We have found that wearing latex gloves helps you get a better grip on the compression stockings. Ask your doctor's office for a pair, or you can buy them over the counter.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

If someone cannot assist your grandmother, there are several steps that can be taken. First, make sure she has been instructed properly to use special gloves to work the stockings up and a slipper to slide the stocking over the heel easier. Second, Medi makes a metal "Butler" form which can make it easier to don a
stocking. Third, there is a company that specifically makes a donning device for this purpose called "Doff 'N Donner." Finally, two milder strength stockings can be prescribed and applied one over the other.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

This is a difficult problem. First, the hose should be good quality with some elasticity. All hose are not created equal. The compression should also be reasonable as the higher the compression, the more difficult they are to apply. There are assistive devices such as foot slippers if hose are open toe, and there are applicators such as Doff n Donner. That said, they do take some getting used to.

Also, apply the hose first thing in morning before grandma gets out of bed. I often recommend the hose be left on for more than one day (with physician approval), thereby reducing the removal/application for the caregiver. However, two days should be the most so the skin condition can be checked. While I don't like to recommend one brand over another, Sigvaris soft opaque (open or closed toe) in 20-30mmHg pressure has been the most user friendly

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Good question. Compression stockings, in general, are a challenge to put on, especially for our older patients. Wearing rubber gloves helps. There are some devices that help you slide them on. Sigvartis has a device called 'the donner' that I have not tried yet, but it looks promising. Sometimes I switch patients to a lower degree of compression or to knee-highs simply because they can't get the other stockings on. Sometimes it just can't be done. In those patients, a nighttime pneumatic compression device can sometimes be used. And finally, we have several patients that stop in periodically and we will help them get their stockings on. I hope that's helpful!

Published on Jul 11, 2012

There are multiple assistive devices such as butlers and donners. Circaid sells a compression device with velcro, making it easier to apply. Go to their website and check it out. I hope this helps.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Use hose with less compression. Also, the medical supply stores have a frame they can purchase that allows the patient to just slip his leg into the hose with little effort.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Use an open-toe stocking, which comes with a silk-like sock that aids in applying the stocking. You can also use some baby powder on the foot if the stocking does not have the silk sock. Additionally, whoever applies the stocking should wear thin latex-type rubber gloves, but only if he or she doesn't have a latex allergy. If someone is assisting the patient in applying the stocking, that person should stand next to the person and pull the stocking up the leg in a single layer over the ankle, rather than bunching it in a ring. It is impossible to pull it over the in-step when rolled up. This goes for anyone applying the stocking.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Compression hose can be very difficult to put on. There is a
device that helps you don the stocking; it's a plastic sleeve over which
you slip on the stocking, and you can use that as a guide to glide the
stocking on your leg. Very useful. Does not require much strength to use it either.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

There are a few devices on the market to help patients put on or take off compression stockings. The one that I recommend the most for elderly is the stocking butler. You can purchase these from Sigvaris or Mediven, or a local medical supplier. This has helped many of our patients.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

It is very difficult for many elderly people to apply compression stockings, especially if the compression is 30mmHg or greater. There are devices to assist with this application called "donning devices." These are available in surgical supply stores, or you can contact the compression hose company. Also, some people feel that wearing rubber gloves aids in applying the stockings.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Use open-toe stockings with a slider that you pull out after placing the stockings on.

Published on Jul 11, 2012