Support options available for looking after yourself

If you have a disability or health condition and need help with getting dressed, undressed, or keeping your clothes clean and tidy, there is advice and support to help you stay independent and comfortable.

Equipment and tools to make dressing easier

The right equipment can make dressing and undressing safer and more manageable.

Adaptive clothing

You may find the following types of clothing helpful when dressing or undressing:

• clothes with Velcro seams, magnetic buttons, or wider openings for easier dressing
• special designs for access to stoma bags, catheters, or PICC lines

Find adaptive clothing

Dressing aids

The following aids can help reduce movement and effort when getting dressed:

• long-handled shoehorns and sock aids to reduce bending
• button hooks and zip pulls for easier fastening

Bedroom support

Bedroom equipment can help you dress safely and comfortably, including:

• bed raisers and grab rails to help you sit or stand safely while dressing
• chairs with armrests for stability during dressing

Keeping clothes clean and tidy

There are practical tools and services that can help you keep on top of laundry.

Laundry support

The following tools and technology can help make laundry easier to manage:

• lightweight laundry baskets and trolley systems for easier transport
• easy-to-use washing machines with large buttons or smart controls
• voice assistants can set reminders for laundry and help manage routines

Care services

If laundry is difficult, there are a range of care support or community laundry services available.

Homecare providers

Small Good Stuff Directory 

Technology support

Providers can assist you in sourcing telecare services. This can range from personal alarms and other monitored devices, such as smoke alarms or fall detectors, to call the monitoring centre in an emergency (fees may apply).

Telecare can help you stay independent by making dressing and undressing safer.

Simple devices can raise an alert if you lose balance such as:

• fall detectors
• personal alarms
• sensors

These technologies give reassurance and reduce the risk of accidents while getting ready at home.

Other technology can support you at home like:

• smart devices can help schedule laundry tasks and send reminders
• telecare alarms provide peace of mind if you need urgent help while dressing

Find telecare and assistive technology

Local support

To find local services that can help and support you, please visit our services directory.

It brings together information on a wide range of organisations, community groups and care providers, making it easy to discover the support that's right for you.

Find local support

Additional support

If you have tried a range of aids and support but still finding daily activities more difficult, Adult Services can recommend suitable equipment or services.

This might include:

• assessing your needs and recommend suitable equipment
• arranging care support for dressing and laundry tasks
• providing advice on maintaining independence and safety
• information on Disabled Facilities Grants (depending on eligibility)

Contact Adult Social Care to discuss your needs. They can help you explore equipment, technology, and services tailored to your situation.

You may need to pay for none, some or all of your care or services, depending on your personal financial situation.

Request support