My 84 year old mother was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease. In addition to all the information I have for cancer, I can now add all sorts of information about this awful disease. She is living at home with my 85 year old father.
I recently went to a large department store to find clothing for her. My mother always took great pride in her appearance and would never go anywhere without make-up or a nice dress or slacks; hair always combed and neat. Well, those days are over. When we go to the doctor’s office she insists on wearing these old khakis, 3 sizes too big and held together with a safety pin. She had always enjoyed shopping and looking nice, but can no longer do that. So I went to find appropriate clothing for her with which to attend doc appointments, etc.. I am just amazed in this day and age that someone has not designed something for people with conditions such as my mother’s to wear. Something stylish, something perhaps that had been modified to accommodate her needs. Something like our Healing Threads. Alas, there is nothing! She now proudly wears our Healing Threads and uses the “Elegant” style top to wear to and from medical appointments, so she doesn’t have to undress at the doctor’s office.
Why is it that the fashion industry has zillions of designs for well people, but design nothing for the unwell??? Do they think dignity and modesty are things necessary or due only the well? Where is their compassion and empathy? My mother would be horrified if she saw herself dressed in those awful khakis and other “old lady” clothes! She is a proud woman, always was, and the fact that she no longer can decide what to wear and how to dress herself is no reason to relegate her to awful clothing. I did manage to find some slacks and tailored blouses that I know she would like and were of a much smaller size, and she lit up like a Christmas tree when I brought them to her. I helped her dress in each of the 3 outfits I found and she modeled them for me and my father.
Perhaps Spirited Sisters Inc will design another line of clothing for Alzheimer’s patients. Lord knows, from what I have been reading, there will be many more in the coming “Boomer” years!
Tags: adaptable clothing, Healing Threads, hospital gown alternatives