Many of the common health and functional impairments of later life can make this common daily activity difficult. An arthritic individual might have difficulty moving heavy garments out of the closet. An individual with osteoporosis might be at risk for a fall while reaching a high shelf. Individuals being treated for cancer or those with COPD might be sufficiently exhausted that standing while reaching into the closet and pulling out a garment might be unduly difficult. Someone who has experienced a CVA and has limited use of one arm, or unstable balance because of weakness in the trunk or one leg might have difficulty managing to stand and to pull out a garment, or, in the case of a bureau, pull out a heavy drawer. Any disability that requires the individual to use a wheelchair can put most garments in a closet or bureau out of reach.

Visual deficits can make garments difficult to see, particularly in a poorly lit closet. Dementing illnesses can make use of a closet particularly difficult. Garments that cannot be seen may be forgotten.

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