Dressing

For seniors with memory loss, loose-fitting, comfortable clothing that is easy to put on is highly valuable, indeed. However, pay attention that the clothing is not too loose. You certainly don't want to have hanging sleeves or pant legs that could get caught on something. Pull over clothes are more difficult for individuals that have forgotten how to dress. For instance, in general, buttons are much easier for them than pull overs. 


As for their shoes, the best approach is to have easy to put on, non-slip, skid-proof shoes. Loafers, velcro tennis shoes or clogs tend to make good choices. The most important thing is that the shoes be comfortable and safe.

At some point, people with memory loss become uninhibited and may even begin taking off their clothes at inappropriate times. If you find yourself in this situation, one solution is to try turning their clothes inside out, such that the buttons are not on the outside of the blouse or shirt, but on the inside.  This approach is slightly more difficult; but, in the long term, it may save you both a great deal of embarrassment.

It's much more convenient if you lay out their clothes the night before. Very often, they will get up at the crack of dawn and try to get dressed. This could take them an hour or more and keep them very quiet and content. If they come out all caddywompus, don't say anything. If they aren't going anywhere, and it doesn't matter, just leave them the way they are. There is no reason to upset them and point out what they did wrong, especially if this is embarrassing to them. 


If you are with them when they get dressed, just give them simple directions, such as "This is your shirt. These are your pants." Give them basic instructions. Directions should be one task at a time. "First, put on your shirt. Now put on your pants. Okay, now put on your socks."

Let them do as much as they can for themselves. They need this independence.  Don't forget to tell them how great they look!