How to dress someone with dementia
Our personal sense of style is a way to express our identity, so it’s important that the person in dementia care retains ability to make outfit choices for themselves. Helping with dressing may be required as their condition progresses, so here are some simple tips to make the process enjoyable and comfortable.
Dressing with dementia: take it step by step
To start, lay out their entire outfit on a plain background to help them get dressed. Use gentle prompts if necessary. You could also label their drawers and wardrobe to make finding clothes easy. It’s a good idea to store away items they won’t typically wear, as it will make it simple to choose their own outfits, without becoming too overwhelmed.
Create a comfortable environment
Dressing yourself every day can be an enjoyable process, and it’s the little things that make a difference. Ensure the room has a pleasant temperature, there is appropriate lighting and enough privacy to make them feel comfortable. Ask the person if they need to use the toilet before getting started. To reduce any unwanted stress and anxiety, don’t rush your loved one and encourage them to take as much time as they need. This will fill them with confidence and set a good tone for the day ahead.
Help them look and feel their best
Helping with dressing can become challenging if a dementia patient refuses to change their clothes. You can work around it by removing dirty outfits and replacing them with clean new ones, while they are bathing or after they’ve gone to bed. It sometimes helps to buy duplicates or have a number of similar outfits to match their preferred style. Encourage them to change clothes if they’re going out or are awaiting a visitor and compliment them on their outfits. Having said that, some clothes don’t need to be changed every day, so respect their choices, as long as it doesn’t lead to a hygiene issue. Similarly, if they make unusual outfit choices, allow them to enjoy themselves, if no harm is caused. As people age, they may not always be able to tell when they’re getting too hot or too cold, so layering can be a great way to adjust an outfit accordingly.
Enjoy shopping together
Looking after someone with dementia can be a rewarding experience for the both of you. Try planning a fun activity like going shopping together and make them feel in control by encouraging them to pick out new clothes. Go to shops that they are familiar with and avoid large stores with overwhelming amount of choice. If this isn’t an option, try ordering from a catalogue or online, so your loved one can try the clothes in the comfort of their own home. Be mindful of sizing and sticking to their usual style. Choose items that are easy to wash and look after and opt for soft fabrics, loose fit around waist and hips. Stretchy fabrics and Velcro fastenings can make it easier for the person to put on and remove clothing, whilst feeling comfortable throughout the day. Comfortable, non-slip shoes are an important part of every outfit.
