How to Help an Aging Relative Get Dressed

By Andy Niska | February 22, 2018 |

When you agree to become your elderly relative’s caregiver, you are giving them a quality of life that they cannot achieve on their own. Illness, injury, disease, and age-related chronic conditions can force elderly adults to increase their reliance on elder care assistants and family members. One of the areas that usually requires help is when seniors need to get dressed for the day.

Elder Care in Spokane Valley WA: Helping a Senior Get Dressed

When an elderly relative is unable to dress themselves or can only do so with great difficulty, family caregivers can step in. You’ll soon find that getting dressed and looking their best is a big deal to many seniors and it really does help their self-esteem when they are completely ready for the day.

The first thing that you need to do is to evaluate clothing choices. Often, seniors and family caregivers can purge many items in the wardrobe that no longer fit or are otherwise impractical. Clothes that are stained, torn, outdated or hard to clean should also be discarded. Keep the clothes that are loose, comfortable and lend themselves to easy wear.

When it is time to help your elderly relative to get dressed, allow them to choose the outfit they are wearing. Many people don’t want to cooperate because they don’t like being told what to do. Allow them to pick the outfit and do as much as they can for themselves. For example, they may be able to put their legs in the pants but need help maneuvering them up to the waist. You should also genuinely praise them for all efforts they make.

Feel free to use any dressing aides that are on the market. These tools can make it easier for both of you to get the job done. Examples include sock supports, button closer, zipper puller, and long-handled shoe horn. Occupational therapists, elder care assistants, and even a doctor may be able to advise on all the different kinds of dressing aides out there that may benefit your aging relative.

Finally, allow plenty of time for your elderly loved one to dress with your help. Rushing through it can leave them frustrated and anxious. You’ll want to remain patient with them and respect their privacy as best you can. Many family caregivers and seniors develop a routine where they get dressed at the same time each morning and put the same articles of clothing on in the same order. This can help you both develop a routine you are comfortable with and prepares you for what is coming next.

Helping your elderly relative look and feel their best will have an impact on their physical and mental health. If they can maintain their appearance in a way that pleases them, they will have a higher self-esteem and feel better about themselves and their situation. When you add this important task in with the rest of your elder care duties, you’ll be able to manage the responsibilities of caregiving with respect and compassion.

If you or an aging loved one are considering elder care in Spokane Valley, WA, please contact the friendly staff at Love at Home Senior Care, today. Call (509) 204-4088

Source:

https://www.alz.org/care/alzheimers-dementia-dressing.asp

Author
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Andy Niska

Owner at Love In Home Senior Care

Andy has over 20+ years experience in the medical community and has a true compassion for seniors. With a degree in Health Care Administration, he developed a background in a variety of health care services that only comes from first hand experience. While working as a manager of a large clinic and as an account executive for medical suppliers. Andy has built valuable relationships with the medical community.

His role in Love In Home Senior Care is to educate people on what care choice is the best fit for the senior and their family while attempting to make this decision as stress-free as possible for everyone involved.

This decision making process should be smooth and stress free for everyone, including all family members and their loved ones. Having access to people with experience (like the team at Love In Home Senior Care) to assist you along the way can help this process. With an extensive background in health care, Andy has the experience needed to guide and direct your loved one to the choice that is the best fit.