Adaptive Clothing

In 2012, after my grandmother fell one too many times despite in-home care, our family made the decision to move her into an assisted-living community. We believed she no longer had the physical capability to live safely at home.

That evening, as we navigated this new world thrust upon us, we were approached by Joe and Bella, two other new residents. With a touch of humor, they warmly introduced themselves and offered a helping hand. Joe and Bella were widowed Holocaust survivors who found each other later in life. Their families made the same decision ours did: they needed more care than what could be safely provided at home.

Two weeks later, we moved my grandfather, who was living with Parkinson's, into the same community. He and my grandmother were reunited, but shaken from the unexpected turn their lives had taken after 60 years in their own home.

Joe and Bella were there again when my grandfather moved in, offering reassuring smiles and plenty of advice. From that day on, and for the many months that followed, Joe and Bella ate every meal with my grandparents.

They quickly became part of our family, joining us for holidays and special occasions. We fell in love with our adopted grandparents. Joe and Bella made such a wonderful, positive difference in our lives. We’re proud to honor their legacy and impact on our family by naming our company after them. We hope you’ll find Joe & Bella to be helpful to you and your loved ones, too.

Adaptive apparel, with features such as easy fasteners, adjustable closures and stretchy fabrics, simplifies dressing especially for those living with physical or cognitive changes. Adaptive clothing enables independence, ease, dignity, and comfort. As we age, we should be able to continue to wear the styles we love. That's why we've partnered with top designers to craft our full collection. All of our clothes are easy on, easy off, easy on the eyes!

Anyone looking for an easier way to dress! Adaptive clothing can significantly ease the dressing experience for anyone who experiences pain, discomfort or frustration when getting dressed and undressed. Whether you are using adaptive clothing as a temporary solution due to an injury or medical procedure, or you are living with a chronic condition, such as arthritis or limited mobility, there are plenty of options that can assist with your specific needs.

What we wear is part of our identity. We believe that as we age, we should continue to be able to wear clothes that feel and look like us, even if we’re living with age-related changes. Yet, for older adults experiencing cognitive, motor, and/or mobility changes, the process of getting dressed and undressed can be stressful, painful, and stigmatizing. Adaptive clothing – fashion that is accessible to all – enables people not to need to compromise on the styles of clothing they can and want to wear.

Joe & Bella’s adaptive clothing eases and quickens the dressing process. Our clothes feature innovative closures such as Velcro, magnets, zippers, and snaps. These closures are strategically placed to provide wider openings, making it easier to put on and take off clothes. For example, magnets or Velcro can enable wearers to get dressed one-handed, enhancing independence for those with limited dexterity or mobility.

Adaptive clothing plays a pivotal role in easing the everyday lives of both older men and women. Joe & Bella’s clothes not only cater to the unique needs of people living with physical and cognitive changes, they do it in style – with clothes that make them feel good to wear. Key ways adaptive clothing helps the elderly include:

Enhanced Independence: Adaptive clothing incorporates innovative features such as magnetic closures, Velcro fasteners, and strategically placed zippers. These precisely designed elements enable seniors to dress more easily and independently, reducing the need for assistance during daily dressing routines.

Comfort & Ease: The design of adaptive clothing prioritizes comfort by utilizing soft, breathable fabrics and minimizing potentially irritating seams or labels. Such considerations reduce discomfort and ensure a more pleasant wearing experience for seniors, including those with sensitive skin or mobility limitations.

Improved Safety: Certain adaptive clothing items, such as gripper socks with anti-slip soles or garments with wheelchair-friendly designs, enhance safety by minimizing the risk of falls and providing stability, thereby promoting confidence and a sense of security. Many garments make assisted dressing easier and safer not only for the wearer, but also for their care partner by reducing strain and stress.

Addressing Specific Needs: Adaptive clothing offers practical solutions tailored to address specific challenges faced by older adults. From clothing with discreet openings for medical devices or incontinence products, to adjustable features that accommodate changes in body size or shape, adaptive clothing caters to diverse needs and provides personalized solutions. (At JoeAndBella.com, it’s simple to “Shop By Need.”) 

Promotion of Dignity: By offering stylish and contemporary designs, adaptive clothing empowers seniors to maintain their sense of personal style and identity. Joe & Bella is driven to eliminate any stigma that has been associated with conventional adaptive wear, promoting a sense of dignity and self-expression among the elderly.