4 Tips for Solving Dementia-Related Clothing Problems

It is an ordinary morning, and you’re helping Dad prepare for the day. You’ve picked out several outfit options for him to choose from, but he balks and refuses to put on any of them. In fact, he’s been wearing the same clothes for a few days now, in spite of your gentle requests each day to change. Sound familiar? Many family caregivers encounter this daily struggle, as dementia can make even simple tasks like changing clothes feel overwhelming. The good news is that with a couple of helpful strategies and lots of patience, you can overcome dementia-related clothing problems such as this.

Following are four suggestions to encourage a loved one with dementia to change clothes without stress.

• Limit choices. For someone with dementia, the concept of picking out clothes may be overwhelming if they’re given too many options. Simplify the process by offering just two outfits to choose from. You might say, “Would you like to wear the green shirt or the orange one today?” This gives them a feeling of control while keeping the options 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 put on. The important thing is to minimize confusion and make the process feel as easy as possible.
• Make it about comfort. If your parent feels comfortable in their current clothes, they may resist changing simply because they don’t see the need. One way to motivate them to change would be to emphasize how much better they’ll feel in fresh, clean clothes. You might say, “You will 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 are asking them to change into are comfortable and easy to wear. Stay away from complicated fastenings like zippers or buttons, and go with soft, breathable fabrics that won’t irritate their skin. Clothes that are easy to slip on and off can make the process much simpler.
• Create a calm and positive atmosphere. Your parent’s dementia-related clothing problems 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 comforting tone and clear 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 a lot better.” Avoid making it look like a requirement or a demand. Instead, concentrate on making the experience pleasant. 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 encouraging, calm, and light can make the process smoother.
• Use gentle reminders and support. Sometimes, the senior may just forget that they need to change their clothes, so gentle reminders can help. You can try associating changing clothes with regular daily activities. For instance, changing into fresh clothes could become part of their morning schedule 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 offer help without making them feel helpless. Break the job 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.

Let CareWorks Health Services Help

CareWorks Health Services’ dementia care specialists are fully trained and experienced in implementing creative strategies to challenging problems. Contact us at (949) 859-4700 to schedule a free in-home consultation to learn more about how we can help someone you love in Mission Viejo, Laguna Woods, Huntington Beach, and throughout Orange County.