Dressing with Dementia: Tips for Simplifying the Morning Routine
Mornings can be a beautiful start to the day — but for someone living with dementia, getting dressed can quickly become confusing, frustrating, or overwhelming. At Story Cottage, our caregivers are trained to support residents through every step of the day, including dressing, with a calm and simplified approach that prioritizes comfort and dignity.
If you’re caring for a loved one with dementia at home, here are some practical tips to make dressing easier and more peaceful for both of you.
Why Dressing Can Be Challenging
Dementia affects memory, sequencing, and decision-making. Your loved one might forget how to put clothes on in the correct order, struggle with fasteners, or become anxious when faced with too many choices. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, reducing stress and simplifying daily tasks can significantly improve quality of life for both the person with dementia and their caregiver.
Tips for Simplifying the Dressing Routine
Here are caregiver-tested strategies that can make mornings more manageable:
1. Stick to a Routine
Keeping the same wake-up and dressing schedule each day helps reduce confusion. If your loved one always got dressed after breakfast, try to maintain that order. Familiar routines help orient and soothe those with memory loss.
2. Limit Clothing Options
Too many choices can be overwhelming. Lay out one or two outfits and let your loved one choose. Or, pre-select clothes yourself and offer verbal encouragement throughout the process. At Story Cottage, we design closets to make outfit selection easier and less stressful.
3. Choose Comfortable, Simple Clothing
Opt for easy-to-wear items like elastic waistbands, Velcro shoes, or front-closure tops. Avoid tricky buttons, zippers, or tight-fitting clothes unless necessary for warmth or comfort.
4. Use Visual Cues
Lay clothing out in the order it should be worn, or hand over one item at a time. Use simple prompts like, “Let’s start with your shirt,” to guide the process.
5. Offer Gentle Encouragement
Stay patient and reassuring. If your loved one resists, take a break and try again later. Reframing the task as “getting ready for breakfast” or “dressing to go outside” can help ease anxiety.
6. Respect Personal Style
Include your loved one’s favorite colors, fabrics, and styles when possible. Wearing familiar clothing helps maintain identity and comfort.
7. Celebrate Small Wins
Celebrate even small acts of independence — like choosing socks or slipping on a cardigan. These moments boost confidence and self-esteem.
When to Consider Extra Help
If dressing is becoming a daily struggle, you’re not alone. Memory care communities like Story Cottage take the stress out of daily routines while providing compassionate, respectful support. Our trained caregivers assist with dressing in ways that preserve dignity and encourage independence.
At Story Cottage, We Make Mornings Peaceful
We provide structure, warmth, and familiarity from the moment each resident wakes up. Personalized routines include assistance with dressing and grooming that feels comfortable and non-intrusive.
If your family is exploring dementia care options, contact us to learn how Story Cottage blends personalized memory care with the comforts of home.