New article from Right at Home Newsletter: Dressing

Alzheimer's Caregiver Tips: Helping Your Loved One Dress



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Throughout our lives, most of us put a fair amount of care and attention into choosing and caring for the clothes we wear. But for people with Alzheimer's disease and other dementia, dressing can be a challenge. And for family, seeing the difference in their loved one, who once took great pride in how they looked, is a reminder of how their loved one has changed.
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Family caregivers may be confused about whether to step in when Dad selects a plaid shirt and clashing plaid trousers, or Mom puts her blouse on inside out. And their loved one may be resistant to assistance. The National Institute on Aging offers these suggestions on assisted independence, to make the process go more smoothly.

People with Alzheimer's disease often need more time to dress. It can be hard for them to choose their clothes. They might wear the wrong clothing for the season. They also might wear colors that don't go together or forget to put on a piece of clothing. Allow the person to dress on his or her own for as long as possible.

Here are some tips that can help:

Lay out clothes in the order the person should put them on, such as underwear first, then pants, then a shirt, and then a sweater.


Hand the person one thing at a time or give step-by-step dressing instructions.


Put away some clothes in another room to reduce the number of choices. Keep only one or two outfits in the closet or dresser.


Keep the closet locked if needed. This prevents some of the problems people may have while getting dressed.


Buy three or four sets of the same clothes, if the person wants to wear the same clothing every day.


Buy loose-fitting, comfortable clothing. Avoid girdles, control-top pantyhose, knee-high nylons, garters, high heels, tight socks, and bras for women. Sports bras are comfortable and provide good support. Short cotton socks and loose cotton underwear are best. Sweat pants and shorts with elastic waistbands are helpful.


Use Velcro or large zipper pulls for clothing, instead of shoelaces, buttons, or buckles. Try slip-on shoes that won't slide off or shoes with Velcro straps.
This information provided by the National Institute on Aging's Alzheimer’s Disease Education and Referral Center (ADEAR). Visit the ADEAR website for more information on effective dementia caregiving.