It’s an ordinary morning, and you’re helping Dad get ready for the day. You have selected a few options of outfits for him to pick from, but he balks and refuses to put on any of them. As a matter of fact, he has been wearing the same clothes for a couple of days now, despite your gentle requests each day to change. Sound familiar? Many family caregivers face this daily struggle, as dementia can make even basic tasks like changing clothes feel overwhelming. The good news is that with a few helpful dementia care tips and plenty of patience, you can make this process easier.
Listed below are four dementia care tips to encourage a loved one with dementia to change clothes without stress.
Make it about comfort. If your parent feels comfortable in their current clothes, they may fight changing simply because they don’t see the need. One way to motivate them to change is to emphasize how much better they’ll 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, ensure that the clothes you’re asking them to change into are easy to wear and comfortable. Avoid complicated fastenings like zippers or buttons, and opt for soft, breathable fabrics that won’t irritate their skin. Clothes that are easy to slip on and off can make the process much simpler.
Use gentle reminders and assistance. Sometimes, the senior may simply forget that they need to change their clothes, so gentle reminders can help. You can try associating changing clothes with regular daily activities. For example, changing into fresh clothes could become part of their morning habit after breakfast or their bedtime routine prior to getting ready for bed. If they struggle with getting dressed on their own, be ready to offer 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 idea of picking out clothes can be overwhelming if they are given too many options. Simplify the process by offering just two outfits to pick from. You might say, “Would you like to wear the green shirt or the white one today?” This gives them a sense of control while keeping the choices manageable. Should they still resist, you might need to select the outfit for them. Set out the clothes ahead of time, or gently guide them toward what you would like them to put on. The key is to reduce confusion and make the process feel as simple as possible.
Create a positive and calm environment. Your parent’s resistance to changing clothes may come from feelings of confusion or anxiety. Approach the situation with patience and calm. Try turning the task into a positive, routine activity by using a soothing tone and clear, simple instructions. For instance, 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 seem like a demand or a requirement. Instead, concentrate on making the experience enjoyable. Play soft music in the background or compliment them on how nice they’ll look in the clean outfit you’ve picked. Keeping the mood light and encouraging can make the process easier.
Let The Care Company Help
The Care Company’s dementia care specialists are fully trained and experienced in implementing creative strategies to challenging problems. Call us at 416-422-2273 or reach out to our team online to schedule a complimentary in-home consultation to learn more about how we can help someone you love in Toronto, North York, Markham, or throughout the Greater Toronto Area.
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