I need a fasten down the front nightdress for an elderly relative who can't do buttons anymore. Any ideas?

Answer 1

I have seen many with snaps- try Walmart (online try Roaman's or Lane Bryant) Or at Amazon.com search for Silverts Disabled Elderly Needs Clothes -they had several clothing items. The problem with velcro is that it gets all gunked up after a few washings.

Answer 2

Tell ya what I'd get her. Not the Velcro, it's a bear to wash: has to be fastened to keep from it grabbing itself and other items in the load. Not a zipper, because when you sit down, the zipper stands in an arch, away from your body. I would either search online or go to a hospital supply business to search for one of those inside-tie gowns that then laps across the front to tie at the outside waist. Some are intended to be tied that way in the back. She could just turn them around. Then for winter, I'd get a seamstress to make one using that one as a pattern, in Portuguese flannel, so it won't pill and irritate her delicate skin.

Answer 3

Can she still pull garments over her head? If not, try this: on a robe I once made, I didn't feel like making all those buttonholes and used snap tape instead.. One long strip can be sewn down each side of the front opening (on the inside of the side where the buttonholes would go). I think I found it in the decorating department of a fabric shop, but just ask.

Answer 4

Depends on whether you are making it for her or repairing one she already has. Velcro can work either way, but if she gets gets it crooked then it can irritate her skin if it rubs. Extra large buttons and large loops will work or snaps. If she can raise her arms well enough sew it up the front and now it's a pull over. All of mine are pullovers. My buttons last forever.

Answer 5

Don't buy ones that go over their head! They forget and try to stand and do it and end up on the floor. I used to cut the buttons off and put the gowns on backward or get wide neck T's that are long and big. If you do have over the head ones, make sure you caution about sitting down to put it on. I took care of a 'lady' once that insisted she had to wear silk pajamas, like trying to hold on to a popsicle on a summer day.

Answer 6

Velcro circles is the best way to go and very easy to do. And you can use the nightdresses you already have. You can find the circles at most fabric stores and walmart.

Answer 7

I agree with sage seeker. Snaps are the way to go. Velcro is too rough especially when rolling over. And you can buy the kit to install snaps yourself. Piece of cake.

Answer 8

As already stated, Velcro is probably the best thing created since cream cheese.

It's ease of handling for the person who cannot do buttons adds to their sense of independence. They can do it for themselves and this adds to their self-exteem. It's a good thing.

Answer 9

Velcro......hands down. They have tiny round button size and they can easily be placed to handle without altering the gowns apperance.

Answer 10

Velcro.