How to Make Changing Clothes Easier for People With Dementia

It’s a normal morning, and you are helping Dad get ready for the day. You have picked out several outfit options for him to select from, but he balks and refuses to put on any of them. In fact, he has been wearing the same outfit for a few days now, despite your gentle requests each day to change. Sound familiar? Many family caregivers encounter 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 lots of patience, you can make this process easier.

Here are four ideas to encourage people with dementia to change clothes without frustration.

1. Create a calm and positive environment. Your parent’s resistance to changing clothes 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 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 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 will look in the clean outfit you’ve picked. Keeping the mood light and encouraging can make the process easier.
2. 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 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’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 easier.
3. Use gentle reminders and assistance. Sometimes, the senior may merely 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 have trouble with dressing themselves, be ready to offer help without making them feel helpless. Break the process 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.
4. Reduce choices. For someone with dementia, the concept 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, “Do you want to wear the green shirt or the white one today?” This gives them a feeling of control while keeping the options manageable. Should they still resist, you might need to choose the outfit for them. Lay out the clothes beforehand, 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.
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Home Health Companions’ professional dementia care specialists are fully trained and experienced in implementing creative solutions to challenging problems. Contact us online or call us at 214-295-8213 to schedule a free in-home consultation to learn more about how we can help someone you love in Southlake, University Park, Westlake, or the surrounding areas.