clothing for special groups

Clothing needs of the elderly and protective

clothing used in industries and institutions.

By Linda Karimi Muthamia

INTRODUCTIONClothing is a primary need of mankind throughout the world. They give a feeling of self confidence and comfort and the wearer

feels physically, psychologically and socially at ease. Uncomfortable clothes can take away the joy of living esp for special

groups, whose needs are greater because they need more comfort and convenience as compared normal people to become independent.

Special group :people who deviate from normal with respect to physical, mental and social characteristics to such an extent that they need unique care in clothing, education and training.

Similarly special clothing is required where protection is required for the wearer.

Protective attire protects in three ways:Protecting the wearers body from being soiled and/or harmed Protect the clothes of the wearer from being soiledProtecting the items being handled from human contamination for

example when handling food.

CLOTHING NEEDS FOR THE ELDERLYThe longer people live, the more special

needs they have, and they have those special needs for a longer and longer period of time.

Source; Kenya National Bureau of Statistics 2009 population and housing Census highlight.

Physical changes cased by agingSkin: Decreased skin elasticity which leads

to wrinkles, thinning (atrophy) ,Skin appendages, such as hair follicles and sweat glands, diminish in number and function.

Orthopedic: vertebral disc degeneration and osteoporosis : reduced bone density

  X-ray of

Osteoporosis

Neurological :Decreased neuronal function and changes eg tremors

AuditoryVisual

ADAPTIVE CLOTHING

Adaptive clothing is a garment built with medical function in mind for those with limited mobility (temporary or permanent) and medical conditions including: the elderly, the disabled, post-surgery needs, nursing homes, special needs, joint therapy, incontinence, fitness needs, Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis, stroke victims, arthritis victims.

Qualities of adaptive clothing

They should feel like normal clothesThey should look like normal clothesThey should be built to last medically and

fashionablyThey should be available in a broad range of

sizes

Simplifies self-dressing by using unique features, such as discreet Velcro closures or snap closures that are easier on arthritic joints or for hands that shake. This is in contrast to fastenings such as buttons or hooks which may be impractical for someone with hand tremors or poor vision.

Types of adaptive clothing Inner wear should be lose fitting to ease comfort

and easy to wear.

Back open clothes eliminate the need to raise the arms to get a garment on over the head or rotate the arms to get into a sleeve.

Trousers for both women and men

Suspenders

Fastenings can be eliminated all together by the use of elastic on the waist of skirts, trousers and shorts.

Bladder control/ incontinence

Front Back

This back open duster has a cutaway seat.

Trousers for someone confined in a wheel chair

FootwearThis should provide the utmost comfort to the

wearer and also very important is that the wearer should be able to wear them with the most ease.

Men’s shoes

House slippers( warm)

Edema footwear is designed to help those suffering from edema, diabetes, sensitive skin, swollen feet and ankles, and sensitive corns and bunions

DiabetesRaises the blood sugar level: risk of foot

ulcers Diabetic socks: Control moisture; reduce

the risk of infection.Without seams or wrinkle-prone material;

reduce pressure and blisteringNon-binding top; constrict less and

improve blood flow.

Thermal socks :close fitting socks made of a warm, absorbent material such as wool and aid in the entrapment of heat that aids in the regulation of core body temperature.

To prevent accidents: non-slip socks.

PROTECTIVE CLOTHINGPersonal protective equipment: protective

clothing ,helmets, goggles, or other garment designed to protect the wearer's body from injury by blunt impacts, electrical hazards, heat, chemicals, and infection, in the line of duty.

Characteristics Limited design features (outside

pockets) :may encourage the dangerous products to penetrate or adhere to the garment.

Garments should not restrict the wearer from performing any task.

The garment closures should be fully secured

Materials usedPaper like fiber. Disposable suits: provide protection

against dust and splashes. Treated wool and cotton. Adapts well to changing

workplace temperatures ,comfortable and fire resistant. Protects against dust, abrasions, and rough, irritating surfaces.

Duck. Closely woven cotton fabric protects against cuts and bruises.

Leather. Leather protective clothing is often used against dry heat and flame.

Rubber, rubberized fabrics, neoprene, and plastics. protects against certain acids and other chemicals.

Types of hazards and types of protective equipment

Eyes :chemical or metal splash, dust, projectiles, gas and vapour, radiation.

 Face shield

Head :impact from falling or flying objects,head bumping and hair entanglement.

helmets and bump caps.

Breathing :dust, vapour, gas, oxygen deficient atmospheres such as a fire scene.

Respirators /gas masks filter chemicals and gases or airborne particles: disposable filtering face piece and air fed helmets.

Protecting the body :temperature extremes, adverse weather, chemical or metal splash, spray from pressure leaks or spray guns, impact or penetration, contaminated dust, excessive wear or entanglement of own clothing.

overalls, boiler suits, specialist protective clothing, for example aprons, high visibility clothing may be used.

Hands and arms Possible hazards are abrasion, temperature

extremes, cuts and punctures, chemicals burns, electric shock, skin infection, disease or contamination.

gloves, mittens and wrist-cuffs.

Feet and legs :wet, electrostatic buildup; electrocution, slipping causing falls, cuts and punctures, falling objects, metal and chemical splash, abrasion.

safety boots and shoes with protective toe caps and leggings.

Biological hazard protectionMasks worn by medical personnel (especially

in surgery to avoid infecting the patient but also to avoid exposing the personnel to infection from the patient.) Gloves, frequently changed, are used to prevent infection but also transfer between patients.

End