How to support a person with dementia to get dressed or change clothes

By helping someone with dementia choose what to wear, they can express their own identity and personal style. Try to always:

• ask them what they would like to put on. Too many options can be confusing for them, so you could offer them the choice of only two items of clothing at a time
• respect their choice if they make an unusual decision. An example of this is clothes that don’t match. Talk to them about their plans for the day and what they would like to wear. Also tell them what the weather is like. If what they plan to wear isn’t suitable, or puts them at risk, gently suggest alternatives.

What a person with dementia wears may also help them understand where they are and what they are doing. For example, if they are dressed formally, they may think they need to go to work. If they are dressed in clothing they usually relax in, this will remind them that they are not at work.

Similarly, wearing nightwear may help them to feel it is time for bed. It is a good idea to change into daywear even if they are not going out or having visitors, to maintain a sense of routine.

As well as making choices, people with dementia may require help with dressing. Physically putting on clothing can be more difficult for them, especially if they have mobility issues. It may help to look for clothes that are easy to put on and take off.

These may be clothes with:

• larger neck and arm openings
• front fastenings
• Velcro fastenings
• poppers or magnetic buttons
• loose fittings.

Helping a person with dementia to feel comfortable when dressing

If someone is not enjoying wearing something, it may cause them distress or discomfort. This could be because:

• the item is physically uncomfortable
• they are sensitive to certain textures
• they don’t like it
• it is new and seems unfamiliar
• the label is too ‘itchy’
• the smell of the clothes is too strong (such as a new detergent).

The person may no longer be able to tell you if they are too hot or cold, or if clothing doesn’t fit well. It can help to watch for signs of discomfort.

Tips to help someone feel comfortable in the clothes they wear

• Think about how easy it is to put on and take the clothes off. For example, boxer shorts are usually easier to put on than Y-fronts.
• Consider the comfort of a bra. An ill-fitting bra may be uncomfortable. Going without a bra or wearing one that gives too little support can cause back pain. If the person has lost or put on weight, they may need a different size. Many shops offer a bra-fitting service, which you can arrange in advance. The person may prefer either underwired or non-wired bras. Sleep bras also offer light support at night or in the evenings, and front fastening bras can be easier to put on.
• Avoid having slippers on all day. While they can be comfortable, slippers shouldn’t be worn for more than a few hours, as they may not support the person’s feet enough. Slippers also encourage shuffling, which doesn’t allow the leg muscles and joints to work correctly.
• Try well-fitting slip-on shoes, or ones with Velcro fastenings or elastic shoelaces. Shoes with laces may be difficult for someone with dementia to manage.
• Check items are not inside out and that buttons, zips and fasteners are done up.
• Try buckle-free belts, which fasten with Velcro. You can also buy clip-on ties, which are safer and easier to use.
• Consider several thin layers of clothing, particularly in cold weather, rather than one thick layer. The person can then remove a layer if it gets too warm.
• Avoid self-supporting stockings, unless they have been prescribed by a health professional. These can cause circulation problems.
• Try specially designed trousers with a drop-down front. These can make it easier to use the toilet standing up.

Making getting dressed a positive experience

There are other practical things you can do to make getting dressed a more positive and comfortable experience:

• Allow the person to go at their own pace. Try not to rush to do things for them.
• Let them put on their own clothes as much as they are able to. If they seem shy, reluctant or embarrassed, you could turn around to give them privacy. You can then turn back if they need your help.
• Provide a chair with arms if the person has poor balance. They can then sit if they need to.
• Ask if they would like to use the toilet before getting dressed.
• Place labels on drawers to help them to find items. This is helpful if they are able to dress themselves. A combination of pictures and words may be easier to understand than words alone.
• Put the things they wear most often somewhere easy to reach. Consider storing whole outfits together. This will make it easier for them to choose.
• Lay out clothes on a non-patterned background. Place them in the order the person will put them on – for example, starting with underwear and ending with a cardigan or jumper. If they need prompting, remind them which item comes next or hand them the one they need.
• If they are confused, give instructions in very small steps. You could say ‘Now put your arm through the sleeve’. It may also help to use gestures to demonstrate these instructions.
• Don’t worry if mistakes are made. An example of this is if they put something on the wrong way round. If it feels appropriate, humour may help ease any tension.
• Compliment them on the way they look. Encourage them to take pride in their appearance.
• If they like to wear accessories such as jewellery or a watch, help them to wear these. These can have sentimental value.
• If their clothing choices are risky (such as a long dress or coat that may cause someone to trip and fall), you may want to consider putting these away.

Shopping for clothes together

If you’re buying clothes for the person, try to take them with you. They can then choose the style and colours they prefer.

If going shopping and trying on clothes is difficult, you can order online. The person can then try on the clothes they like at home.

Here are some tips for shopping together:

• Shop in places that are familiar to them. Try to visit shops that match their style and preferences.
• If shop staff know the person, they should be able to help make the experience more enjoyable.
• Consider shopping during less busy times, or at smaller stores. Large, busy shops can be noisy and overwhelming.
• Check their size before buying. They may have lost or gained weight without realising.
• Buy from retailers who accept returns. The person can then choose the clothes they like and try them on at home. Trying on clothes in an unfamiliar changing room can be disorientating and difficult.
•  Ask for an accessible changing room if the person needs your help with trying on clothes. These usually have enough space for two people.
• Look for clothes that are machine washable at high temperatures and need little ironing, as this will save time. Easy-fasten clothes can also be helpful. 
• Consider buying more of the clothes that they like and are familiar with. They may not recognise that new clothes belong to them. If they have no memory of buying them, they may not want to wear them.