to ask if anyone knows of a bra for my lovely elderly, arthritic MIL would be able to put on herself?

[catshavefeelings]

MIL can't manage to do up the hooks at the back of her bra. I've bought her crop tops but sh ecan't pu;; them over her head. I imagine front fastening ones are better but the only ones I've seen have been fiddly and her poor bent fingers can't do them up.

Is there a Watt Brothers near you? My mum gets hers in there.

You can get arthritis bras with velcro fastenings or zips at the front.

she needs as front fastener - I'm sure they have them in M&S

Or a velcro one?

Do you sew at all? If you get a normal front fastening bra, and sew some bits of velcro where the hooks are, that would work.

Some of them have magnet fastenings too.

For example here

You can get really expensive, lacy magnet fastening bras in selfridges too. The cheaper ones are mostly about utility though.

See here for eyewateringly expensive magnet bras.

There is a bra advertised in the Radio Times occasionally, front fastening with hooks and eyes, has some lace panels and is made of cotton and stretch fabric without underwires, www.edenhouseonline.co.uk. A two pack is 19.99 plus p&p available in white, black and cream. They are supposed to fit up to DD cup.

I have a sports bra from M & S which zips up at the front. However I would suggest to her that she fasten her bras at the front around her waist then just spin them round and pull the strap on, would that not work?

Seconding the fasten at the front around the waist then turn it suggestion. I've always had to do this and various friends with RA have adopted the technique as their mobility has diminished.

If does mean it's harder to get a really tight fit for the underband specially cos I'm a wee bit pot bellied, but I find it better to do that with a good bra than limit my selection to a few front fasteners that might not fit me at all.

if she can do it over an underslip that will help the bra swivel round easier too