For many caregivers, helping a loved one with Alzheimer’s get dressed can be a daily challenge. As the disease progresses to later stages, it’s common for someone to refuse to wear appropriate outfits or to change into something clean.

You can help minimize the frustration around getting your loved one dressed by finding accessible clothing that’s easier to get on and off. Simplifying the number of choices in their closet can also keep them from getting overwhelmed or wearing too many clothes at once. Supply your loved one with clothing that’s right for the weather conditions and their daily activities to help prevent frustration for both of you.

Here are some tips to keep your loved one comfortable and content as you navigate the perpetual question of what to wear.

1. Choose Soft Fabrics

Everyone likes to feel cozy in their clothes. Members of myALZteam have mentioned that softer clothing is comforting for people with Alzheimer’s disease. “As I have become more into my own Alzheimer’s, I feel better with soft, warm clothing (during the winter),” shared one member. “I love my soft socks. I have a really nice, soft blanket that I put on my lap while watching television.”

When selecting clothing for your loved one, avoid irritating items. Stay away from itchy tags or scratchy, stiff fabrics. Soft, stretchy fabrics that feel comfy without being too hot or restrictive can help your loved one feel more at ease as they go through their day.

2. Find Reliable Shoes

People with Alzheimer’s disease have double the risk of falling compared to older adults without cognitive impairments. Falls can have serious consequences, causing hospitalization, anxiety, and disability. Lots of different factors can raise the risk of falls, including the wrong footwear.

Choosing the right shoes can make all the difference for your loved one with Alzheimer’s disease, not just for comfort, but also for safety. Take your loved one to a store where they can be fitted for the right shoe size. You can also ask their healthcare provider about what to look for when buying shoes for everyday wear. A shoe repair professional can help make safety modifications to your loved one’s shoes, such as adding more grip to the soles to prevent slips.

If the person you care for can’t tie laces, look for shoes that can slip on or shoes that close with zippers or fabric fasteners.

3. Use Layers

Some people with Alzheimer’s like to wear several layers of clothing. That’s OK, just be sure to help or remind them to take off some layers in warmer temperatures.

“My sister seems to stiffen up her arms, so getting on her tops has become a challenge,” explained a myALZteam member. Choose layering pieces that are easy to take off, like cardigans that open in the front instead of pullovers. Opting for bigger sizes that fit more loosely can also help.

4. Get Pull-On Pants or Skirts

People with Alzheimer’s may struggle with buttons and zippers on their clothing. Keep it simple and buy bottoms with an elastic waistband. Elastic waistband pants can be a lifesaver if your loved one has issues with using the bathroom. “I just ordered three pairs of elastic-waisted pants so he won’t pee on himself while trying to open the button,” one myALZteam member wrote. For women, a loose skirt or dress can also make undressing to use the toilet easier.

5. Add Fabric Fastener Closures

Tops designed for people with Alzheimer’s disease may close in the front with magnetic buttons or fabric fasteners. This can be easier for people with dementia than pulling tops over their heads. These options provide quicker ways to close a top in the front when fine motor skills are lacking or if you’re doing it for them.

If you add fasteners, you can sew buttons on top, so they still look like regular button-down shirts. You can also modify shorts and pants by placing fabric fastener patches behind the button closures instead of fussing with the button holes.

Simple changes that make daily tasks easier for your loved one are good for their confidence and independence. When you’re a caregiver, every little bit that your loved one can manage on their own helps lighten your load.

Be sure to close the fabric fasteners before you wash clothing to help it last longer.

6. Hire a Tailor

You can buy adaptive clothing that’s specially designed for people with dementia. But if your loved one has favorite pieces of clothing or doesn’t like wearing unfamiliar new clothes, you may want to modify what’s already in their closet.

Some changes are easy enough to do on your own with a basic sewing kit or some iron-on supplies. Otherwise, get a tailor to help adjust certain items of clothing to improve the usability of your loved one’s current wardrobe.

7. Buy Duplicates

If your loved one seems to gravitate toward the same pieces day after day, get multiples. There’s nothing wrong with wearing the same or similar clothing each day.

Having more than one copy of a favorite top or bottom will give you a chance to wash the alternates between wears. It also makes decision-making easier for them. “My mom also has several shirts that I know she loves to wear. I have multiples, so I can always include them as clothing options,” shared a myALZteam member.

“Choices are very hard for a person with dementia,” explained another member. “It’s much easier to put on the same thing. So, you need to be proactive if possible. If you are there with her at the close and/or start of her day, remove the old clothes and put them in the laundry at night. Then, lay out new ones for her in the morning. Get her used to that routine, and it won’t be an issue. You can give her a choice between, say, two tops or whatever, but keep it simple (things that aren’t too much alike) and limited (no more than two choices),” they suggested.

Talk With Others Who Understand

On myALZteam, the social network for people with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers, members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share stories with others who understand life with Alzheimer’s disease.

Have you found Alzheimer’s clothing that makes self-dressing easier? If you help dress your loved one, what clothing features make the dressing process smoother? Share in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.