We’ve talked extensively about first fittings for teens – but as a member of what I lovingly call “the Ice Cream Sandwich” generation – I’d be remiss if we didn’t also discuss the changing bra needs of aging adult bra-wearers, and something that has come up more and more as families navigate eldercare: bra fittings for bra-wearers with dementia or Alzheimer’s.
It might be easy to say that those fittings are unnecessary because at a certain point, you might maybe perceive the bra itself as unnecessary – but I’d like to counter with this: we stand for bra dignity and comfort for all our clients, and this absolutely includes older adults.
Yes – needs change – but navigating those changes alone as a caregiver is hugely challenging, and we consider it a great honor that you trust your relatives to us during a time of need.
Here are some things to think about:
- Because of medical advancements, patients with a dementia or Alzheimer’s diagnosis may live longer, and may be more independent for longer – making self-dressing an important part of their routine. For many women, going out in public isn’t complete without appropriate undergarments, and to abandon this, or to utilize an uncomfortable bra, may add additional stress to their lived experience.
- Finding a bra for yourself is hard – but finding one for someone you love may be even harder. As professionals, we can make this a little bit easier for you, the caregiver, by just taking the guesswork out of it. For your loved one – we can work efficiently to minimize overwhelm – and we absolutely take comfort into consideration when making product recommendations.
How can we work together to make this easy?
- Schedule an appointment for a time in advance, and try to pick a time that works well for you and your loved one.
- Prep your loved one by saying “We are going for a bra fitting today, and a bra fitter will assist you in finding something that feels and looks good.” Let us know if your person will require assistance in dressing – we’re happy to help, but absolutely want to respect their boundaries and privacy. Sometimes clients prefer to have their caregiver assist them into bras if self-dressing is a challenge.
- Let us know on the booking form if there are any cognitive or physical limitations that we need to be aware of, or if decision making is a challenge for your person. This helps us know what to expect – but please know that we’re always going to defer to the bra wearer for an assessment of comfort, and we will not provide a fitting without consent. Sometimes the best bra option is actually no bra – and we’ll be upfront with you and your loved one if this seems to be the case. It is 100% normal for needs to change over time, and at a certain point, comfort is queen.
We’re honored to be here for you, and many of us are walking through caring for young children or teens while also navigating eldercare. Aging is a privilege, and we take supporting women in all stages of life seriously. It is our hope to use what skills and knowledge we have to take a little burden off as you’re navigating this changing relationship with your person – there are plenty of things that we can’t help with, but finding them a good bra is one we absolutely can.