Below:
• Helping someone with Alzheimer's get dressed
• Here are some other tips for helping loved ones with Alzheimer's get dressed:
• Further Resources
Note: This article has been localised for an Irish audience. Your father puts on his trousers one leg at a time, just as he has done since childhood. But today there's something different. Your father has Alzheimer's disease and this morning, unlike every other morning for the last 70 years; he's pulling on his trousers on top of his pyjamas. For Alzheimer's patients and their carers, the seemingly simple act of getting dressed can turn into a minefield of frustration. At first, a patient may simply need extra time to pick out a pair of socks or a gentle reminder to zip up. But eventually he'll feel overwhelmed by the choices in his wardrobe or chest of drawers, he'll be baffled by fasteners or buttons and he'll think nothing of wearing pyjamas under (or over) his trousers. When his disease reaches this stage, he'll need help with his clothes for the rest of his life and help may not always be easy to give. Helping someone with Alzheimer's get dressed For one thing, many people with Alzheimer's don't see the need to change clothes every day or even every week. Even if they've worn the same outfit for a week, they'll say - and sincerely believe - they put on clean clothes that morning. For this reason, its useful for carers to set up a routine for getting dressed at the same time every day. But there's a more fundamental problem. Putting on clothes is a deeply personal activity and many people with Alzheimer's become angry or confused when somebody tries to intrude in the process, even to be helpful. For this reason, carers must find a way to give loved ones privacy and independence along with guidance. It may be easier to simplify the task by hanging only a couple of items in the wardrobe and by replacing fasteners, buttons, or zips with velcro. In the early stages of the disease, the more patients can do for themselves, the more relaxed and content they'll be. And remember, even people with Alzheimer's have their own sense of style. While they are still interested, give them some say about their outfits. You could ask something like "Would you like a blue shirt or a white shirt today?" (Don't confuse them with too many options.) If your loved one prefers one type of outfit especially, you may want to buy several just like it. Unfortunately, even this small piece of independence won't last. All patients eventually become completely incapable of dressing themselves or choosing what to wear. At this point, carers should take every possible opportunity to make dressing their loved ones easier. Comfortable, loose-fitting clothes that are easy to slip on and off such as tracksuits, can be a blessing. Loose-fitting underwear, stretchy tube socks, and slip-on shoes can also cut down on aggravation. Here are some other tips for helping loved ones with Alzheimer's get dressed: • If a person needs coaching while getting dressed, give clear, simple directions. Say something like "put your leg through this hole" instead of "put on your trousers". |
| •Clearly label drawers and wardrobes with signs such as "socks" or "shirts". As the disease progresses, you may need to replace words with pictures. |
| •It may be helpful to lay out an outfit the night before. You can cut down on confusion by stacking clothes in order (underwear on top of trousers, socks on top of shoes). Some people with Alzheimer's take to hiding the clothes, so you may want to store them out of sight. |
| •If your loved one takes off her clothes in public or in front of company, she isn't trying to embarrass you. She may be too warm or may not like the feel of fabric against her skin. Try to keep your house at a comfortable temperature, help the person dress appropriately for the weather and use soft 100% cotton garments. |
| •If someone with Alzheimer's tugs at her traxksuit bottoms repeatedly or takes them partly off, this may be a sign that she needs to go to the bathroom. |
| •A few compliments can turn a rumpled tracksuit into a source of pride and confidence. Tell your loved one he looks sharp and you'll start the day on an upbeat note. |
Further Resources Alzheimer Society of Ireland Alzheimer House 43 Northumberland Road Dun Laoghaire Co Dublin Telephone 01 284 6616 Fax 01 284 6030 Alzheimer National Helpline 1800 341341 www. Alzheimer.ie Main Street Ballindine Co Mayo Telephone 094 936 4900 Fax 094 936 4946 www.westernalzheimer.ie Alzheimer Support Group / Dementia Support Group Highfield Hospital Group Swords Road Whitehall Dublin 9 Telephone 01 837 4444 Fax 01 837 9013 www.highfieldhospital.com This article has been revised by Vhihealthe for its audience and may contain, among other things, information or medical practices that are unique to Ireland. Neither Consumer Health Interactive nor the original author make any warranty as to the accuracy of the article as revised, and assume no responsibility for modified content.
First published August 7, 2003
Last updated February 7, 2007
Copyright © 2003 Consumer Health Interactive
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