It’s a normal morning, and you’re helping Dad get ready for the day. You’ve picked out several options of outfits for him to choose from, but he balks and refuses to put on any of them. In fact, he’s been wearing the same outfit for several days now, despite your gentle requests each day to change. Sound familiar? Many family caregivers encounter daily dressing challenges in dementia care, as the disease can make even straightforward tasks like changing clothes feel overwhelming. The good news is that with some helpful strategies and a good amount of patience, you can make this process easier.
The following are four tips to encourage a senior loved one with dementia to change clothes without frustration.
- Use gentle reminders and assistance. Sometimes, the person may just forget that they need to change their clothes, so gentle reminders can help. You can try associating changing clothes with regular day-to-day activities. For example, changing into fresh clothes could become part of their morning routine after breakfast or their bedtime routine prior to getting ready for bed. If they have trouble with getting dressed on their own, be ready to provide help without making them feel helpless. Break the process down into small, manageable steps and help them as needed. Offering help with tasks like pulling on socks or buttoning a shirt can make the process less frustrating for them.
- Minimize choices. For someone with dementia, the thought of picking out clothes can be overwhelming if they are presented with too many options. Simplify the process by offering just two outfits to pick from. You might say, “Do you want to wear the blue shirt or the orange one today?” This gives them a sense of control while keeping the choices manageable. If they still resist, you might need to select the outfit for them. Lay out the clothes in advance, or gently guide them toward what you would like them to wear. The key is to minimize confusion and make the process feel as easy as possible.
- Create a positive and calm environment. Your parent’s resistance to changing clothes may stem from feelings of confusion or anxiety. Approach the situation calmly and patiently. Try turning the task into a positive, routine activity by using a soothing tone and clear, simple instructions. For example, you might say, “It’s time to get dressed for the day,” or “Let’s put on some fresh clothes; you’ll feel much better.” Avoid making it look like a requirement or a demand. Instead, concentrate on making the experience enjoyable. Play soft music in the background or compliment them on how nice they will look in the clean outfit you’ve picked. Keeping the mood light and encouraging can make the process easier.
- Make it about comfort. If your parent feels comfortable in their current clothes, they may reject changing simply because they don’t see the need. One way to encourage them to change would be to emphasize how much better they will feel in fresh, clean clothes. You might say, “You’ll feel so much more refreshed after putting on clean clothes,” or “These clothes are soft and warm; you’ll be cozy all day.” Additionally, be sure the clothes you are asking them to change into are easy to wear and comfortable. Steer clear of complicated fastenings like zippers or buttons, and choose soft, breathable fabrics that won’t irritate their skin. Clothes that are easy to slip off and on can make the process much smoother.
Let Comfi-Kare Homecare Help With Dressing Challenges in Dementia Care
Comfi-Kare Homecare’s dementia care specialists are fully trained and experienced in implementing creative strategies to challenging problems. Give us a call at 240-750-6617 or reach out to us online to schedule a complimentary in-home consultation for more information on how we can help someone you love in Potomac, Gaithersburg, Rockville, or the surrounding areas.