5 Top Tips Make It Easier to Help Seniors Get Dressed

Getting dressed and undressed is an everyday task that’s challenging for many older adults.

A variety of health conditions can make independent dressing difficult: Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, arthritis, limited mobility, surgery recovery, and others. Alium Adaptive Apparel shares 5 helpful dressing tips that make the process easier and smoother for both seniors and caregivers.
 
Getting dressed is a daily action that most of us take for granted.
We often don’t think twice about putting our arms up to dive into a sweater or reaching down to tie our shoes.
 
But in care giving situations, a person may have lost the ability to dress themselves and may need help. Sometimes, this can cause challenging situations.

1. Allow extra time for dressing
Allowing plenty of time each day for dressing and undressing helps the process feel more relaxed, calm, and pleasant. That makes it more likely that your older adult will cooperate and help with the process.

2. Give simple choices
No matter a person’s age or cognitive ability, people like to have choice in what they wear.
Providing two or three appropriate, seasonal options help seniors maintain a sense of self and of control through the act of choosing what to wear.
 
3. Check for skin issues
While you help someone get dressed, it also gives you a chance to check for any skin issues so you can help them stay as healthy and comfortable as possible.Pay particular attention to the buttocks, shoulder blades, elbows, and heels. It’s important to catch skin breakdown early to avoid open wounds and infections.
 
4. Reduce combative behaviors
When someone has Alzheimer’s or dementia, they may become combative when you try to help them dress or undress. Sometimes, changing your approach can help. Each person is different, so it’s a good idea to try different approaches or timing to see what works best for them.
Some people may feel more comfortable if they see you approaching and helping with their clothes. If what you’re doing isn’t clearly visible to them, they might feel startled or scared.
But others might feel defensive and get combative if you stand in front of them while helping them with dressing.
 
5. Search the Internet for specialized clothing and dressing tips
Many caregivers aren’t aware of how many resources there are that help with dressing.
Specialized clothing designed for seniors and caregivers is a growing part of the apparel industry innovative new products are constantly being developed.

For More specialized information on senior dress care tips please Click Here

BrightStar Care of Boulder, CO provides a full continuum of home care services comprised of companionship, personal care, dementia care, transportation, medication assistance, skilled nursing and more to improve clients’ health and quality of life.