It is important when dealing with Alzheimer’s and dementia patients to promote feelings of comfort and safety in every activity. Severely affected patients often 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. Great care is thus needed in helping a patient through various daily routines, including dressing. Consider some tips that will not only help you in administering support, but will also let the patient feel comfortable and respected.

Tips To Remember

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 dementia 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 cheerful 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 mild or moderate stages of dementia, 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 item 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 good 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 impatience, or any strong negative feelings, come through as if it is a burden to help them.

1 2 »