Using adaptive bras for elderly with dementia is one simple way to make getting dressed and undressed easier for your loved one.
Dementia can manifest with a range of symptoms, including reduced mobility and dexterity in hands and arms.
Whatever symptoms your loved one experiences, there are a range of adaptive bras to suit their needs available online.
Here’s a summary of what we’ll cover in this article:
- Women’s bodies change a lot as they age due to hormones, illness and as a natural part of ageing.
- Having the right bra that fits well and is easy to use can make a woman’s life so much easier and more comfortable.
- The back clasps on regular bras can be fiddly and confusing. This is why many dementia and elderly bras use front clasps for easier use.
Do elderly women need different bras?
Even if you are dealing with a specific condition like dementia there’s one thing you need to know.
Women’s bodies are changing all the time.
Hormones, chemicals, traumatic events and normal, everyday processes can alter the way female bodies look and feel.
Age is a one disruptor which affects the female body in a lot of ways.
Menopause and changes
At around age 50, many women will begin to experience symptoms of menopause.
The menopause is a time when huge change is happening in the female body.
The female reproductive abilities are diminished and finally stopped altogether, which causes a lot of hormone disruption.
Changing levels of oestrogen and progesterone cause many symptoms, including ones that affect breast tissue.
Changes to breasts
Declining oestrogen dehydrates breast tissue and causes it to become less elastic. This means that breasts lose their rounded shape and start to sag.
Older and elderly women may find their breasts to be elongated, stretched or flatter as a result.
These changes in shape and appearance can be distressing for some women and cause anxiety.
So when looking for bras for elderly with dementia, it’s important to take these factors into consideration.
What is an adaptive bra?
Adaptive bras for the elderly with dementia can help support women in a number of different ways.
For example, putting on and taking off garments becomes a little trickier if mobility is an issue.
Adaptive bras can help you tackle this issue, providing different ways to wear, fasten and feel comfortable in your bra.
When looking for adaptive bras online you will see a range of products and features, including:
- Front closing bras- zips, buttons, hook and eye
- Side fastening hook and eye
- Non fussy design
- Push up design
- Sports bras
- Plus sizes
- Mastectomy bras
These bras are not marketed specifically for elderly women with dementia, but they offer relevant adaptations.
Why choose a bra for elderly with dementia?
A dementia diagnosis can make someone feel a myriad of different emotions, and the way someone feels about their body may also be affected.
Tackle this by investing in underwear that not only makes the individual feel good, but is easy and safe to wear.
One’s best undies from decades ago are likely no longer appropriate for a changing body shape or movement abilities.
Everyone is unique and will have different preferences so you should consider any other conditions that have caused change over the years too.
Possible changes include:
- Breast cancer
- Mastectomy
- Arthritis
- Injuries
- Weight loss or gain
- Menopause
- Breast reduction or enhancement
Worried about your loved one?
Best bras for elderly women with dementia
Delimira Women’s Underwired Bra
This front closure bra is proving a hit with wearers, with full size and colour options.
- Front closure for convenient wear
- Seamless,non-padded,dual layered cups for a smooth and natural shape
- Wide, padded straps for more comfort
- Underwire and racerback design give you more support
- Soft and breathable fabric
What the reviews say: Many reviewers liked this comfy bra and got on well with the front fastening. It’s true to size and made of a nice soft material.
Price: £24.99
Theya Healthcare Front Fastening
This bamboo front fastening, post surgery bra is wonderfully soft and comfortable, as well as beautifully feminine. It is ideal for women who have undergone breast surgery of any kind or have limited mobility.
- Front fastening medium support bra
- Bamboo mix
- Hook and Eye fastening
- Available in size XS – 4XL
- Ideal for women who have undergone breast surgery
- Antibacterial fabric
What the reviews say: Very comfortable. Does not ride up and the hook and eyes are easy to use even after surgery.
Price: £49.99
Delimira Front Fastening Racerback Bra
With front close, this bra is easy to put on and off, and the racerback design adds more support to this functional bra.
- Front Fastening
- Available in 32C – 42F
- Non-padded cups
- Underwire
- Racerback design
- Multiple colours
What the reviews say: Comfortable and attractive front-fastening bra perfect for people with mobility and shoulder issues.
Price: £18.99
HOPEE Women’s Zip Front Sports Bra
A high impact support sports bra for women, designed or an everyday active lifestyle with a front zipper fastener.
- Ultra-light and soft material
- Fastening: Zipper
- Seamless
- Removable bra pads are easy to put in & take out
- No compression seamless and stretchy fabric
- Size XS – XL
Price: £24.98
Eden House Magic Bra
Wire free bra for additional comfort with full support and front fastening.
- Excellent Support and Comfort
- Full coverage provides
- Soft and Breathable Fabric
- Soft cups
- Mesh layer at back
- Nylon Blend
- Front fastening
- Wide shoulder straps
What the reviews say: Comfortable bra loved by women who have had surgery and arthritis. Easy to put on with limited mobility so great for elderly women too.
Price: £18
Need care for your loved one?
Arranging care and support for a loved one in later life can be challenging and overwhelming.
At Sweet Pea we take the stress out of finding quality care and domestic support services.
We match families with trusted home care providers, cleaners, dementia-friendly hairdressers, gardeners, personal shopping services, and so much more.