Think of why you choose to wear scrubs. If you are a health care professional you probably didn’t say because it fits over my cast. While you might not have thought how functional scrubs can be for anyone, more and more patients are choosing to wear scrubs them as they recover after injury of surgery.
As the nation’s largest supplier of alternatives to crutches, we talk with patients trying to maintain a normal life as they recover on one foot after injury or surgery. Here is why patients tell us they choose scrubs:
They fit over the cast or dressing: Who wants to cut the seam out of pants? Unless you have some bell bottom pants in the back of the closet, that short leg cast just won’t fit.
They are comfortable: Whether going around the house, taking a nap, or heading out scrubs are comfortable.
Even my kids can wash them: When recovering patients often have to delegate chores. Best to make it as easy as possible and safeguard the delicates and colors.
My husband doesn’t iron: No one wants to look like a wrinkled mess and even after lying down scrubs look fresh.
They are bright and cheerful: Recovery can often be depressing as patients sit around the house, unable to bathe themselves or do their hair. Wearing something beside the same old pajama can be the bright spot of the day.
I can dress myself: Independence is something most take for granted, yet trying to get dressed while recovering can be a challenge.
They are easy in the bathroom: The lowest chair most patients encounter is the toilet seat. Trying to struggle with tight pants in a confined space with little to hold onto can quickly go from comic to tragic.
Pockets: When recovering simple tasks can take major effort. Having big accessible pockets for the phone, the TV remote, medication, etc is essential.
They are fashionable: Most patients would dread going to a grocery store in pajamas, but would not feel out of place in scrubs. They could even run into their nurse in similar scrubs who just grabbed a few items after work.
They are affordable: Most patients plan on their recovery being temporary and as short as possible. Instead of investing in an entire temporary wardrobe, they can buy a couple sets of colorful scrubs and mix and match.
So the next time a patient compliments you on your outfit, let them know it might look just as good on them and be just functional for them as they recover.
This is a guest blog from Tom Schwab of Goodbye Crutches, the nation’s largest distributor of crutch alternatives for those Who Can’t Bear Weight and Can’t Bear Crutches.
