Yes, that’s right, as an in-home caregiver, you’ll find yourself scouring discount stores for aprons for mom or dad. Aprons are a sort of genderless item that both women and men agree to wear almost like a badge of honor. That’s why you’ll become addicted to shopping for aprons to keep mom or dad looking stylish and preserving their dignity, as well as helping them maintain their independence. It is important that your eldest continue to do as much as possible for himself for as long as possible. An older person who can still function to feed himself maintains his dignity and will go to great lengths to have good table manners.

The padded apron solves many problems for the senior. Your clothes are covered, even above the knees, so if food cascades down the front, it rolls to the floor or sticks to your apron, not your clothes. The apron saves you; the elderly caregiver at home, laundry time and mom or dad always look stylish. They don’t have food stains on their clothes and they feel good about themselves knowing their clothes are clean. Many older people look sad and helpless just because their clothes are stained. They don’t feel good about themselves. Even the elderly want to look their best and when they look good, they are in a better mood. A better mood means an easier day for the caregiver.

As a caregiver, purchase an apron that is padded, bib-fronted, and has a thick density or is laminated. Of course, look for masculine aprons for dad and some cute and girly ones for mom. I have had the best luck finding quilted aprons at discount stores for a very reasonable price of around $7.00. I’ve looked online and most websites are around $20 for a simple unpadded apron. An apron without padding will be better than nothing, but it won’t be thick enough to trap liquids. Obviously, if you spill a glass of water, it will soak through, but a drop of sauce will remain on the top layer and won’t soak into your clothes.

As a home caregiver for the elderly, you can join mom or dad by wearing an apron while preparing meals, working on hobbies, or doing housework. I know aprons are a little old fashioned for today’s life, but you’d really be surprised how much laundry the apron will save you from doing.

Many nursing homes and rehabilitation centers provide bibs for older adults, but bibs are very undignified towels that only cover the chest area.

So make wearing an apron a family affair, make it fun, encourage your friends and family to join the “apron club”, become a trendsetter.