Dressing

As the person's dementia progresses, task which were once simple can be challenging and at times frustrating. However, you can make some simple adjustments which will allow the person to dress themselves independently.

Making Dressing Easier

  • When dressing starts to become difficult, begin by going through the person's closet and drawers. Remove anything that they no longer wear and make sure their clothes are organized.
  • Whenever possible, encourage the person to choose their own clothing for the day. Limit the number of options to make their decision easier.
  • Try to maintain the person's routine. For example, if they usually eat breakfast in their robe and dress afterwards, continue to encourage them to do so.
  • If the person insists on wearing the same outfit every day, consider purchasing multiple sets.
  • Provide clothing that is easy to put on and remove. For example, choose trousers with an elastic waist instead of a button and zipper. Some people find that Velcro makes dressing much easier, whereas others may find it too unfamiliar. 
  • When the weather is cold, hang coats, hats, and scarves in a visible location near the door. This can help ensure that the person dresses appropriately when going outside.
  • If wandering behaviours are a concern, consider adding some brightly coloured clothing to the person's wardrobe. If they get lost, this may assist in the search. Learn more about wandering...