All skills
Activities of Daily Living

Dresses Client with Affected Arm

When dressing a resident with one weak arm: put the sleeve on the WEAK arm first (POW — Put On Weak). When undressing: take the sleeve off the STRONG arm first (TOS — Take Off Strong). Support the affected arm at the joints.

5-10 minutes•10 steps•3 criticalAlways tested
Dress the weak side FIRST. Undress the strong side FIRST.

Why this matters

Dress the weak side FIRST. Undress the strong side FIRST.

Quick tips

  • DRESSING: weak arm goes into its sleeve FIRST (POW = Put On Weak)
  • UNDRESSING: strong arm comes out of its sleeve FIRST (TOS = Take Off Strong)
  • Support the affected arm at the elbow and wrist — never pull or drag

Common mistakes

  • Putting the unaffected arm in its sleeve first
  • Pulling the resident's arm forcefully through a sleeve
  • Not asking the resident which outfit they prefer
  • Rushing the skill (the evaluator watches for patience and dignity)