It’s an ordinary morning, and you’re helping Dad prepare for the day. You have selected several options of outfits for him to select from, but he balks and refuses to wear any of them. As a matter of fact, he has been wearing the same outfit for several 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 few helpful strategies and plenty of patience, you can overcome dementia-related clothing challenges.
Here are four tips to encourage a senior loved one with dementia to change clothes without frustration.
- 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 pick from. You might say, “Would you like to wear the yellow shirt or the orange one today?” This gives them a feeling of control while keeping the choices manageable. Should they still resist, you might need to choose the outfit for them. Set out the clothes beforehand, or gently guide them toward what you’d like them to wear. The key is to reduce confusion and make the process as easy as possible.
- Make it about comfort. If your parent feels comfortable in their current clothes, they may fight changing 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 could 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 are asking them to change into are easy to wear and comfortable. Stay away from complicated fastenings like buttons or zippers, and choose soft, breathable fabrics that won’t irritate their skin. Clothes that are easy to slip on and off can make the process much smoother.
- Create a positive and calm 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 comforting tone and clear, simple instructions. For instance, you could say, “It’s time to get dressed for the day,” or “Let’s put on some fresh clothes; you’ll feel better.” Avoid making it appear to be 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 encouraging and light will relieve stress.
- Use gentle reminders and support. Sometimes, the individual 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 before getting ready for bed. If they struggle with dressing themselves, be ready to provide assistance 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 Us Help With Dementia-Related Clothing Challenges
Traditions Home Health Services’ dementia care specialists are fully trained and experienced in implementing creative solutions to challenging problems. Reach out to us at 617-376-3711 to schedule a complimentary in-home consultation for more information on how we can help someone you love in Boston, North Shore, South Shore, and the surrounding areas in Eastern Massachusetts, with live-in care services available throughout New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, and Massachusetts.
