How to Help Alzheimer’s Patients with Dressing

It is significant when dealing with Alzheimer’s patients to uphold feelings of comfort and safety in every activity. Severely affected patients frequently forget how to dress or may not recognize the need to change clothes. Such mental conditions can leave them emotionally fragile and more physically dependent upon their caregiver, especially as later stages progress. Good care is thus needed in helping a patient through various daily routines, including dressing. Consider some tips that will not only help you in directing support, but will also let the patient feel comfortable and respected.

1. Help the person to look forward to the regular activities of the day, dressing as well as bathing, eating, social interaction, and other daily routines. Speak of the upcoming activities as a highlight of their day, something you are willing to help them with without complaint.

2. Have a positive attitude. A cheerful attitude, even if not always contagious, can go a long way in creating and mending relationships. Many Alzheimer’s patients are still able to read body language and sense the temper as well as the tone of their caregiver’s voice. They respond to the attitudes they observe. A warm and positive disposition will get the best results.

3. Help patients to retain a sense of self-worth and independence. Wherever possible, let the patient take some initiative in dressing him or her self. In primary or moderate stages of Alzheimer’s, a person could still be capable of changing clothes on their own and may just need assistance in laying out the clothing in order or verbal suggestions on which thing should be worn. In progressive stages of disease, an explanation on how to put the clothing may be required or even some physical assistance. In cases where the patient is totally dependent on you as the caregiver to change them, it is a fine idea to give verbal assurances that they are the ones putting forth the effort to get dressed, even though you are helping. Be careful not to let the voice of annoyance, or any strong negative feelings, come through as if it is a burden to help them.

4. Create a harmless atmosphere in the room. This involves allowing adequate time for the patients to dress, not rushing them or creating any unease. In addition to adequate time, make sure the feeling in the room is peaceful and warm. Any startling noises or uncomfortable temperatures could cause discomfort or hurting to the patient. Building stable routines and keeping a familiar atmosphere is very important in caring for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients. Impulsive or surprising developments are not helpful at this stage in life.

5. Make certain the clothes are comfortable. Whether dressing a patient out of need or assisting him or her to dress, some items of clothing may be difficult to put on. So, it is a good idea to use wide necked tops, baggy trousers and slip on shoes. This not only makes the dressing process easier, but also protects the patient against accidental harm or discomfort. Be sure and draw the person out, getting his or her opinion on the clothing, letting them feel involved in the selection process. The patient’s comfort in this time of difficulty is the main concern.

6. Keep in mind that your patient, no matter how affected by the disease, is still a human being with feelings and self-respect. Even if they don’t seem to respond your acts of kindness, the person deserves to be loved, touched, spoken to and treated kindly. The Alzheimer’s patient is not a child to be disciplined. The patient is suffering from a medical condition and may not be aware of how he or she is behaving. A caregiver needs a lot of tolerance in times of handling personal care. If a patient is treated badly, feelings of rejection, loneliness, grief and pain can arise, even in extreme cases of mind deterioration. Warm and supportive care is important to the patient’s emotional and physical well-being.

These tips will prove helpful in helping Alzheimer patients in dressing. Feel free to write these tips down and adapt them to your own personal style. Many people consider dressing their infirm loved ones as a way of being involved with them, or even a sharing activity. While not each person may see it that way, caring for an Alzheimer’s or dementia patient in personal matters, like dress and grooming, is certainly a demonstration of unconditional love.