People with dementia often need help with daily tasks and the amount of assistance they need will change over time. They may feel upset about losing their independence and be resistant to accepting help. However by involving them in the process, you can overcome some of these challenges.  Here are strategies to support you in providing the best care for your loved one.

Remember:

• Be patient and take your time.  Don’t rush your loved one to complete a task. 

• Try to maintain a routine so that it becomes familiar and comfortable for your loved one. However, recognize when it is not working and adapt the process. 

• Provide simple, step-by-step instructions so as not to overwhelm them with information, and provide reassurance throughout the process. 

• Encourage your loved one to do as much as possible and include them in the task. 

  • Try to move slowly and remain in your loved one’s field of vision.

  • Stand at eye level and make eye contact when speaking with them.

  • Engage your loved one and work the task into a conversation instead of saying it as a command.

  • Use gestures to accompany your words.

  • Respect your loved one’s opinions and desires. Don’t argue or talk down to them. 

• Create the right environment and plan your approach. Identify obstacles and health considerations

• If the person is upset or does not want your help, try again later as if it were the first time.

Simplify choices

• Provide an outfit to wear or, if appropriate, give your loved one two choices. 

• Do not ask open-ended questions such as “what do you want to wear?”

• Keep closets and drawers free of excess clothing and clothes that are difficult to put on. 

• Group clothing items together in drawers or hangers so that your loved one has an outfit ready to put on. 

Prepare

• Place labels or pictures on drawers to help identify what is inside.

• Lay out clothing in the order that each item should be put on. 

• Hand them one item at a time while giving simple, direct instructions such as "Put your arms in the sleeves," rather than "Get dressed."

Buying Clothes

• Buy duplicate or similar outfits if your loved one wants to wear the same thing every day.  

• Ensure that clothes are soft and stretchable and not too tight. 

• Choose clothes that are simple to put on and take off.  

  • Cardigans, shirts, and blouses that button in front are easier than those that go over the head. 

  • Try a bra with a front closure or a camisole.

  • Substitute magnetic closures or Velcro for buttons, snaps or zippers.

  • Choose slip-on shoes or ones that close with Velcro.

  • There are many stores such as Buck & Buck and Joe & Bella.

Dressing Appropriately

• Remember that it is OK if your loved one’s outfit is mismatched.  The important thing is that they are dressed.

• Check that they are dressed appropriately for the weather and the indoor temperature.