I decided to modify all of Mom’s nightgowns to make it easier for changing since she is bedridden. (I know we’re supposed to use the term “non-ambulatory” now, but for my purposes, this works better 😉 I used to have to change Mom’s gown with every diaper (please don’t get mad at me for calling them diapers instead of “incontinence wear!”) change, and let me tell you, that is not easy with one who is bedridden! Now, because she’s not sitting on the gown, it stays dry. She can even sit in her easy chair, and no one can tell that her gown is open in the back. I tie it closed with ribbons. I researched buying “Adaptive Gowns” but they always have an overlap in the back. That would defeat my purpose of keeping the gown dry. Also, I couldn’t find any that I liked as well as the gowns Mom has.
You can do the same thing for men using a comfortable shirt. When my father-in-law was put on hospice, I cut the back of his flannel shirts. He was so much warmer and they looked much better than hospital gowns.
Because I have a serger, making these modifications literally takes me under 10 minutes. If you don’t have a serger, just hem the cut sides. It will take a little longer, but not much. Here’s how to do it in 3 easy steps:
- Take a comfortable gown or robe, lay it out on a table and cut right up the back. Don’t be afraid! It’s so worth it!
- Serge or hem the cut sides.
- Cut two 16″ lengths of cloth or silk ribbon. Line up one end of the ribbon with the top of the finished edge and zigzag stitch back and forth several times. Fold the ribbon back on itself and zigzag again. Tie knots on the other end of the ribbon so it doesn’t fray in the wash. I haven’t tried using velcro instead of ribbon, but I’m sure it would work.
Surviving the Sandwich 
Hi Darothy, I’m not sure how to respond to this. I am not selling anything. I simply put up a post (4 years ago) on how to alter a nightgown. I’m sorry that you’ve misunderstood. There’s nothing on my page that suggests I’m selling these, and there’s not even a function for me to receive funds on this page. I’m just trying to help people with this particular DIY project.
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Hi Maureen , I love the gown adjustments you made for your mom. I found you while looking for ideas for my dad’s clothing. For the flannel shirts did you cut all the way through the collar? Thank you for your post! I love that I’m on the same thought train !
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Hi Sarah, I’m sorry I’m only now responding to your message. The holidays were hectic, and I just didn’t look at my blog! I’m sure you’ve figured it out by now. The flannel shirts work best if you don’t cut the collar. Because they are button-down, you just put it over his head. I did that with thermal shirts as well. Do you go to a “caregiver support group?” I hope so. Caregivers are often very alone and need all the support they can get! If you want to find one in your area, go to http://www.alz.org and search for support group. They also have a lot of good “classes” for caregivers. Maybe you know all this – I hope so. You sound very nice, and I want to make sure you’re taking care of yourself. Most sincerely, Maureen
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thank you. I plan to do this to 1 of mom’s tomorrow and then probably to more. I think in will try ribbon and velcro to compare them.
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