Choosing clothes for a short-term stay: easy to wear, and looking lovely

When preparing clothes for a family member who will use a short-term stay, many people wonder:

• What clothes should we bring?
• Should they be safe for the facility's laundry?
• Are clothes that are easy to change better?

These are very common questions.

Of course, being easy to change and easy to wash is very important.

But at Setagaya Kaigo, we believe one more thing deserves attention:

"Clothes that make the person look lovely"

We think this matters too.

A short-term stay is "a place to spend time with people"

During a short-term stay, the person spends time in a setting different from home.

They may chat with the staff, spend time with other users in the dining room or shared spaces, and meet people for the first time.

Seen this way, clothes for a short-term stay are not simply "clothes that are easy to help with".

They are also clothes for meeting people and living in that place.

So there's no need to think:

• It's care clothing, so comfort is all that matters
• As long as it's easy to put on, looks come second

We don't think it has to be that way.

Easy to wear and easy to wash. And on top of that, something the person feels good wearing.

Being able to choose a piece like that may make the time spent at the short-term stay even more pleasant.

First, check "how the facility does laundry"

When choosing clothes for a short-term stay, the first thing to check is how they will be washed.

Some facilities use a tumble dryer after washing.

In that case, clothing not suitable for tumble drying can shrink or the fabric can be damaged.

Even if the facility gives no particular instructions, checking in advance:

• Whether the facility does the laundry
• Whether a tumble dryer is used
• Whether the family takes the laundry home

makes it easier to choose clothes.

For tops, consider "ease of changing" and "taste"

How to choose tops depends on the person's physical condition.

For people who find it hard to raise their arms, or who need help changing, front-opening clothes can be easier to use.

Stretchy fabrics and roomy cuffs and armholes also help reduce the strain of putting the arms through.

Beyond that, we'd love you to look at colours and patterns too.

• People who like bright colours
• People who like floral patterns
• People who prefer calm colours

• This colour would suit her
• I think she'd prefer this pattern

Taking the time to choose like this also leads to a life that feels like the person's own.

For trousers, consider both "easy to put on" and "taste"

Trousers are one of the care clothing items with the most points to consider.

For example:

• A fully elasticated waist
• Stretchy fabric
• A high rise
• Easy to wear with incontinence pants
• Safe for tumble drying

Points like these make trousers easier to put on.

On the other hand, even among trousers that are equally easy to put on, the impression changes a lot with the fabric and pattern.

A textured fabric like piqué, or a calm pattern like houndstooth, gives a different feel from sweatpants even when the fit is relaxed.

Thinking about spending time with everyone at the short-term stay, it's worth valuing not only "easy to put on" but also "these would look lovely on her".

The clothes that suit someone change with their physical condition

Just because it's for a short-term stay doesn't mean the same clothes suit everyone.

For example:

• Does the person walk, or spend time in a wheelchair?
• Do they pull their trousers up and down themselves, or do they receive help?
• Do they use incontinence pants?
• Have their shoulders or arms become hard to move?

The clothes that suit them change depending on things like these.

That's why it's important not to decide on clothes by function alone, but to choose according to the person's physical condition and everyday life.

Value style, even in "care clothing"

When care becomes necessary, choosing clothes tends to centre on:

• Is it easy to put on?
• Is it easy to wash?
• Is it safe?

These come first.

Of course, they matter.

But once those conditions are met:

• Looking lovely
• The person liking it
• Feeling good wearing it when meeting people

We think these can matter too.

A short-term stay is also time spent in a new place with new people.

That's why, rather than only:

• This looks comfortable

why not choose a piece that makes you think:

• You look lovely in that

We hope you'll find one like that.

If you're unsure, please feel free to ask us

There are many kinds of clothes for a short-term stay, and you may find yourself thinking:

• I don't know which to choose

That's completely natural.

At Setagaya Kaigo, we listen to things such as:

• Height and usual clothing size
• How the person usually gets around, such as walking or using a wheelchair
• Whether they need help changing
• How the facility does laundry

and offer advice on choosing clothes.

Not just function — we hope to think together with you about a piece in which the person can spend their time comfortably and looking lovely.

If you're unsure about choosing clothes, please feel free to ask us.