Kilts for the disabled?

**bubba** · 21st June 04, 12:08 PM

I was asked by a lady over on usenet about making a type of kilt for her father in law who has MS. He can't lift his legs so his only other option is hospital gowns. They were telling her skirts would be the thing, but she wants to help him preserve his dignity and masculinity so she wants to make kilts for him.
This might just be a niche market for a product aimed at the disabled. A kilt that's easy on and off, easily washed and dried and relatively inexpensive. I can imagine there are many men in her father in laws position and besides the practical aspect, help them preserve their dignity. Anyone have any thoughts on it?

**kilted in KC** · 21st June 04, 12:45 PM

how about velcro closier so it can be gotten on and off fairly easy.

i think it is a good idea to have kilts like you are talking about fer people to conserve there dignity when they are down.

thanks
kilted in kc 8)

**bubba** · 21st June 04, 12:48 PM

It would have to use velcro closures for practical reasons. Preferrably the type used on baby clothing because it isn't nearly as stiff.

**Rufus** · 21st June 04, 12:53 PM

It sounds like a Poly/Viscose kilt could be a great thing in this situtation, especially with the wash and wear functionality, and it would hold the pleats, which would be an issue if they sat in a wheelchair for long stretches or were confined to a bed. And, the cost would be kept down.

I agree with KIKC, velcro would be the best for this type of situation.

The nice thing about a kilt would be that he could keep his manly dignity, and it could be functional as well. With the way aprons and pleats sit, there could be hidden openings for things such as G-tube feeding tubes or catheters.

I hope she finds something that suits her and her father-in-law's needs.

**bubba** · 21st June 04, 01:00 PM

I think most any polyester blend would work for this. Charlotte, the lady wanting to make the kilt, certainly got me thinking on this. I might need to discuss this with a doctor or nurse familiar with such things to figure out what would be neccesary to make such a thing practical. This possibility has never crossed my mind before this question came up on usenet.

**richardljohnson** · 21st June 04, 01:39 PM

Having just got my Gunn from Rocky at USAKilts late last week AND getting caught in a driving rain storm Satuday I can attest to the fine quality of PolyV! After getting back to the house and hanging it up to dry I wore it to church Sunday. The kilt has heavy duty loop and hook closures and is VERY comfortable and substancial in weight in a good wind but not enough to cause a heat buildup.

Check out becuase this could be the thing.

RLJ-

**bubba** · 21st June 04, 01:47 PM

Richard, I'm thinking along that line, but with modifications. First, since these folks aren't physically active and sit and lie for long periods the softer velcro would be better. Less liable to cause irritation or sores. Second, there would likely need to be adaptations for cathiterization and such. Perhaps even a pouch for small medical devices. I definately need to look more into this. Besides the medical requirements, it needs to be easily cleaned, easy on and off and under $50 at least, if not cheaper. Tough criteria to meet.

**Rufus** · 21st June 04, 02:00 PM

Bubba, I wasn't thinking about sores and stuff. When you ask around, make sure you ask the medical professionals what they think about the pleats, such as if they'll cause "bed sores" from sitting on them all the time. I don't know if it'd be a problem, but it could be.

I'd suggest talking to a CNA (certified nursing assistant), because they're the ones who are more realistically taking care of these types of patients, and would have more practical knowledge of what would be good, and what wouldn't.

**Miah** · 21st June 04, 02:33 PM

I was thinking about sitting on the pleats for a long period of time as well.I have noticed that when sitting at the desk for awhile I can notice the fabric bunching here or there. I do think it is a great Idea. Good luck with the project if it does happen to be something you take on Bubba

**Blu (Ontario)** · 21st June 04, 02:56 PM

Originally Posted by Miah

I was thinking about sitting on the pleats for a long period of time as well.I have noticed that when sitting at the desk for awhile I can notice the fabric bunching here or there. I do think it is a great Idea. Good luck with the project if it does happen to be something you take on Bubba

Almost makes one think that perhaps a "mountain kilt" as has been discussed elsewhere might just be the answer. Light weight, no pleats, washable, easy on- easy off, no cultural baggage... cost???

blu