Blog Layout
Help A Loved On Get Dressed
Admin • Jul 20, 2020

Getting dressed and feeling good about how we look is an important part of everyone’s self-esteem, but it is also something we typically do in private. Assisting someone who has dementia with dressing can be a challenge because it is something they are used to doing independently. Here are some general tips that may help you assist your loved one with dressing.

Staying with the Familiar

First, try to keep the same dressing routine they had before dementia. Did they get dressed first thing in the morning or did they wait until they had some place to go? Keeping their routine the same will help them understand what is going on and reduce confusion.

Give them Control with Limits

When dressing your loved one, it’s good to give them choices to help them feel in control, but you should limit those choices so as not to confuse or overwhelm them. Would you like to wear the red shirt or the blue shirt? Would you prefer blue jeans or khakis today? Have the clothes laid out and point to each option as you’re saying it. This will make it easier for your loved one to choose. If your loved one is showing resistance, talk about past experiences that motivated your loved one to get ready for the day, such as going to work, going to church, taking care of the home, etc. Keep the clothing options familiar. If your loved one never wore sweat pants, they may not want to wear them now.

Slow and easy wins the race

During the actual dressing, go one step at a time, and go at their pace. Tell your loved one what you are going to do, and tell them what you are doing throughout the process. Provide for their privacy and modesty by using a bathrobe or towel while dressing.

Go shopping!

Finally, when your loved one needs new clothes, take them shopping with you and let them choose the items they like. This will make the clothes seem more familiar and they will be more likely to wear them. If your loved one typically has a “favorite outfit,” buy duplicates so they will always have their favorite outfit clean and ready to wear.

Senior Using Oxygen — Lady Lake, FL — Tri-County Caregiver Resource Center

Attention Caregivers Without an Emergency Action Plan!

By Admin • 19 Nov, 2020
75% of caregivers do not outlive the person that they're caring for. Do you have an emergency action plan in place?

Dementia Diagnosis

By Admin • 20 Jul, 2020
Five steps to take after a loved one has gotten a dementia diagnosis

Understanding Dementia

By Admin • 20 Jul, 2020
Dementia is a word used to describe a cluster symptoms caused by various diseases or conditions. Dementia itself is not a specific disease but a collection of symptoms, which can include:

Managing Difficult Behavior

By Admin • 20 Jul, 2020
Some of the greatest challenges of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia are the personality and behavior changes that often occur as the disease progresses. These can show up as aggression, frustration, undressing in public, or a range of inappropriate conduct.

Tips for Successful Bathing

By Admin • 20 Jul, 2020
Bathing can be one of the activities of daily living that is most affected by dementia. There are many steps in the process of bathing which can seem very difficult for the person with dementia. Additionally, it is likely the person doesn’t remember the reason for bathing and it seems like an unnecessary intrusion into their day. 

Making Meal Time Enjoyable

By Admin • 20 Jul, 2020
Mealtime for people with dementia can be stressful, overwhelming or frustrating. They may no longer recognize the food in front of them or can’t see it clearly because of poor depth perception. They may struggle to use a knife and fork as coordination becomes difficult. Food may not taste the same or as flavorful as it once did. Food may be difficult to chew or swallow or they may not want to accept assistance with eating. Appetites may also vary among individuals with dementia. Some will want to eat all the time, while others have trouble eating a healthy amount.

Dealing With Incontinence

By Admin • 20 Jul, 2020
With the progression of dementia, your loved one may be experiencing incontinence. The changes in a person’s brain that occur with dementia can interfere with their ability to:

Tips On Maintaining Intimacy With a Spouse Who Has Dementia

By Admin • 20 Jul, 2020
It’s natural for couples to experience changes in their level of intimacy and sexuality over time, but when one partner develops dementia, the changes in physical and emotional intimacy can be complex and devastating.

Honoring Dad on Father's Day

By Admin • 20 Jul, 2020
Holidays can pose a special challenge for caregivers of people with dementia. Loved ones may not remember the reason for the day or why you’re making such a fuss. This may be particularly hard on Father’s Day, when your dad may not even recognize you as their child. While this can be an emotional blow, making the effort still matters. 

Keeping Mothers Day Special In The Face of Dementia

By Admin • 20 Jul, 2020
With the rise in Alzheimer’s disease and its special impact on women, more families are celebrating Mother’s Day with moms who have dementia. Nearly two-thirds of the Americans with Alzheimer’s are women. It’s not their gender that makes them more susceptible, it’s their greater life expectancy. Because women live longer and dementia tends to be a condition of the aged, they simply have more opportunity to get the disease. 
Share by: