Mom keeps wearing same old sweater that needs replacing. Where do I look for nice looking, basic clothing for her? Everything seems to be so trendy. The sweater she has is nice because the buttons are basically large plastic snaps. But, it's worn out and shabby. I tried JC Penny online, but I cannot seem to find anything she would wear. The plain cardigans seem to be short with small buttons she would not be able to use. Are there any clothing stores that cater to the elderly?
Also, you can always buy a couple colorful scarves (target avail at less than $10) to dress up something plain.
You can but some larger sizes t-shirts and then cut them down the front, adding buttons or Velcro tabs so the can more easily slip on or off without pulling over their head.
My mom wears the same couple things as well with closets full of stuff. I think if I was there to clean out her main closet and just hang a few things it would be easier for her to make decisions. I think with dementia, it's overwhelming with too many choices. As long as the same outfit is clean and not ragged, I don't mind what she wears. She has a hideous wig that she insists on wearing when we go out, it's the only thing I put my foot down on and tell her we won't leave the house if she wears the wig. Lol.
To be honest, money is not an issue here. I'm not exactly sure what's going on, but as I said, clothes were never a big deal to either of my parents. When I say something to my mom about her clothes she will say, "no one notices old people anyway." She's not unhappy about this, it's just something she wants me to know.
I'm hoping she'll like the sweater I did find for you online and then maybe I can get her another one in a different color!
Since you live in WI, check out the Salvation Army Thrift Store @ 4636 E. Washington Ave. in east Madison, (608) 249-5713. Don't forget churches. Tell them you can't afford much, but can make a $10 donation.
I know there's nothing like clothes no one has worn before; plus the strange satisfaction from the whole hunting-for-clothes experience. It'd be nice if we could always find that custom fit, but caregivers -- unless they're rich -- have to live in an off-the-rack world.
I hear male co-workers brag about their $60 designer shirts and the new car they just bought; then complain about outrageous cellphone bills they incur while talking BS with some "babe" that couldn't care less. Image is more important to them than having food in the fridge.
1/3 my wardrobe comes from the SA. $2-5 business shirts / pants, ties, shoes that make me look like a supermodel and feel like a million. I might take home $2,000+ every 2 weeks, but there's nothing wrong with a bargain. ... Especially when you know how to be poor.
And, unfortunately, the stuff she wears again and again isn't always very clean. I'll see it on her on Monday with a stain and she'll still be wearing it on Wednesday. My dad is sharp, but he just doesn't seem to notice what my mom is wearing. I don't think clothes were ever a big issue for either of them and now they really don't care. Although as I mentioned, my dad is always clean, wearing clean clothes, etc. He's just not good about helping my mom do the same.
I WISH my mom was more interested in her looks. She likes going in every week to get her hair done, but she will find one outfit that is comfortable and wear it over and over again. My dad is still good about caring for himself and changing clothes regularly. I don't understand why he isn't more aware of his wife.
I will comment to my mom that she needs to change her clothes and she'll say, "no one notices us old people." Well, she makes a point of not being noticed. She will dress in drab colors and she's friendly, but not outgoing. Sorry, I'm getting off on a tangent because I get so frustrated!