Clothes For People With Dementia

August 18, 2022

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The Best Adaptive Clothing For Seniors

Dementia Caregiving Dressing

Chacour Koop

For aging loved ones and their caregivers, dressing can be a difficult or time-consuming part of the day. Perhaps your dad is having trouble buttoning his shirt, or your mom can no longer zip her favorite dress. Seniors who use wheelchairs may have trouble putting on pants even with the help of others. Tying shoes can be confusing for seniors living with dementia.

Keep Caregivers And Patients Safe

Both the patient and the caregiver are at risk while dressing a patient with little or no movement. Lifting a patient inappropriately or without a mobility belt puts your back in danger, and becoming caught in the garments might cause you to slip or fall.

Adaptive makes it a lot easier to put on and take off the clothing without gnarling the fabric. Additionally, nurses are at high risk for work-related injuries, particularly back pain therefore, doing everything you can to decrease the chances of an accident is beneficial.

Clothes that dont keep up with the changing physical and cognitive needs of older folks can be risky. When attempting to wear non-adaptive clothing, adults may slip and fall or damage their arms or legs when removing them.

Some seniors, especially those living with dementia, may feel compelled to take off their clothes. Anti-strip clothing for such people isnt new, but its getting much better.

Why People With Dementia Develop Problems With Dressing

Often, the person living with dementia copes with confusion and memory loss by adhering to a routine. Routines in dementia can be comforting and feel safe for the person, such as wearing the same outfit every day.

Because dementia affects the physical functioning of a person as the disease progresses, it can become more difficult to physically handle the task of dressing as well.

Dressing can also be an area where a loved one tries to maintain her independence by choosing her own clothing. When this ability begins to decrease, she may cling to it despite the difficulties as a way to make her own choices.

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Less Hassle For Caregiver

From the caregiver point of view, the use of the onesie can simplify many daily tasks that could otherwise take up more of their time. For example, they can dress their charge quickly and with less hassle. In addition, they wont have to worry about any undressing or diaper issues over the course of the day. They can handle these things as necessary instead of having to be alert at all times.

The Bear Hug Onesie, is something that can be worn by anyone at any time. It is made from 95% cotton and 5% spandex, giving the wearer the utmost level of comfort and flexibility. And not only does the onesie come in unisex sizessmall, medium, and large–, the colors availablenavy blue and burgundycan be worn by both men and women.

Some may see a onesie as being juvenile, but the truth is that it can be of great assistance. Just like how a onesie can make a caregivers life simpler when caring for a baby or toddler that requires nearly constant attention, it helps lessen the burden on a dementia patients caregiver, all while keeping their charge looking clean and sleek.

That is why we at Dementia Aide recommend the Bear Hug Onesie as a well-suited gift for individuals with late stage Alzheimers or any other dementias. Besides, everyone loves receiving gifts, whether its the holidays or not.

Dealing With Difficult Behavior

Silverts Dementia And Alzheimers Clothing Dignity Jumpsuit

Caregiving for a loved one with dementia can be especially difficult because of the common personality and behavior changes. However, creative problem-solving, adaptability, patience, and empathy will get you far in the face of these problems.

In addition, youll benefit more from life if you can stay calm and take a second to think before reacting in these types of situations.

First, keep in mind the following guidelines:

Theres Nothing We Can do to Alter The Persons Character

Damage in the brain is happening as a result of dementia.

Theres a good chance you wont be successful or that theyll push back if you try to manage or alter his conduct. Consider how crucial it is to:

Strive to Modify The Environment Rather Than The Individuals Behavior

Keep in mind that modifications can be made, either to our actions or our surroundings. Changing how we act can profoundly affect how our loved ones act toward us.

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Eating a healthy diet is an excellent memory loss remedy. It should consist of fruits and vegetables, as well as whole grains and low-fat proteins. Avoid alcohol and drugs, which can also cause confusion and memory loss. Its important to follow your doctors recommendations, and review your medications regularly. If you suspect a medical condition, you may want to consult a medical professional for a diagnosis and treatment. This way, a physician can prescribe the right medication. Clothing for People With Dementia

Eating a healthy diet is an effective memory loss remedy. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables can improve your memory. A balanced diet can also help you to retain information longer. Try to consume at least five servings of these foods a day. The berries contain anthocyanins and flavonoids, which can be very helpful in fighting memory loss. A study of 16,000 women found that those who ate more berries were less likely to suffer from cognitive decline. Turmeric root contains a substance called curcumin, which is found in high concentrations. This compound is a powerful antioxidant that has anti-inflammatory effects.

How Can Adaptive Clothing Help Alzheimers Patients

As your loved one progresses through Alzheimers disease, they may begin to develop undressing issues throughout the day. Adaptive clothing helps keep your loved one dressed throughout the day, with back snaps and zips placed where the wearer cannot reach, but a caregiver can. This will maintain your loved ones dignity and keep them dressed throughout the day. A caregiver will need to be present to help undress to go to the bathroom. Resident Essentials has several adaptvie clothing optionals available for men and women, including tops, pants and jumpsuits. For more information on adaptive clothing, contact us today by filling out our online request form or requesting a catalog.

Adaptive Clothing For Seniors With Dementia

Adaptive clothing brands sell apparel specially designed for seniors living with Alzheimers disease and other forms of dementia. These clothes can lessen confusion or discourage untimely undressing.

Ovidis offers apparel for an array of needs, but the company was founded upon the shared experiences of caring for loved ones with Alzheimers disease. If you need clothing to help prevent disrobing, the company sells anti-strip jumpsuits for women and men.
The Able Label sells clothing with elastic waistbands, pull-on pants, and Velcro fastenings as part of its line of clothing for people with dementia. Theyre based in the United Kingdom, so shipments to the U.S. can take a few days longer.

Less Pressure And Pain

Dementia Dish – Adaptive Clothing

Wearing conventional clothing is difficult and even painful for many people, especially those with restricted movement. If you sit or lie down for long periods, heavy fabric seams, such as those seen in denim pants, can strain your body. Joint pain patients may find it difficult to get into and out of tight normal clothing.

Furthermore, everyday clothes may put far more stress on the surgical wound or rub against it, causing discomfort and agony in post-operative patients. Because of this, adapted clothing has minimum seams for maximum comfort and broad openings to make dressing easier, especially for those with restricted joint movement.

If You Do This When Dressing Get Checked For Dementia

More than 5.8 million Americans live with dementia, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and while diagnosing dementia, which is described as the loss of cognitive functioning thinking, remembering, and reasoning to such an extent that it interferes with a person’s daily life and activities by the National Institute on Aging, can be a challenge at times, particularly in the early stages, there are signs to watch out for that indicate someone has the condition like have difficulty dressing. Eat This, Not That! Health talked with Dr. Elise Eifert, Assistant Professor, Gerontology Program, UNC Greensboro who explained the signs of dementia to watch out for and tips for how to help someone with dementia with dressing. Read on to find out moreand to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs COVID is Hurting YouEven After a Negative Test.

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If youre experiencing memory loss, you should go to a doctor. Your doctor will perform a physical exam and ask about your symptoms. He or she will also ask you about your medication and any stress youre experiencing. After the exam, he or she will likely ask you to make an appointment with a neuropsychologist. If youre unable to recall the details of your doctor, you may want to consult another healthcare provider.

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Key Features To Look For In Dementia Clothing

Once youve evaluated what you need from the adaptive clothing, youre ready to start shopping. When shopping for clothing for a dementia patient, look for the following key features.

Stretchable, durable fabrics. Loose-fitting and stretchable materials, especially at the waist and hips, allow for easier movement. If the fabric is also durable, it will last longer and hold up better in case of an accident.
Velcro fasteners or zippers. For someone with poor dexterity, small buttons and tricky fasteners are difficult if not impossible to navigate. Velcro fasteners and zippers are an excellent, easier alternative to speed up the process.
Nonslip shoes and socks. Accidental slips and falls are common among seniors with dementia due to poor balance and decreased muscle mass. Help your loved one keep their feet on the ground by purchasing shoes and socks with good tread and nonslip soles.
Soothing colors and patterns. You want your loved one to feel at ease, so avoid features that may agitate them. For example, colors can have an outsized impact on dementia patients, so try to choose ones your loved one will find soothing, like blue or green.
Clothing that fastens in the back. This is especially beneficial if your loved one has an issue with repeated disrobing. Having the fastener in the back limits their ability to undress themselves and, in turn, helps prevent potential embarrassment.

Adaptable Shirts And Sweaters

Tops designed for seniors with dementia often have features adapted to disabilities like poor dexterity and limited mobility. Features like a wider neck hole or Velcro fasteners in place of small buttons make dressing and undressing much easier. Moreover, the ability to do this with no or minimal assistance can boost a seniors confidence and self-worth.

Buck & Bucks Smart Adaptive Mens Dress Shirt is a classic mens button-down shirt, but it has substituted concealed Velcro fasteners for the buttons. The shirt has 3-inch cuffs and broad shoulders that make for easier movement, dressing, and undressing. This option is perfect for men whod like to dress up but must do so with limited mobility or dexterity.
The Able Labels Camilla Cotton Seersucker Velcro Shirt is a similar option for women. This stylish, quick-drying 3/4-sleeve shirt is non-iron and features a concealed Velcro fastener. A shirt like this is easy for a dementia patient to put on with minimal assistance. Plus, its crisp and stylish look just might boost your loved ones self-esteem.

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Men’s Alzheimers Clothing Styles

Choose from our Alzheimers clothing for men based upon the persons ability to dress himself. The person dresses independently , needs help to dress or undresses inappropriately.

Mens Alzheimers Clothing Dresses Independently/Self Dresser

Sweatsuits are a great choice for the man who can still dress independently, but needs to follow simple dressing steps for success.

The easy wear pull over the head polo shirt is sure to make self dressing doable! In addition to our polo shirts, we have a variety of other shirts and t-shirts that you may select from.
Putter pants are simply any kind of pant with a stretchy, all elastic waist. Most come with a traditional zipper fly, but we also have them available with a VELCRO® Brand hook and loop fly and clasp to make self dressing easier.
A zip-front cardigan style may be easier than a traditional button front for an Alzeimer’s patient to put on and close. This fleece jacket zips up the front and can encourage self dressing.
All of our men’s pajamas are full cut for comfort. Don’t forget to look at the rest of our nightwear collection.
Plenty of shorts and other underwear should be added to his wardrobe. Let us help you build up his collection with the right garments.

Mens Alzheimers Clothing Needs help to Dress/Assisted Dressing

Mens Alzheimers Clothing Inappropriate Undresser

Gain A Deeper Perspective

Identify and trends, patterns, or unmet needs that may be contributing to them removing their clothes.

The following are some of the reasons why someone you care about or a patient might undress:

Discomfort

Its possible that their garments are overly restrictive or too irritating. They may have tags inside the clothing that are itching them, or they the clothes may be restrictive, making them feel they cant breathe or move. They could feel the need to use the restroom and mistake the space they are in for one.

Hallucination

In the later stages of dementia, it is normal for people to report hearing, seeing, or feeling things that are not real. For example, an older person can have hallucinations that make them think they need to undress.

These hallucinations could be as simple as thinking its time for bed or as weird as thinking bugs are crawling on their skin.

Sexual Causes

A senior experiencing Alzheimers disease or dementia may, on occasion, remove their clothing in order to fondle themselves.

However, if they are out in public, it is likely that they are oblivious or unconcerned about the fact that this is not an appropriate moment to do so.

Problems With The Environment

Noise, people, bright lights and clutter in the room can be distracting for a person with dementia trying to get dressed. Some older people, and especially those with dementia, have different temperature needs. Sometimes you will feel that it is oppressively hot inside the house, while the person with dementia finds the temperature quite comfortable.

What to try

Remove other distracting items such as out-of season clothes
Make sure the room is warm enough for the person with dementia
Provide adequate lighting. Also make sure that the light in the wardrobe is at the same brightness as the light in the room, so that the person wont have to get used to different light levels.

Possible Causes For Refusing To Change Clothes

Women’s Alzheimer’s Jumpsuit – Anti-Strip Suit for Dementia for Women

Understanding what could be causing someones refusal to change clothes can help you find an approach that works.

It also gives some perspective on the situation and can help you realize that your older adult isnt doing this on purpose.

1. Impaired memory or judgement

Forgets that they havent changed clothes in a long time or thinks that they changed recently
Forgets that the clothes are dirty after taking them off
Is no longer making good choices

2. Need for control

Insists on independently making their own choices even if their judgement is impaired

3. Need for comfort and security

Is comforted by the familiarity or routine of wearing the same clothing

4. Struggles with everyday tasks

Is overwhelmed by the choices and steps needed to get dressed
Has difficulty with the physical motions required to dress and undress
Has body aches and pains or being easily fatigued makes changing clothes and/or doing laundry too difficult

5. Feeling overstimulated or uncomfortable

Avoids clothing items that have distracting patterns or colors, difficult fasteners, or uncomfortable fit

6. Weakened or dulled senses

Cant smell the odors caused by wearing soiled clothing
Doesnt notice or see stains or dirt

Seek Out Community Help

You are among a large and growing community of people who are providing care for a loved one with dementia, so you should not feel isolated. Find local resources such as the Alzheimers Association or other groups that can assist you in your time of need.

There will be good days and bad days, just as there will be for the person you are caring for. Learn coping mechanisms to use on tough days.

Forgetting How To Dress

Some people with dementia cant remember whether they are getting dressed or undressed. In addition, they may forget to change their clothes, put them on in the wrong order or put on many layers of clothes. They may realise they have an item of clothing but have no idea which part of the body it goes on.