Is Dementia Causing a Loved One to Resist Changing Clothes? Try These Tips!

It is a typical morning, and you’re helping Dad prepare for the day. You have selected a few options of outfits 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 couple of days now, in spite of your gentle requests each day to change. Sound familiar? Many family caregivers encounter the daily struggle when dementia causes a loved one to resist changing clothes. The good news is that with a few helpful strategies and a good amount of patience, you can make this process easier.

Listed below are four suggestions to encourage an older loved one with dementia to change clothes without stress.

• Create a calm and positive environment. Your parent’s resistance to changing clothes may stem from feelings of confusion or anxiety. Approach the situation with patience and a calm demeanor. Try turning the task into a positive, routine activity by using a soothing tone and clear, simple instructions. For example, you might say, “It’s time to get dressed for the day,” or “Let’s put on some fresh clothes; you’ll feel much better.” Avoid making it seem 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’ll look in the clean outfit you’ve picked. Keeping the mood encouraging and light can make the process smoother.
• Use gentle reminders and support. Sometimes, your loved one 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 routine 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 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.
• Minimize choices. For a person with dementia, the concept of picking out clothes can be overwhelming if they’re presented with too many options. Simplify the process by offering just two choices. You might say, “Would you like to wear the yellow shirt or the white one today?” This gives them a feeling of control while keeping the options manageable. Should they still resist changing clothes, you might need to select the outfit for them. Set out the clothes in advance, or gently guide them toward what you’d like them to wear. The important thing is to reduce confusion and make the process feel as simple 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 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, make sure the clothes you are asking them to change into are comfortable and easy to wear. Avoid complicated fastenings like zippers or buttons, 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 easier.

Let Responsive Home Care Help

Responsive Home Care’s dementia care specialists are fully trained and experienced in implementing creative solutions to challenging problems. Give us a call at 954-486-6440 to schedule a free in-home consultation to learn more about how we can help someone you love in Weston, Parkland, Fort Lauderdale, or the surrounding areas in Broward County.