There are many ways you can help your loved one get dressed. Start by throwing away any clothes in the closet or dresser that he or she won't ever wear. This can eliminate a lot of confusion in choosing what to wear. So that your loved one can stay independent, don't choose exactly what they will wear each day. Instead, lay out a few outfit choices and let them make the decision for themselves.
Sometimes Alzheimer's patients prefer to wear the same outfit over and over again. This is perfectly fine, but unsanitary. If you find this is the case with your loved one, purchase duplicates of the same outfit so that they can wear clean clothes.
Alzheimer's patients are not only overwhelmed with clothing choices, but often forget how to put on clothes and where each article goes. Help them to stay independent by handing them one thing at a time to put on. Be descriptive and tell them exactly what to do with each thing rather than just saying "get dressed."
For instance, give them a pair of socks and ask them to put those socks on their feet. Repeat this with each article of clothing you give them. To make the process even easier and more fluent, make sure your loved one has non-slip, comfortable, slip-on shoes and replace difficult things, like zippers, buttons and snaps, with Velcro. This way your loved one doesn't need help with these items and it's easier and safer for them to get ready.
Alzheimer's patients often forget about basic grooming tasks, like brushing their hair or teat and shaving. Not only do they forget they need to do these things, but they may forget how to do them all together.
To encourage daily grooming, buy your loved ones favorite products so the activities are more enjoyable for them. Spend time with your loved one and get ready together so you can show them first hand how to do things and they can watch and mimic your activity.
There are some products that you will need to replace to ensure your loved one's safety. Things like razors and nail clippers should be replaced and you may need to help your loved one with these tasks so they don't injure themselves. For hair care, such as cuts, coloring or perms, see if you can find a hair dresser or barber that makes house calls because Alzheimer's patients often get anxious about going out in public. While someone with Alzheimer's may forget they need to do these things, it's important that they maintain their appearance so they keep dignity, a sense of independence and self pride, so help in any way you can. - 15343
Sometimes Alzheimer's patients prefer to wear the same outfit over and over again. This is perfectly fine, but unsanitary. If you find this is the case with your loved one, purchase duplicates of the same outfit so that they can wear clean clothes.
Alzheimer's patients are not only overwhelmed with clothing choices, but often forget how to put on clothes and where each article goes. Help them to stay independent by handing them one thing at a time to put on. Be descriptive and tell them exactly what to do with each thing rather than just saying "get dressed."
For instance, give them a pair of socks and ask them to put those socks on their feet. Repeat this with each article of clothing you give them. To make the process even easier and more fluent, make sure your loved one has non-slip, comfortable, slip-on shoes and replace difficult things, like zippers, buttons and snaps, with Velcro. This way your loved one doesn't need help with these items and it's easier and safer for them to get ready.
Alzheimer's patients often forget about basic grooming tasks, like brushing their hair or teat and shaving. Not only do they forget they need to do these things, but they may forget how to do them all together.
To encourage daily grooming, buy your loved ones favorite products so the activities are more enjoyable for them. Spend time with your loved one and get ready together so you can show them first hand how to do things and they can watch and mimic your activity.
There are some products that you will need to replace to ensure your loved one's safety. Things like razors and nail clippers should be replaced and you may need to help your loved one with these tasks so they don't injure themselves. For hair care, such as cuts, coloring or perms, see if you can find a hair dresser or barber that makes house calls because Alzheimer's patients often get anxious about going out in public. While someone with Alzheimer's may forget they need to do these things, it's important that they maintain their appearance so they keep dignity, a sense of independence and self pride, so help in any way you can. - 15343
About the Author:
Make sure you visit Brian Willie's Alzheimer's Legal ResourceCenter for FREE Alzheimer's Caregiver Tipstoday.