Tips for Helping Seniors with Alzheimer’s Get Dressed
Getting dressed is something that seniors have often done on their own for years, but Alzheimer’s disease brings changes that make that formerly simple process so much more difficult. Physical and cognitive changes can all be at play in making this more difficult, so a family caregiver need to figure out what might best help their family member. Alzheimer’s care providers can help with this process.
Alzheimer’s Care New Providence NJ – Tips for Helping Seniors with Alzheimer’s Get Dressed
Simplify the Closet
When there is too much choice and clutter, seniors with Alzheimer’s disease can become easily confused. It’s worth the time to go through the closet and remove clothes that are for other seasons or that don’t fit well anymore. Storing these clothes elsewhere frees up room in the closet and reduces confusion.
Set Aside Extra Time to Get Dressed
Rushing is never good for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s care providers can help families work on routines for aging adults with cognitive illnesses and these routines ideally build in buffer time. Set aside lots of extra time before appointments and events to allow for a calm experience getting dressed.
Limit the Choices
Even with a simplified closet, sometimes there are too many choices for seniors with Alzheimer’s disease. One way around this is for family caregivers to offer seniors limited choices, say between two outfits instead of offering choices from the entire closet. This reduces frustration for everyone and it also helps seniors to continue to feel empowered by the choices they have.
Set Clothing Out in Order
Alzheimer’s care providers might also recommend that clothing gets laid out in the order it needs to be put on, with undergarments at the top of the stack. This serves as a visual prompt to help seniors stay on track to get dressed. Some seniors even find that this helps them to get dressed on their own because it’s less confusing.
Choose Clothes That Are Easy to Wear
Clothes that are difficult to wear aren’t comfortable and they’re not easy for seniors to put on and take off. They must have a selection of clothing that is comfortable but practical, letting them get it on and off easily. Choosing clothes that have hook and loop closures can be easier to use than buttons or zippers, for instance.
Offer Gentle Reminders and Tips
Offering gentle, step-by-step guidance can sometimes be helpful. It’s important to let seniors drive that, however. When family caregivers offer help when the senior doesn’t want it, that help can be irritating and frustrating for them. Alzheimer’s care providers can help family caregivers learn more about cues to watch for that help them understand when to offer those gentle reminders and when to step back.
Helping a senior with Alzheimer’s disease get dressed may be a little more complicated than it used to be, but it’s not impossible. Alzheimer’s care providers can help families establish routines around dressing that keep seniors engaged and empowered while also getting the help they need each day.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring professional Alzheimer’s Care Services in New Providence NJ, please talk to the caring staff at Generations Home Health Care today.
Providing Home Care in Somerset, Essex, Union, Morris, and Hunterdon Counties. Call us today at (908) 290-0691 or (973) 241-4534.
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