Your parent may ultimately have difficulty dressing themselves. This may be due to the pains of arthritis, a recent surgery or illness, or one of the forms of dementia that leave them unable to remember many of their daily routines. Fortunately, there are techniques and tools you can use to make this process easier. Always remember to let your parent do as much as they can on their own until it’s apparent that it has become frustrating for them or they request your help.
Setting a Routine
A routine helps your aging parent know what to expect. Set out two choices on the bed and keep it at the same time every day. If they have no problem with memory or confusion, let them pick out their own clothes and just be there for them should difficulty arise. Maybe they enjoy a leisurely breakfast in their pajamas and then find their way into their clothes around 10 am. Determine what works best for the both of you and stick to it.
Choice of Clothes
If they are suffering from dementia and are prone to picking out warm winter clothing in July, pare it down so that they only have access to clothing that’s appropriate for the particular season you’re in. If they have gotten fond of a particular set of clothes and appear to only want to wear them, see if you can find duplicates or similar options. If they are determined to wear a purple shirt with an orange skirt, that’s okay. You never know, it may be the next rage.
Depending on their level of mobility and awareness, you may need to hand your parent each item as it is required. This helps minimize confusion. If your parent has arthritis, there are tools that are designed to help make dressing easier. These include buttoning and zipping aids, sock aids, long handle shoe horns, dressing sticks and bend aids hip replacement kits for those who have been through hip surgery. Make sure that your loved one has clothes that are easy to take on and off. This may include elastic waist pants and shirts with large buttons. You can also substitute Velcro for buttons and snaps for zippers.
Tips for parents who have had a stroke or are in pain: Place their weak or painful side into their shirt before their strong side and reverse the process when it comes time to take it off.
Elderly Care Provider
An elderly care provider can offer assistance with the everyday activities of living. They’ve helped numerous adults with limiting capabilities find a routine and a way of dressing that leaves them feeling empowered and contributing to their care. Let them provide you with the respite care that every caregiver needs.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering Senior Care in Bel Air, CA, please call Mom's Home Care and talk to our friendly, knowledgeable staff.
Our number is 323-244-4789.
