October 14, 2024 by
It’s a typical 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 wear 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 face this daily struggle, as dementia can make even simple tasks like changing clothes feel overwhelming. The good news is that with a few helpful strategies and plenty of patience, you can overcome dementia dressing challenges and make the process smoother.
Here are four tips to encourage a loved one with dementia to change clothes without frustration.
- Create a calm and positive environment. Your parent’s resistance to changing clothes may stem from feelings of anxiety or confusion. 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 could 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, focus on making the experience pleasant. 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 smoother.
- Limit choices. For someone with dementia, the idea of picking out clothes can be overwhelming if they are presented with too many options. Simplify the process by offering just two outfits to choose from. You might say, “Would you like to wear the blue shirt or the red one today?” This gives them a sense of control while keeping the choices manageable.
If they still resist, you might need to choose the outfit for them. Lay out the clothes in advance, or gently guide them toward what you’d like them to wear. The key is to reduce confusion and make the process feel as easy as possible.
- Use gentle reminders and assistance. Sometimes, the person 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 routine after breakfast or their bedtime routine before getting ready for bed.
If they struggle with dressing themselves, be ready to offer assistance without making them feel helpless. Break the task down into small, manageable steps and help them as needed. Offering help with tasks like buttoning a shirt or pulling on socks can make the process less frustrating for them.
- Make it about comfort. If your parent feels comfortable in their current clothes, they may resist changing because they don’t see the need. One way to encourage 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, make sure the clothes you’re asking them to change into are easy to wear and comfortable. Avoid complicated fastenings like buttons or zippers, 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 smoother.
Let At Home Independent Living Help
Our dementia care specialists are fully trained and experienced in implementing creative solutions to challenging problems. Give us a call at (315) 579-HOME (4663) to schedule a free in-home consultation to learn more about how we can help someone you love in Fayetteville, Salina, Syracuse, or the surrounding areas in Central New York.