Which type of clothing is best for individuals with Alzheimer's?

According to research, as many as 9 out of 10 people with dementia will experience a behavioral symptom at some point, with dressing difficulties being a common challenge. Finding the right type of clothing is crucial for individuals with Alzheimer's to reduce frustration, maintain independence, and ensure comfort. This guide explores adaptive clothing solutions, fabric choices, and practical strategies to make dressing a more positive experience.

Quick Summary

Adaptive and comfortable clothing with easy closures like magnets or Velcro are ideal for individuals with Alzheimer's. Features such as elastic waistbands, soft fabrics, and open-back designs simplify dressing while enhancing dignity and reducing caregiver strain. Familiar styles and non-slip footwear also promote safety and comfort.

Key Points

• Prioritize Adaptive Clothing: Garments with easy closures like magnetic snaps or Velcro eliminate the struggle with buttons and zippers, promoting independence and reducing frustration.

• Choose Soft, Comfortable Fabrics: Opt for soft, stretchy materials like cotton, jersey, or bamboo with tagless interiors to prevent skin irritation and sensory overload.

• Simplify the Dressing Process: Use clothes with features like elastic waistbands, open backs, or side zippers that make dressing easier and less physically demanding for both the individual and caregivers.

• Focus on Safety: Select footwear with non-slip soles and choose clothing that is not too long or loose to minimize the risk of falls.

• Enhance Comfort and Dignity: Adaptive clothing is designed to look like regular fashion, preserving the individual's sense of style and self-esteem. Familiar styles can also provide comfort and reassurance.

• Establish a Consistent Routine: Laying out a limited selection of familiar clothes in the order they will be worn at the same time each day can reduce confusion and agitation.

Why Dressing Becomes a Challenge with Alzheimer's

As Alzheimer's progresses, the simple task of getting dressed can become a source of significant frustration and confusion. Memory loss affects a person's ability to sequence tasks, making it difficult to remember the order of putting clothes on. Fine motor skills may decline, turning small buttons, zippers, and clasps into insurmountable obstacles. Furthermore, changes in sensory perception can make certain fabrics feel irritating, while a loss of inhibition might lead to inappropriate undressing. An individual with Alzheimer's may also become overwhelmed by too many choices, a common problem known as 'closet overload'. Addressing these challenges requires a thoughtful approach to clothing selection and the dressing routine itself.

Key Features of the Best Clothing for Alzheimer's

Choosing the right clothing involves prioritizing ease, comfort, dignity, and safety. Adaptive clothing brands, like Joe & Bella, Silverts, and MagnaReady, specialize in garments with discreet modifications that look and feel like regular clothes.

Easy-to-use closures

Replacing traditional fasteners with simpler alternatives can make a world of difference for a person with dexterity issues.

• Magnetic buttons and closures: These snaps mimic traditional buttons but are held in place by strong magnets, allowing for one-handed dressing. They are especially helpful for those with arthritis or shaky hands.
• Velcro fasteners: A classic adaptive solution, Velcro is used on shirts, pants, and shoes to eliminate the need for fumbling with laces, buttons, or buckles.
• Elastic waistbands: For pants and skirts, a full elastic waistband removes the struggle of zippers and traditional buttons, making them easy to pull on and off.

Comfortable fabrics

Skin sensitivity can increase with Alzheimer's, so soft, breathable, and tag-free clothing is essential.

• Soft, stretchy materials: Cotton, jersey, bamboo, and modal are gentle on sensitive skin and allow for easier movement.
• Tagless designs: Scratchy tags can cause irritation and agitation. Many adaptive garments feature tag-free designs or flat seams to minimize discomfort.

Adaptive designs

Modifications that simplify the process for both the individual and the caregiver are highly beneficial.

• Open-back tops and dresses: Designed like hospital gowns, these garments allow a caregiver to dress someone without needing to pull the item over their head or lift their arms.
• Jumpsuits and one-piece outfits: For individuals who compulsively undress, a one-piece jumpsuit with a discreet back zipper can prevent inappropriate disrobing while providing comfort.

Safety and security

Selecting safe clothing is critical for preventing falls and other risks.

• Non-slip footwear: Slippers and shoes with textured, non-slip soles prevent falls, which are a major concern for seniors with balance issues. Velcro-strap or slip-on shoes are also safer than those with laces.
• Layering options: Layering is useful for individuals who cannot regulate their body temperature effectively. Front-opening cardigans and shawls are easy to put on and take off.

Comparison of Adaptive vs. Traditional Clothing

Feature	Adaptive Clothing	Traditional Clothing
Closures	Magnetic snaps, Velcro, and discreet zippers.	Small buttons, hooks, tight zippers, and laces.
Design	Often features open-back tops, elastic waists, and wide necklines.	Standard designs that require fine motor skills and full range of motion.
Comfort	Soft, stretchy, breathable, and tagless fabrics.	Fabrics vary, often with scratchy tags and restrictive seams.
Ease of Care	Many options are machine-washable and require little ironing.	Can require delicate handling or dry cleaning.
Impact on Independence	Promotes independence by simplifying the dressing process.	Can cause frustration and increase reliance on a caregiver.
Dignity	Mimics regular fashion to maintain self-esteem.	Can feel institutional or different from familiar clothing.

Strategies for an Easier Dressing Routine

Beyond the clothing itself, adopting a thoughtful routine can significantly reduce stress.

• Simplify choices: Limit the number of outfits available to just two. For example, lay out two shirts and ask, "Do you want to wear the blue one or the striped one?".
• Establish a routine: Getting dressed at the same time every day creates a predictable schedule, which is comforting for individuals with Alzheimer's.
• Lay out clothes in order: Arrange the outfit on a flat, non-patterned surface in the sequence it should be put on, from underwear to outerwear.
• Encourage independence: Allow the person to do as much as they can by themselves, providing simple, step-by-step guidance. Don't rush or show frustration.
• Buy duplicates: If an individual has a favorite outfit, buying several identical sets means they can wear their preferred clothing every day without sacrificing hygiene.
• Maintain dignity: When assisting, always maintain privacy by closing blinds or doors. Focus on creating a calm, respectful environment.

Conclusion

Choosing the best clothing for individuals with Alzheimer's is a process that evolves with the disease. Starting with adaptive clothing—featuring easy closures, comfortable fabrics, and safe designs—is a practical step towards promoting independence and reducing frustration for both the person and their caregiver. By combining adaptive wear with a predictable, calm, and respectful dressing routine, caregivers can transform a challenging daily task into a supportive and dignified experience. The right clothing is more than just practical; it is a tool for preserving a person's sense of self and comfort.

For more resources and support on caring for a loved one with dementia, consider visiting the Alzheimer's Society website.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of shoes are best for someone with Alzheimer's?

The best shoes are non-slip, well-fitting, and easy to put on, like slip-on styles or those with Velcro straps. Avoid shoes with laces, which can be difficult to manage and pose a tripping hazard.

Why do people with Alzheimer's insist on wearing the same clothes?

This is often a result of confusion and a need for familiarity and routine. Caregivers can address this by buying duplicates of favorite outfits, so a clean version is always available.

Should I dress someone with Alzheimer's if they resist?

If a person resists, it's best to try again a little later, as agitation can be temporary. Approaching the task calmly, maintaining privacy, and offering simple choices can help. Forcing the process can increase frustration for both parties.

How can adaptive clothing help caregivers?

Adaptive clothing, with its easy-to-use closures and accessible designs, reduces the physical strain and time required for caregivers to help someone get dressed. This can make the daily routine smoother and less stressful.

What if an individual with Alzheimer's undresses inappropriately?

This behavior can be a sign of confusion, discomfort, or loss of inhibition. Anti-strip jumpsuits or one-piece outfits with back zippers are available to prevent undressing while maintaining dignity and comfort.

Are specific colors better for individuals with dementia?

Some research suggests that soft, soothing colors like blues and greens can be calming, while complex patterns may cause agitation. However, personal preference is most important, so it's best to stick with colors the person has always enjoyed.

How should I handle unusual or mismatched clothing choices?

As long as the choice isn't harmful (e.g., wearing a heavy coat in summer), it is often better to accept unusual combinations to avoid a confrontation. Prioritizing the individual's comfort and independence is more important than achieving a perfectly coordinated outfit.