How to prepare to support someone with dementia to wash and dress

Being prepared can make washing and dressing easier for you and the person with dementia. 

Consider the person’s preferences

Everyone will have different preferences around washing dressing and personal styling. Think about the person’s likes, dislikes and personality. For example, do they prefer:

• having a bath, shower or washing in other ways?
• getting dressed before or after breakfast?
• shaving or applying make-up every day?

Try to keep to their usual routine if you can, as long as this is safe. Changes can be confusing and uncomfortable. It’s important to support the person to make choices about their own personal care routine for as long as possible.

This can be reassuring for them and can help to maintain their skills and independence.

Also consider their privacy and dignity. For example, they may prefer you to leave the room when they use the toilet. This is even if they need help with parts of that task.

If they do need your help, it’s best to offer it tactfully and sensitively. Keep them involved with choices and tasks throughout.

Create a safe and comfortable environment to wash and dress

Creating a safe and relaxed environment can help the person to feel more comfortable. You can do this by giving them as much privacy as you can and preparing the room.

You can:

• make sure someone else will not walk in while the person with
• dementia is washing or getting dressed
• cover mirrors if they cause the person to become confused
• make sure the room is warm or cool enough
• ensure there is enough light in the room
• remove any trip hazards or use mats if the floor may
• become slippery
• close blinds or curtains for privacy.

Make washing, bathing and dressing a positive experience

Washing, bathing and dressing, although personal and private, can be a positive experience for a person who needs support. Making these moments enjoyable can help you both feel more relaxed and confident.

It can help to focus on what the person can still do, rather than what they can’t. This will keep up their confidence and skills.

You may have to simplify some choices to help them make decisions. Try to support them to choose rather than choosing for them. Here are some tips:

• Keep choices simple so the person doesn’t feel overwhelmed.
• If they are feeling frustrated or embarrassed, think about what might make it a more pleasant and relaxed experience. For example, nice-smelling bubble bath or relaxing music can make washing feel like a luxury rather than a chore.
• Be encouraging about the activity – for instance, talking about how nice an item of clothing looks or how warm the bath water feels.
• Check with the person if the smell of a soap or shampoo is okay for them – especially if the product is new. A familiar smell can be comforting, but a new, strong smell can be overwhelming for a person with dementia.
• Make light of any mistakes or awkwardness. This can help you both to cope better with the situation.

Allow enough time to wash and dress

When you’re helping a person with dementia to wash, dress or get ready, allow plenty of time to avoid feeling rushed. They may take longer to process information than they used to, which may affect their ability to make choices. They may also find physical activities more difficult.

Choose the time of day that works best for them, if you can. Try to match what has always been their preferred routine or find the time of day when they are most relaxed. If they resist your efforts to help and you are unable to find out why, try leaving them for a while. Sometimes, it can be easier if you try again a little later.

Plan ahead

Being organised can help reduce stress for you both. It is a good idea to get everything you need ready before you start.

The following questions can help with planning:

• What clothes does the person want to wear today?
• Will they need continence or period care items?
• Do they want to be clean-shaven, wear make-up or do their hair a certain way?
• Where do they prefer to get dressed and undressed?
• What toiletries do they like?
• What dental care do they need?
• Can they dress themselves? If not, how much help do they need?
• Can they stand to dress and get ready, or will they need to sit on the edge of the bed or a chair?
• Do they use creams or ointments on their body?
• Do they wear hearing aids, glasses, or an alarm bracelet or pendant?

Some people with dementia find it helpful to have a ‘to-do list’ to get washed and ready each day. This can help them to do the tasks in order. It can also help the carer to get things ready.

A nearby notepad can also be useful for family members and carers to keep track of when the person has washed.