Clothing Advice Service

Is getting dressed a struggle? Need something special to meet your needs? Then contact us at our Clothing Advice Service at the Independent Living Centre (ILC). It is run by an occupational therapist and offers:

• Individual assessments, at the centre, of dressing and clothing needs.
• Advice and information about dressing techniques to enhance independence.
• Guidance on ways to promote comfort and dignity when assisted in dressing.
• Information about styles, fabric and fasteners and adaptations that will help to maintain independence and comfort.
• Regularly updated lists of specialist suppliers who provide garments to meet specific clothing needs.
• Information about current styles available mail order or locally, to meet an individual's needs.
• A list of local dressmakers, tailors and alteration services.
• Advice on possible grants available to those whose condition leads to extra clothing costs.

You can click 'here (98KB - pdf help)' to get information on Choosing Clothes for Easy Dressing and Undressing (98KB - pdf help) and see a list of different clothing companies with their contact details.

You can use this service by making an appointment to visit the centre, or by writing to us, outlining your clothing problem giving as much detail as possible. You can also: telephone:-  01392 687276 or email:-  ilc-exeter@devon.gov.uk

Clothing, Equipment and Continence

Our service has close links with the continence advisory services across Devon. When someone visiting ILC for assessment mentions any continence difficulties we always give them details of their nearest continence service and advise them to discuss their condition with their GP to rule out any medical reason for the incontinence.

Getting to the loo on time is often an equipment or clothing issue rather than a continence issue. Our display of and information about  underwear, clothing  and fasteners as well as walking equipment, toilet seats, rails, commodes and urinals are all designed to make the journey to and from, on and off the toilet faster and easier. With the right equipment, clothing and transfer techniques we try to help people maintain their continence and keep the process of using the toilet as private and as possible.

Some useful recent articles about clothing published in Devon Link magazine

• Size Matters - finding clothes to fit (Spring 2003)
• In the swim - choosing swimwear (Spring 2003)
• Getting dressed (Summer 2002)
• Keeping Warm (Winter 2002)