​Dressing Tips

• Try putting a sign on the wardrobe door with a simple picture that shows an item of clothing.  This may help with recognition and understanding that it’s time to get dressed.
• Before you start, check if your person needs to go to the toilet, isn’t tired, hungry, thirsty, in pain etc as this can have a big impact on their disposition when getting dressed.
• If people are getting dressed after a shower or bath, using a light application of talcum powder can help getting clothes, especially underwear, on more easily.
• Scale down the choice of clothing by removing any outfits that are too loose, too tight etc.  It can be overwhelming if there are too many outfits and people may be upset if they have to put items back or wear uncomfortable clothes all day.
• Sometimes people can develop a sudden dislike for a particular colour, pattern or fabric - don’t argue or fight it, just calmly remove those clothing items from the wardrobe or drawer and put them away out of sight.
• Give priority to favourite items and colours. You may have to buy two or three of these favourite items so there can be one in the wash, one in the wardrobe and one being worn.
• Avoid buying and choosing clothing that goes on over the head as this sometimes distresses people - button-through, velcro fastenings and front zips are much easier to manage.
• Undo all buttons, zips, laces etc and lay out clothes on a plain background like a plain duvet cover or throw so that the shapes of the items are clear. This makes each item easier to recognise and put on.
• Lay clothes out in order of dressing - underwear and socks on top of a dress then a cardigan at the bottom of the pile.
• Make sure the room is warm and if you are helping your person to dress make sure your hands are warm!
• Stand in front of your person as much as possible so that they can see you and be reassured by your presence and your voice.
• Try not to have mirrors in the room as people may not recognise their own reflection and think there is someone else watching them. Otherwise, get dressed away from mirrors - especially full-length mirrors.
• Draw the curtains and put the main light on if needed. Ask if your person would like the door open or closed but make sure not to ask too many questions - just keep calm and reassuring.
• Take your time, speak slowly and use positive, simple language “That’s it - put your hand through” rather than “No - that’s wrong, not your right hand, put the other hand in the sleeve behind you.”
• It’s absolutely fine if your person wants to wear an unusual outfit or accessories. As long as they are content and warm/cool enough, that’s wonderful.
• Don’t forget jewellery, watches etc.  If people have always worn these items it may be familiar and reassuring to wear and feel them on the body.
• Because dementia symptoms can affect body temperature control, layers of light clothing are easier to take on and off rather than heavy jumpers, jackets and cardigans.
• Remember to look after yourself. If the situation gets too difficult, step out of the room for a minute or two so you can take a breath before you have to go back in.
• There may come a time when dressing and care in the morning and evening becomes too difficult for one person to manage. You may both benefit from support from a care organisation when and if this happens.