When pulling up trousers gets harder: how clothing can support independence in the toilet

Is pulling up trousers getting harder?

• Lately it takes time to pull up my trousers.
• They get stuck at my bottom.
• I used to manage alone, but now I need help with just the last part.

Do you have worries like these?

Even if the person can walk, difficulty pulling trousers up and down can mean they need help in the toilet.

As a family member, you might wonder:

• They can walk, so why can't they pull up their trousers?

It can feel puzzling.

In fact, pulling up trousers takes many movements: not only arm and hand strength, but also the strength to keep your posture and the flexibility to move your body.

Independence in the toilet means freedom in daily life

"Being able to go to the toilet by yourself" is one of the most important things in daily life.

Being able to go to the toilet when you want:

• Makes it easier to go out
• Lets you spend time without feeling you're imposing on family or carers
• Builds the confidence that you can do it yourself

In these ways, it is closely tied to everyday quality of life (QOL).

Going to the toilet is not something most people want someone else to do for them; many would like to keep doing it themselves if they can.

That's why ideas that support "what you can do yourself", including pulling trousers up and down, are so meaningful.

Why pulling trousers up and down becomes difficult

There is more than one cause.

For example:

• Grip strength has weakened
• The shoulders or arms have become hard to move
• It's hard to twist the body and reach behind
• It's hard to stand while keeping your balance
• The trousers catch at the bottom

Reasons like these are possible.

When pulling up trousers, you have to grip the fabric while staying upright and pull it up not only at the front but all the way up behind the bottom.

Because several movements happen at once, even someone who can walk may find it hard to pull their trousers all the way up.

Pulling trousers up and down is an important movement too

They can walk, but can't pull up their trousers. For this reason alone, help in the toilet may become necessary.

When toilet help becomes necessary, life can change for both the person and the family.

For example, you may worry more about toilets when going out, or need to fit around times when help is available.

Some families help with only the last step of pulling up the trousers, even though the person can walk to the toilet and sit on the seat.

It's not that they can't do anything; sometimes help is needed only for the difficult movements.

Adjusting clothing is another option

Maintaining and improving body function through rehabilitation is very important.

At the same time, adjusting clothing is also one way to support independent living.

For example, trousers with:

• A waist that's easy to pull up
• Fabric that doesn't catch at the bottom
• A design that's easy to pull up with little strength

can reduce the burden of pulling trousers up and down.

However, simply choosing a bigger size isn't always the answer.

Trousers that are too big can slip down or be stepped on at the hem, so it's important to choose ones that suit the person's body shape and movements.

There is clothing that supports "I can"

Care clothing isn't only for making changing easier.

It's also clothing that supports "what you can do yourself".

After changing trousers, we sometimes hear:

• It's easier to pull them up myself than before.
• There are fewer times I need to help.

We receive comments like these.

Of course, this doesn't apply to everyone. Depending on the person's physical condition, help may still be needed even after changing clothes.

Even so, when clothing ideas help "I can do it myself" continue, it supports the person's confidence and independence in the toilet.

And that, we believe, also means valuing days that feel like the person's own.

Please feel free to ask us if you're having trouble

• Lately it looks hard for them to pull up their trousers.
• They can walk to the toilet, but I help with just the trousers.
• I want them to keep doing what they can for themselves as long as possible.

At times like these, please feel free to ask us.

At Setagaya Kaigo, we listen to things such as:

• The person's physical condition
• How toileting usually goes
• Where on the trousers they get stuck
• Preferred colours and designs

and help choose clothing that suits the person.

*This article introduces general ideas for choosing clothing. Suitable clothing differs depending on the person's physical condition. If pulling trousers up and down suddenly becomes difficult, or there is pain or unsteadiness, please also consult the physical therapist, occupational therapist, care manager or doctor in charge.