Getting dressed can become frustrating when arthritis, weak grip or limited mobility makes buttons, zips and bending difficult.
My mother has arthritis in her fingers and Raynaud’s syndrome. When her fingers become cold and numb, even simple tasks such as gripping clothing and fastening buttons can become difficult. That has made me pay particular attention to dressing aids that are simple to hold and reduce unnecessary bending or hand strain.
Short on time? Here are my three picks.
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My 3 Picks
| If You Need Help With | My Pick |
|---|---|
| General dressing and reaching | Aidapt Dressing Stick |
| Buttons and zips | Button Hook & Zipper Pull |
| Pulling up trousers without bending | Fanwer Clip and Pull |
Want the Quickest Answer?
Need one tool for general dressing?
Look at the Aidapt Dressing Stick.
Struggling with buttons or zips?
Consider the Button Hook & Zipper Pull.
Finding it difficult to bend and pull up clothing?
Look at the Fanwer Clip and Pull.
1. Aidapt Extra Long Dressing Stick
Best for General Dressing
The Aidapt has a long, lightweight handle designed to help with tasks such as putting on or removing clothing while reducing the need to bend.
Best for: Someone who wants a versatile dressing aid for everyday use.
Watch out: You still need enough shoulder and arm movement to control the stick.
2. Button Hook & Zipper Pull
Best for Arthritis and Weak Grip
This is the option I would pay particular attention to for someone struggling with their fingers.
The wire loop helps guide buttons through buttonholes, while the other end can help with zips.
Best for: Buttons and zips when arthritis, numbness or reduced grip makes fastening clothing difficult.
Watch out: It won’t help with lower-body dressing or putting on shoes.
3. Fanwer Clip and Pull Dressing Aid
Best for Lower-Body Dressing
The Fanwer is designed to help pull clothing into position while reducing the need for deep bending. Its length can also be adjusted.
Best for: Someone who struggles to bend when pulling up trousers or underwear.
Watch out: It won’t suit everyone, particularly someone with significant leg weakness or very limited leg movement.
Which One Should You Choose?
Make the decision based on the task that’s difficult.
General dressing and reaching? Choose Aidapt.
Buttons and zips? Look at the Button Hook.
Pulling up clothing without bending? Consider Fanwer.
You don’t need the product with the most features. You need the one that solves the particular dressing problem.
Before You Buy
Think about which part of dressing is actually causing difficulty. Different dressing aids solve different problems.
If the person has significant mobility limitations or you’re unsure which equipment would help, an occupational therapist or other appropriate healthcare professional may be able to assess the problem and recommend suitable dressing aids.
My Final Take
Because of my mother’s arthritis and Raynaud’s syndrome, I know how something as small as fastening a button can become frustrating when your fingers aren’t cooperating.
For general dressing, I would look at the Aidapt.
For buttons and zips, consider the Button Hook & Zipper Pull.
For lower-body dressing without as much bending, look at the Fanwer.
I haven’t personally tested these three specific products, so my comparison is based on my research and the practical factors I would consider when choosing a dressing aid.