Clothing Ideas for People who Rip Clothing
INTRODUCTION
This Information Sheet contains some ideas for people who rip clothing.
For up-to-date information on specific products and suppliers in Ireland, visit the ‘Products and Suppliers’ section of the Assist Ireland online database (www.assistireland.ie). The information in this resource can also be accessed using the telephone support service on 0761 079 200 during office hours.
The information contained in this document is strictly for information purposes only. There are hazards with all equipment and the suitability of any solution is totally dependent on the individual. It is strongly recommended to seek professional advice and assistance before you consider buying any type of equipment mentioned in this Information Sheet.
CLOTHING AND FABRIC IDEAS FOR PEOPLE WHO DESTROY CLOTHES
The destruction of clothing is a distressing symptom of a behavioural problem.
Garments made in strong or stretchy fabrics or clothes that are difficult to take off will not necessarily eliminate the problem since such behaviour is often one of the ways in which the wearer tries to communicate. If the wearer is unable to make him/herself understood in this way, then another equally anti-social method may be sought.
Intervention techniques can be implemented to reduce this behaviour by looking at events that trigger and reinforce it. While work is done to change this behaviour careful selection of clothing may help to reduce the costs and frustration caused.
Making sure that the wearer is involved in purchasing clothing and in choosing what to wear each day may also help.
FABRIC CHOICE
A close plain weave of 100% man-made fibres is probably the strongest fabrics but is uncomfortable to wear and could make the wearer more destructive.
- Fabrics containing elastane (lycra) may be suitable because, when strained, the yarns will stretch to some extent instead of breaking.
Fabrics with a twill weave, such as denim or drill, may be more difficult to rip.
STYLE
- Short sleeves are less easy to rip than long.
- Sleeves which end in a separate cuff will be more vulnerable as the seam where the cuff is joined will rip more easily than the plain fabric.
- Round necklines will be harder to tear than a 'v' neck.
- Decoration added to clothes may be torn off; it should always be incorporated into the garment
Choose clothes without fasteners when possible, or fasteners should be in positions that are difficult to reach.
- Raglan sleeves or drop-shoulders may be less vulnerable than set-in sleeves.
ADAPTATIONS
- Seams should be double sewn, and all sewing well finished, particularly in the areas which are likely to be picked at.
- Binding stitched around openings may help.
CLOTHING IDEAS FOR PEOPLE WHO TAKE OFF THEIR CLOTHES
- Several thin layers take longer to remove than one thick layer.
- Fasteners should be inaccessible and difficult to manipulate.
- A close fitting swimsuit worn under the clothes and over the underwear sometimes help to slow the undressing process down, and reduces access to continence pads.
- There are some companies who supply one-piece suits with back fastenings, available with long or short sleeves, and short or full-length legs. These suits can be worn on their own or under clothing,- making it harder for people to take off their clothes.
USEFUL ADDRESSES
*It should be noted there is currently no statutory system of registration to either an independent chartered institute or representative professional body for allied health professionals eg occupational therapists, chartered physiotherapists and speech and language therapists in Ireland. This is likely to change soon as the Health and Social Care Professional Bill published in October 2004 sets out a system of legal registration for health and social care professionals irrespective of whether they work in the public or private sector or are self-employed.
Disabled Living Foundation (DLF)(UK charity providing advice and information and a comprehensive up-to-date database of disability equipment available in the UK)
380-384 Harrow Road
London
W9 2HU
England
Tel: 0044 207 289 6111
Email: dlfinfo@dlf.org.uk
Website: www.dlf.org.uk
Ricability(independent research body in UK which produces guides for older and disabled consumers based on professional research)
30 Angel Gate
326 City Road
London
EC1V 2PT
England
Tel: 0044 207 427 2460
Fax: 0044 207 427 2468
Email: mail@ricability.org.uk
Website: www.ricability.org.uk
