Getting Dressed
Needing Assistance
The aging process is not kind on the joints. Flexibility and stability often become compromised, making dressing more of a challenge. This is why you often will see the elderly in housecoats or bathrobes. Simply put, it’s just too difficult. Daily dressing and undressing is an important component of eldercare. When an elderly person stays in pajamas all day, he/she is more likely to return to bed and sleep. Dressing represents activity and normalcy.
If your loved one does not want to get dressed, ask why? Perhaps it’s too difficult; perhaps vision is an issue; or it might be a confusing task. It might be because doing laundry or cleaning the clothes is too much trouble. It might also be a lack of interest. Any of these reasons are signs that you might need to see a doctor to assess whether or not a health issue is presenting.
Getting dressed is important and if your loved one needs help then you have to step in and help. If there is an outside caregiver in the home, make sure that this person understands that dressing each and every day (unless the elder is ill) is expected.
Reasons to Assist the Elder?
- A good time to practice exercise and range of motion. If a physical therapist has given your loved one exercises, this is a good time to do them.
- A good time to check for any cuts, scrapes, bruises, redness, tenderness or thinning of the skin.
- A good time to determine if the elder’s cognitive function is declining. Ask the elder to select the clothing to be worn and indicate that you will help with the dressing.
What to Wear?
It’s clearly easier for you to select the clothing that your loved one wears, however, allowing someone to select the clothing to be worn gives your loved one control and more of a say in life. Keeping someone independent as long as possible is important for emotional well being.
Make it Easy:
Get dressed in a warm room.
Allow your loved one to do as much independently as possible.
Select clothes that do not go over the head.
Choose clothing with Velcro or elastic waistbands. As seniors age hand dexterity becomes compromised. You can remove buttons and add Velcro. It’s easy to find pants with elastic waistbands.
Select bras with a front closure.
Choose tube socks. Avoid pantyhose or shaped socks.
Use elastic shoelaces or shoes with Velcro closures for easy on and off. Avoid slip-on shoes with no closure as they offer little support. Avoid shoes with open toes or shoes that are backless.
Purchase clothing aids, such as a long shoehorn or a dress aid that holds the sock open. You will need to teach the senior how to use them, but they increase independence. If the senior is struggling, step in and offer assistance.
Choose clothing that opens down the back. Easier on and off.
Buy several sets of your loved one’s favorite clothing. Fewer choices for decision-making.
Simple things like getting dressed every day become more challenging as we age. Helping someone maintain independence and dignity is critical for the emotional well being of the aging population. Good personal hygiene combined with clean clothing can make a huge difference in the quality of one’s life. Empowered Caregivers understand the importance of this.
