Plan a long time when dressing or fixing someone with Alzheimer's. Rushing the person can cause anxiety and frustration. As the disease progresses beyond the early stages, choosing and putting on clothes can be frustrating for the person with dementia. The person may not remember how to dress or feel overwhelmed by the options or the task itself.
To help:
Simplify the elections. Keep closets free of excess clothing. A person can panic if the choice of clothing becomes overwhelming. If appropriate, give the person the opportunity to select favorite attires or colors, but try to offer only two options.
Organize the process. Place the clothes in the order in which each item should be placed. Give the person one item at a time while giving simple and direct instructions such as "Put your arms on the sleeves," instead of "Dress."
Choose comfortable and simple clothes. The cardigans, shirts and blouses found on the front of the button are easier to work than sleeveless shirts. Replace Velcro® with buttons, snaps or zippers, which may be too difficult to handle. Make sure your clothes are loose, especially at the waist and hips, and choose fabrics that are soft and elastic.
Choose comfortable shoes. Make sure the person has comfortable and non-slip shoes.
Be flexible. If the individual wants to wear the same outfit repeatedly, buy duplicates or have similar options available. Even if the person's outfit does not match, try to focus on the fact that he or she was able to dress. Keep in mind that it is important for the person to maintain good personal hygiene, including the use of clean underwear, as poor hygiene can cause urinary tract infections or others that further complicate attention.
It's okay if the person wants to wear several layers of clothing, just make sure he doesn't overheat. When outdoors, make sure the person is dressed for the weather.
Personal cleanliness
A person with dementia can forget how to comb their hair, cut their nails or shave. He or she can forget what is the purpose of items such as nail clippers or a comb.
Continue fixing the routines. If the person has always gone to the beauty salon or the barber, continue with this activity. If the experience becomes distressing, it may be possible for a hairdresser or stylist to go to the person's house.
Use favorite toiletries. Allow the person to continue using their favorite toothpaste, shaving cream, cologne or makeup.
Perform tasks with the person. Comb your hair and encourage the person to copy your movements.
Use safer and simpler cleaning tools. Cardboard nail files and electric razors may be less threatening than razors and razors.