A dressing stick is a must-have for anyone who has difficulty bending or has a temporary or permanent limited range of motion. These inexpensive dressing aids are essentially long wooden dowels with hooks on either end that can be used in multiple ways to put on or take off shirts, jackets, pants and socks.
Pants or Jeans:
To put on pants while in a sitting position, use the opposite end of the dressing stick by placing the larger hook inside the belt loop and lowering the pants to the floor; slide your feet in the pant legs one at a time and use the stick to maneuver them up until you can reach them. Stand up to complete the process. To remove pants, simply reverse the process.
Socks:
While a sock aid is the most effective way to put on socks, the dressing stick will easily help take them off. To remove socks, sit on the end of a bed or chair and place the small hook at the top of the sock; gently slide the stick down your leg until completely removed. Use the hook to pick up the sock from the ground.
Jackets or Button-up Shirts:
To put on a jacket or shirt, slide your arm into the sleeve and use the stick to maneuver the opposite sleeve behind your back to where you can comfortably get your other arm in place. Use the hook to pull the shirt or jacket on your shoulders. If you have trouble zipping your jacket, connect the zipper and use the small hook to pull it up. To remove a jacket or shirt, simply use the larger hook on the dressing stick to push the sleeve down your arm until it is removed. Repeat on the other side.