Although it may have happened too long ago to remember, our parents taught us good grooming habits to carry for the rest of our lives. Taking the time to ensure we’re clean, groomed, and appropriately dressed sets our day off on the right note and helps us feel confident and comfortable.
However, people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia sometimes neglect or have difficulty performing personal care habits such as dressing that they’ve been doing their entire lives. Much of this is due to forgetfulness or mild confusion, common symptoms of progressive brain conditions such as dementia.
When it happens to an older loved one, such as our mom or dad, we often feel the need to take care of them like they did us. Although the idea of helping them get dressed can make some uncomfortable, there are ways to go about it respectfully that protect the older person’s dignity, confidence, health, and overall well-being.
Here are some tips on helping older persons with dementia dress themselves to feel happy and comfortable all day.
Limit their wardrobe choices
Your loved one might have an extensive wardrobe, but when they’re diagnosed with dementia, it’s best only to offer essential clothing that matches their day-to-day lifestyle. These choices will provide them with the most comfort:
- Items that fit loosely, such as sweatpants, shorts, and cotton socks with elastic waistbands, avoiding anything with tight bands
- Footwear with straps or slip-on loafers that can easily be put on or removed
- Pullover tops and shirts without buttons
- Nothing with buckles that may prove hard to do or undo, such as belts
Clothing selection
Encouraging your older loved one to pick out their clothes and dress themselves is an excellent way to preserve their sense of independence. However, if they start to get frustrated or unsure about what to choose, help them select outfits that look great and are weather-appropriate.
Provide as few choices as possible to minimize the risk of causing confusion. For example, instead of asking “Which shirt would you like to wear?”, try asking, “Would you like to wear your blue or green shirt?” Patiently wait for the answer and compliment them on their selection.
Your loved one may select items that are mismatched. That’s okay – resist the temptation to correct them and focus on the fact that they are able to choose their clothes on their own.
They might also prefer to put on the same outfit every day, so ensure they have three or four sets of the same items in their closet or drawers and that at least one set is always clean and ready to wear.
Helping your loved one get dressed
Always encourage them to dress themselves, with your supervision, if needed. As they begin to put their clothes on, remind them which item comes next or hand them the one they need. You can also lay them out in order on their bed, starting with underwear and ending with a shirt or sweater.
The person might become forgetful or confused while getting dressed. Always be patient and don’t rush them, providing simple instructions in small steps, such as, “Put your arm all the way through the sleeve.” You can also use hand cues to demonstrate the instructions or patiently guide the person’s hands so they can complete the task.
If the person likes to wear them, sentimental accessories such as rings, bracelets, brooches, and watches should be encouraged.
If the person needs help, help them dress one piece of clothing at a time, speaking gently as you describe what you’re doing and what comes next. Again, it’s critical not to rush the process and always to be kind and respectful.
After they’re finished getting dressed, smile and compliment them on their appearance to help them feel proud about how they look. What a great way to start the day!
It takes time and patience, but taking care of an elderly one is a wonderful thing to do. However, it’s important to also seek support when you need some downtime or have other matters to attend to. Whether it’s on a respite, part-time, or full-time basis, call the team from CareHop for professional personal care services tailored for people with dementia.
Quality in-home elder care services in Toronto, Etobicoke, Mississauga, and Brampton
CareHop specializes in providing safe, professional eldercare services, including on-demand Alzheimer’s disease and dementia care and personal care that bring peace of mind to families who need support.
We also offer other in-home elder care services such as homemaking and meal preparation and activities and casual companionship that ensure your loved one is happy, engaged, and well taken care of.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation discussion to discover how we can help you with safe, cost-effective eldercare solutions.