How to Help a Stroke Patient Get Dressed

Stroke is a common cause of disability in adults, according to the National Stroke Association. Strokes occur when blood vessels in the brain rupture, or when blood clots block the flow of blood to the brain. Symptoms may include weakness of the arms and legs (often just on one side of the body), difficulty with movement or coordination, difficulty with speech, and memory problems. The degree of impairment stroke patients experience varies depending on the exact location and severity of the brain injury, but many stroke survivors require assistance with things like getting dressed.

Instructions

• 1

  Explain to the patient what you will be doing and keep him informed every step of the way. Encourage him to participate in the dressing process and do as much as he can for himself.

• 2

  Begin by putting on his underclothing. Help him sit on the edge of a bed or chair and slip his feet into the underwear, pulling them up on his legs above the knees. Then help him stand, allowing him to hold onto your shoulders for balance, and pull up the underwear the rest of the way.

• 3

  Help the patient sit down again and repeat the procedure to put on the patient's pants. If one leg is weaker or less mobile than the other, slip that one into the pants leg first. Allow him to rest for a moment first if standing makes him feel tired or weak.

• 4

  Select a shirt for the patient to wear or allow him to select a shirt if he is able to do so. If he has trouble speaking, you can select two shirts and hold them up in front of him and he can gesture to the one he prefers. Shirts that button up the front may be easier, especially if one arm is weaker or less mobile than the other. If he does choose a button-down shirt, slip the weaker arm into the sleeve first, then the stronger or more mobile arm, and then button the shirt. If he selects a pullover shirt, slip it over his head and then slide the weaker arm into its sleeve first, followed by the stronger or more mobile arm.

• 5

  Slip on the patient's socks, followed by his shoes. Choose sturdy shoes with non-skid soles. If the patient prefers to wear slippers, make sure they fit securely and have non-skid soles.