How do I solve this?

[annlee]

I'm not sure where this question should be posted, so feel free to move it. I have a new problem I have not been able to solve. I am wheelchair dependant, but can pull myself up and stand for a seconds IF holding on with both hands. If I let go, I immediately start falling. My problem is getting pants/underwear pulled up/down without falling. I can't lay on the bed to do this because I can't lift my butt up off the bed. I can roll over a little by using grab bars on the bed. That's an event in itself! I can't do it from my wheelchair either. I live alone so no help there. I need some ideas please. Thank you.

 

[davemclaughlin]

Can you pull your pants up in bed past your knees? Then when transferring to chair pull them up further before sitting. That’s kinda the process I use when using the toilet. However, I stick to shorts because they are easier than pants.

 

[Nikki J]

Wrap around skirt or pull on that goes over your head? Commando? We have had male PALS here that did kilts

Have you had an ot visit to make sure you are using all the possible aids and tricks to make life as easy as possible

 

[lgelb]

If you have existing skirts that you like, a seamstress can modify the closures for not-super-difficult Velcro, hook/eye, whatever is easier. Also look at adaptive clothing sites for products/ideas; these include:

Adaptations by Adrian
Adaptive Clothing Showroom
Able2Wear
Silverts

More downstream, is there a plan for when you need more help?

 

[annlee]

Thanks for this suggestion. I have tried this several times today and it has been helpful to start from the bed. With my WC on one side of me and grab rail on other side, this felt much safer. Now how do you manage this when in public bathrooms? I have had several near falls in public bathrooms recently. It has only become a problem for me recently. Typical, solve one problem and a new problem takes it's place. I appreciate the suggestion.