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 Greater Indiana Chapter, 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 have intentionally designed closets in every room to help alleviate the stress of too many choices.
3. Choose Comfortable, Simple Clothing
Look for clothing that is easy to put on and take off — elastic waistbands, Velcro shoes, or front-closure tops. Avoid tricky buttons, zippers, or tight-fitting items unless they are necessary for warmth or comfort.
4. Use Visual Cues
Lay clothes out in the order they should be put on, or hand them over one item at a time. You might say, “Let’s start with your shirt,” while gently guiding the process.
5. Offer Gentle Encouragement
Stay calm and supportive. If your loved one resists changing clothes, try again later rather than forcing the issue. Reframing the activity as “getting ready to go outside” or “dressing for breakfast” can also help reduce anxiety.
6. Respect Personal Style
Whenever possible, try to choose clothing that reflects your loved one’s tastes and preferences. Wearing familiar colors or favorite outfits helps maintain a sense of identity and comfort.
7. Celebrate Small Wins
Even partial independence — like slipping an arm into a sleeve or choosing between socks — is worth celebrating. Encouragement fosters confidence.
When to Consider Extra Help
If getting dressed is becoming a daily struggle, you’re not alone. Memory care homes like Story Cottage are designed to take the stress out of everyday tasks for families while ensuring your loved one is treated with dignity and compassion. Our caregivers provide gentle, personalized assistance while fostering independence whenever possible.
At Story Cottage, We Make Mornings Peaceful
Our goal at Story Cottage is to offer structure, warmth, and familiarity from the moment each resident wakes up. Our personalized routines include assistance with dressing and grooming in a way that feels comforting and non-intrusive.
If your family is beginning to explore dementia care options, we’re here to help. Contact our team to learn how Story Cottage blends personalized memory care with the comforts of home.