how to use a shoehorn:

1. Hold the shoehorn by the handle or grip it firmly with one hand.
    
2. Place the curved end of the shoehorn inside the back of the shoe, with the curved part facing downward and the straight edge resting against the back
    
3. Hold the shoehorn in place with one hand while using your other hand to gently slide your foot into the shoe, pressing your heel against the shoehorn.
    
4. Once your foot is in the shoe, remove the shoehorn by gently pulling it out of the back of the shoe.

Our shoehorns come in various shapes, lengths, sizes and materials like chrome and plastic, so you can easily slip your heels into your shoes. In the meantime, remember to use your shoehorn carefully and gently to avoid damaging your shoes or injuring yourself!

How to use a button hook

A button hook is a helpful tool to fasten buttons, especially for those with limited hand dexterity or mobility. Here are the steps on how to use a button hook:

1. Hold the button hook by its handle or grip firmly with one hand.
    
2. Insert the hook through the buttonhole from the front of the fabric to the back.
    
3. Hook the button with the curved end of the button hook.
    
4. Pull the button through the buttonhole until it is fastened securely.
    
5. Repeat the process for any remaining buttons.

Our button hooks are quick and easy to use thanks to the contoured handle. Once you’ve had some practice, you’ll be buttoning your clothes like a professional in no time!

How to use a dressing stick

A dressing stick is a tool designed to help people with limited mobility to put on and remove clothing, including pants, shirts, and jackets. It features an angled wire hook and rubber tip at opposite ends of the stick, so you have better control and grip over your clothing while you dress.

Here are some simple steps on how to use a dressing stick:

1. Hold the dressing stick at the midpoint, with one hand on each side.
    
2. For putting on pants, slip the dressing stick through the pant leg opening and hook the end of the stick around the waistband of the pants. Use the stick to pull the pants up, sliding the fabric over your legs until the pants are in place.
    
3. For putting on a shirt, slip the dressing stick through the neck opening of the shirt and hook the end of the stick around the collar. Use the stick to guide the shirt over your head and onto your shoulders.
    
4. For removing clothing, hook the dressing stick around the back of the collar or waistband of the clothing and pull the garment gently off.

How to use a leg lifter

A leg lifter is a device used to help people with limited mobility or strength to lift their legs and put on or remove pants or shoes. Our leg lifters feature an upper loop that fits around the hand and wrist, a lower stiffened loop that slides over the foot or shoe, and a webbing strap with a stiffened step to provide control over the leg. 

Here are the steps on how to use a leg lifter for dressing:

1. Position the leg lifter on the bed or floor near the foot of the bed or chair where you sit.
    
2. Sit on the edge of the bed or chair and place your foot in the loop or sling of the leg lifter.
    
3. Use your hands to hold onto the handles or straps at the end of the leg lifter.
    
4. Slowly lift your leg using the leg lifter, keeping your knee straight and your foot flat on the ground.
    
5. Use the leg lifter to guide your foot into the opening of your pants or shoes.
    
6. Once your foot is in the desired position, gently lower your leg with the leg lifter.

Remember to use the leg lifter carefully to avoid injuring yourself. If you experience any pain or discomfort while using a leg lifter, stop using it and consult with your doctor or physical therapist.

How to use a sock, stocking or tights aid

A sock or stocking aid is designed to help people who have trouble bending or reaching to put on socks, stockings or tights independently. Here are the steps on how to use this device:

1. Sit on a chair or bed and place the sock aid on the floor in front of you.
    
2. Slide the sock over the sock aid, making sure the sock heel is positioned at the bottom of the sock aid.
    
3. Place your foot into the open end of the sock and position your heel in the heel cup of the sock aid.
    
4. Hold onto the handles or straps at the end of the sock aid and use the other hand to pull the sock aid up toward your knee.
    
5. As you pull the sock aid up, the sock should slide onto your foot.
    
6. Once the sock is in place, gently remove the sock aid from your foot.

We offer sock and stocking aids made from plastic, as well as fabric aids that provide optimum grip for pulling on socks, stockings and tights.

Shop a wide range of easy-to-use dressing aids online!

At Active Mobility, we’re committed to providing quality tools and devices to empower you to live independently. By using dressing aids, you can regain a sense of control over your daily routine and feel more confident in your ability to perform everyday tasks!

Shop a wide range of helpful tools online at Active Mobility. We offer fast, affordable shipping throughout Australia and flexible payment options like Afterpay.