Introduction to Dressing a Person
The way people dress often tells us how they think about themselves. We choose the clothes we wear based on comfort and the image we wish to make with others. However, illness can make it difficult for a person to dress. For example, people with neurologic problems like Parkinson's disease or those affected by a stroke lose strength and the ability to use their fingers to put on or fasten clothing. Also, a person with arthritis may find it too painful or have stiffness that makes it hard to pull on underwear or stockings. Those with dementia might not be able to make choices on what to wear or they may not remember how to put on their clothes. A person with serious lung disease or chronic fatigue may not want to dress or change clothes.
When you care for a person who needs help with dressing, follow these guidelines:
- Keep the person as independent as possible
- Make the person comfortable
- Select clothing that the person can put on easily
- Follow a routine for dressing
- Give the person time to dress, do not rush
- Change clothes regularly
Also, when you care for someone in the home it is easy to become rushed. Show respect for the person by giving them time to dress. Make dressing an enjoyable time.
Here is Jim’s Story:
My mother has had Alzheimers disease for about three years. My sister and I share responsibility caring for her. Mom has gotten worse over time and although she gets around pretty well, there are many things she has forgotten how to do. One thing that often escapes her memory is the need to change her clothes each day. My sister usually helps mom dress, but there are times when her work schedule prevents her from being home, so I have to step in and help. We have learned that mom does best with a set routine. We place a new set of clothes for her to change into in the bathroom as she showers. We have had some of her clothing altered with Velcro fasteners as this makes it a lot easier to put on her blouses. Being patient is the key to success for my mom. She needs time to dress, and we make sure to not rush her by making dressing a relaxing time.