It’s an ordinary morning, and you’re helping Dad prepare for the day. You’ve selected several outfit options for him to choose from, but he balks and refuses to wear any of them. As a matter of 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 face this daily struggle, as dementia can make even straightforward tasks like changing clothes feel overwhelming. The good news is that with a few helpful strategies and plenty of patience, you can more effectively help a loved one with dementia change clothes.
Here are four strategies 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 would be to emphasize how much better they will 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, be sure the clothes you’re asking them to change into are easy to wear and comfortable. Steer clear of complicated fastenings like buttons or zippers, 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.
- Limit choices. For someone with dementia, the idea of picking out clothes can be overwhelming if they’re presented with too many options. Simplify the process by offering just two outfits to choose from. You might say, “Do you want to wear the green shirt or the white one today?” This gives them a feeling of control while keeping the choices manageable. Should they still resist, you might need to select the outfit for them. Lay out the clothes ahead of time, 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.
- 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 day-to-day activities. For example, changing into fresh clothes could become part of their morning schedule after breakfast or their bedtime routine before getting ready for bed. If they have a problem with dressing themselves, be ready to offer help without making them feel helpless. Break the job down into small, manageable steps and help them when needed. Offering help with tasks like pulling on socks or buttoning a shirt can make the process less frustrating for them.
- 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 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, focus 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 can make the process easier.
Let Superior Senior Home Care Help
Superior Senior Home Care’s dementia care specialists are fully trained and experienced in implementing creative strategies to challenging problems. Contact us online or give us a call at 805-737-4357 to schedule a free in-home consultation to learn more about how we can help someone you love in Arroyo Grande, Santa Ynez, Santa Maria, and throughout Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties.