What to do when dementia patient refuses to change clothes
As a carer of seniors with dementia, you may be challenged by their reluctance to undress or change clothes. This makes managing regular daily tasks and personal hygiene difficult.
It is important to realise that it is the damage dementia does in their brain that causes unreasonable behaviours. Read the following list of possible causes to understand senior’s perspective for refusing to change clothes:
1. Impaired memory or judgement
The senior may have forgotten that they haven’t changed clothes in a long time and not even be aware how dirty their clothes are. They also are not able to make good choices, failing to understand the need to change clothes.
2. Need for control
Sometimes the older adult may feel like they have no control over their lives. This leads them to insist on their independent decision making, even if this may be a poor judgement.
3. Need for comfort and security
Some seniors may feel familiarity and comfort in wearing the same clothing. This may give them a sense of security, hence the reason they may not want to change clothes.
4. Difficulty with everyday tasks
Many older adults feel overwhelmed by constant body aches and struggle with physical motions. This makes even the simplest tasks like dressing up difficult to execute.
5. Discomfort and overstimulation
The clothing in use may overstimulate their senses by how it feels on the skin, the fit and even by patterns and colours.
6. Weakened or dulled senses
The older adult may be insensitive to odours or stains.
So what are ways you can help seniors change clothes without upsetting them?
*** Avoid using logic and reason
- Using criticism and forcing them to understand would only confuse the older adult. Put your logic aside and try to stay in the moment of the senior’s needs.
*** Be sneaky and act wisely
- Change clothes while the senior is asleep.
- Buy multiples of the same items the older adult likes wearing
- Quietly remove dirty clothes and replace with fresh clothes
*** Simplify the process
- Clear out the closet and make only a few clothes available. The limited options to choose from will make decision making simple.
- Avoid potentially distracting and confusing patterns.
- Choose clothes that are easy to put on and take off.
*** Make dressing a positive experience
- Tell them how much you would love to see them wearing something new.
- Compliment them on the way they look and encourage them to take pride in their appearance.
Helping a senior with dementia can be difficult. Living Waters Aged Care is here to help. We provide compassionate care that is personalised to every client’s unique needs.
Contact us today to find out the help you can receive.
