How to Help an Alzheimer's Patient Dress

As a caregiver for an Alzheimer's patient, it's important to allow the patient to retain as much dignity and independence as possible. Every Alzheimer's patient's experience with dementia is unique, and the caregiver can help her continue to use as many skills as possible. A routine activity, such as getting dressed, may be one of the areas where you can allow her to participate in her care with some assistance.

Instructions

• 1

  Allow plenty of time for getting dressed every morning. The short attention span of someone with any type of dementia makes it difficult for him to perform even the simplest of tasks. Getting dressed in the morning is an important ritual. It gives a sense of hope and usefulness to get up and get ready for the day.

• 2

  Encourage the Alzheimer's patient to do as much as they can themselves while offering encouragement and help when necessary. As the disease progresses, he'll be able to do less for himself, but repetition and a constant routine will help him to retain simple skills for as long as possible.

• 3

  Perform the same routine every morning. Lay the clothes out in the same order that they go on. Choose clothes with easy fasteners and simple lines and offer them to her one piece at a time so she can dress herself, if possible.

• 4

  Monitor his progress and offer assistance when necessary, trying to work with him rather than taking over and doing it for him. Encourage him to do the things he can do for as long as possible. You may feel like jumping in and doing everything for him, but he will lose confidence and become more discouraged if he feels he is unable to do some things for himself.

• 5

  Join an Alzheimer's support group in your community if you have a family member or friend diagnosed with this illness. You'll also need support and education about the disease process for your health and state of mind as a caregiver.