093. Why adaptive (and fashionable) apparel is a need for older adults
The top 2 reasons why someone would move into senior housing are needing help with using the bathroom due to incontinence and changing clothes. Jimmy Zolo’s company Joe & Bella addresses both, and returns to the podcast to discuss new adaptive clothing from Joe & Bella.
Joe & Bella began during the pandemic, so people in senior living communities wouldn't lack essentials. However, once they began offering clothing, 90% of sales came from apparel within 3 months. Soon, Jimmy found a niche in the market for adaptive clothing that not only helps seniors extend their independence, but offers modern, fashionable styles that are unique in the market. This clothing helps keep seniors safer at home longer than ever while restoring their dignity.
What is adaptive apparel? It could be as simple as magnetic buttons instead of traditional buttons that would be difficult for someone with extreme arthritis or Parkinson's. The goal is to help ease the process of dressing and undressing.
One of the reasons adaptive clothing is helpful is due to incontinence. It’s difficult to address it, as it’s an aspect of aging that’s rarely discussed due to the stigma – and even more difficult for kids to discuss with their parents. Jimmy is hoping Joe & Bella will shift the conversation and empower seniors with an aspirational brand that recognizes seniors needs and stays true to their age.
The first two products are available July 11 in the U.S., Canada and U.K. with more products coming later in the year.
Topics discussed:
- Adaptive clothing
- Seniors with limited mobility
- Joe and Bella
- Incontinence
- Overcoming incontinence stigmas
- Senior housing
- Senior products
- Fashion for seniors
Takeaways from this episode:
- Adaptive clothing is any type of apparel that has one or multiple alterations that can make the process of getting dressed easier, such as Velcro sneakers.
- Joe & Bella apparel has 2 goals: extending independence to make it easier to dress and undress. If independence not an option, it helps ease the challenge of assisted care and dressing for caregivers.
- The number one worker's comp issue right now in senior housing involves transitions: helping someone in a wheelchair go to the bathroom, to get them changed, etc. Adaptive clothing helps for caregivers as well as seniors.
- Have open, empowering conversations about how helpful products and solutions without stigmatizing a person's abilities. Reassure them there’s no need to be embarrassed because they help with independence and quality of life.
- Visit the Joe & Bella website on July 11 to shop their new adaptive apparel.
Resources:
Shop essentials for loved ones, like adaptive clothing:
Social media links:
https://www.facebook.com/ShopJoeandBella/
https://www.instagram.com/shopjoeandbella/
033. Joe & Bella: a platform to simplify the caregiver's life
Listen to Aging in Style episode 31:Joe & Bella: a platform to simplify the caregiver's life
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