Stroke Recovery: Weak Side First When Getting Dressed? (2025)

• Last updated

  Oct 11, 2024

• Difficulty

  Beginner

• Posted by

  Crystell Harty

• Category

  Stroke

Dressing can be a challenging task for stroke patients, who often experience partial paralysis or a loss of range of motion in their arms and legs. It is recommended that stroke patients dress their weak side first, using their unaffected arm to dress the affected side. This can help to minimise pain and make the process of getting dressed easier.

Characteristics of dressing a stroke patient with one-sided weakness

Dressing a stroke patient with one-sided weakness

A stroke can cause partial paralysis or a loss of range of motion in arms and legs, making even simple tasks like getting dressed challenging and frustrating. Assisting stroke patients with their daily activities helps them feel more confident and in control of their situation.

General Tips

• Always knock on the patient's door and greet them by name.
• Provide privacy by shutting the curtains.
• Wash your hands and put on gloves.
• Confirm the patient's identity by checking their ID.
• Gather supplies and place them on a towel-covered tray table.
• Ask the patient what they would like to wear by offering them two options.
• Make sure to cover the patient whenever you are not working on a particular area.
• Encourage the patient to help as much as possible, especially with their weak side.
• Remove gloves and wash hands after dressing the patient.

Step-by-Step Guide to Dressing a Stroke Patient with One-Sided Weakness

• Putting on socks and pants: Put on their socks first and pull their pants up to their thighs.
• Undressing: Untie the gown and remove it from their strong side first, then remove it from their weak side. Place dirty clothes in a hamper.
• Putting on a shirt: Put the sleeve of the shirt on the patient's weak side first. Ask them to roll slightly to the opposite side and tuck the shirt underneath them so you can access it from the other side.
• Pants: While they are on their side, pull the pants up to their hips. If you couldn't get the pants fully on, have them roll to the other side and pull them up, then roll back to a flat position.
• Second sleeve: Put on the other sleeve and button the shirt. Ask if they want the top button buttoned and if they would like their shirt tucked in.
• Straighten the sheets: Ensure the patient's bed is tidy and free of wrinkles.
• Final steps: Place the call light in the patient's hand and pull the curtains closed. Ask how they would like their bed positioned.

Tips for dressing a stroke patient

Choose the right fabric

The right fabric can make a huge difference in how comfortable a stroke patient feels. Soft and loose-fitting fabrics are not only easy to put on but can also be slipped off easily. Silky, slippery, and breathable fabrics are easier to slip on and off than polyester or flannel.

Prepare the outfit in advance

Preparing the outfit beforehand minimises stress and allows more time for dressing. Lay out the clothes before assisting the patient with dressing.

Dress the patient while they are sitting

The patient should be sitting in a comfortable place with both feet on the floor and enough room to move around. This helps with balance, which can be tricky at the beginning of the recovery.

Use the unaffected arm first

Generally, use the unaffected arm to dress the affected side first. To undress, take the garment off the unaffected side, then remove it from the affected side.

Choose adaptive wear

Adaptive dressing solutions feature functional designs such as open back tops, side-open pants, and antimicrobial protection. Clothes with wide neck openings and elastic waistbands can also be beneficial. Additionally, clip-on ties and front-closure bras are easier to put on and take off.

Opt for slip-on shoes

Slip-on shoes are a safer and more balanced option for stroke patients. They can be challenging to put on at first, so it is recommended to use a footstool or box to elevate the foot.

Choosing the right fabric

• Softness and Breathability: Opt for soft, breathable fabrics that are gentle on the skin. These materials help reduce irritation and promote airflow, keeping the patient comfortable throughout the day. Adaptive garments made from such fabrics can enhance comfort and accommodate sensory changes that some stroke patients experience.
• Durability: Look for fabrics that are both soft and durable. For example, soft cotton knit hospital gowns are comfortable and functional for caregivers dressing stroke patients.
• Slippery or Silky Fabrics: Choose fabrics that are slippery or silky. These fabrics are easier to put on and take off than materials like polyester or flannel. Consider satin, silk, or nylon-lined coats and jackets, as they can glide on smoothly.
• Loose-fitting and Roomy: Select loose-fitting and roomy clothes that allow for easy movement and manoeuvrability. This is especially important if the patient has weakness on one side, as it gives them room to dress with their "good arm."
• Wrinkle-free: Fabrics that don't wrinkle, such as knits, can be a good choice. This eliminates the need for ironing and makes the clothing ready-to-wear, reducing potential challenges for stroke patients.
• Elastic Waistbands and Adjustable Straps: Clothing with elastic waistbands or adjustable straps can be beneficial. These features accommodate fluctuations in body size and shape, ensuring a comfortable fit without restricting mobility or circulation.
• Seamless Construction: Consider garments with minimal seams or seamless construction. This reduces the risk of skin irritation and provides a smoother feel, especially for those with hypersensitivity or decreased sensation after a stroke.

Adaptive dressing solutions

After a stroke, even simple tasks like getting dressed can become challenging and frustrating. Adaptive clothing can help stroke patients dress independently, reducing the need for assistance. These garments are designed with features that accommodate the physical challenges faced by stroke survivors.

Tips for Dressing with Weakness on One Side:

• Use your "good arm" to dress.
• Dress the affected side first, and undress the unaffected side first.
• Choose loose-fitting, silky, or slippery fabrics that are easier to slip on and off.
• Prepare your outfit before dressing to minimise stress.
• Dress while sitting down, as balance can be tricky.
• Practise buttoning and unbuttoning shirts.
• Choose slip-on shoes that make you feel safe and balanced.
• Use Velcro closures instead of shoelaces.

Features of Adaptive Clothing:

• Open-back designs allow individuals to dress without raising their arms or stepping into the clothing.
• Magnetic closures, Velcro fasteners, or snap buttons replace traditional buttons and zippers, making it easier for individuals to fasten their garments.
• Elastic waistbands and adjustable straps accommodate different body sizes and shapes, ensuring comfort and mobility.
• Soft, breathable fabrics reduce irritation and promote airflow, maintaining optimal body temperature.
• Seamless construction reduces the risk of skin irritation and provides a smoother feel.
• Anti-slip features on socks, slippers, or shoes provide stroke patients with increased stability and confidence while walking.

Benefits of Adaptive Clothing:

• Enhances independence by enabling stroke patients to dress themselves.
• Provides comfort and safety, addressing sensory changes post-stroke.
• Relieves the burden on caregivers by simplifying the dressing process and reducing physical strain.
• Offers seated dressing options, quick-change functionality, and simple access points, especially useful for incontinence management.
• Allows for personal style and self-expression, promoting dignity and confidence.

Mobility aids

Transfer Aids

• Transfer belts, boards, and slides help stroke survivors stand or sit safely.
• Transfer benches, such as the Carousel Power Sliding Transfer Bench, can be used in the shower or bathtub to make getting in and out easier.

Walkers and Canes

• Rolling walkers can be helpful for stroke survivors with balance problems or slight weakness. Both 2-wheel and 4-wheel (rollator) options are available.
• Hemi-walkers and quad canes provide a wider base of support than a single-tip cane and do not require the use of both hands.
• Single-tip canes are suitable for those who only need minimal support for steadiness.

Wheelchairs and Scooters

• Wheelchairs are often necessary for stroke victims with limited mobility. Hemi wheelchairs can be adjusted lower to the ground and operated with one or both feet. Electric wheelchairs and scooters are also available.
• For those who do not require a wheelchair but still need assistance moving, a cane, walker, or scooter may be helpful. Handrails or grab bars mounted in the home can provide additional support.

Stair Lifts

• Stair glides or stair lifts can transport a person up or down stairs while they are seated.
• Platform lifts are similar to small elevators and can accommodate a person or a wheelchair.

Other Mobility Aids

• Couch canes, transfer handles, and gait belts can help stroke survivors get up or stand.
• Portable ramps can be an affordable solution to create wheelchair access in homes.
• Wheelchair backpacks, bags, pouches, and auto handybars can be useful accessories for wheelchair users.
• Personal alarms can provide added safety for stroke survivors.

Frequently asked questions

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