DEMENTIA / ALZHEIMER’S DRESSING GUIDE

Pic Courtesy- Julia Zyablova ( pixabay.com) 

What does the term Dementia mean?

Dementia is a condition that affects the brain. It causes the brain to shrink and lose neurons, which affects memory and thinking skills. There are many types of dementias but the most common types are Alzheimer's Disease and Vascular Dementia. Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia in older adults, but it can also occur in younger adults with Down syndrome or who have a family history of Alzheimer's. Vascular dementia occurs when there's a problem with blood flow to the brain, usually from stroke or traumatic brain injury.

There are many symptoms that can help doctors diagnose dementia, including memory loss and difficulty with problem solving, language, or judgement and reasoning skills.

Pic Courtesy: Roman Kraft- unsplash.com

Why do individuals with dementia take their clothes off?
Dementia patients may take their clothes off for a variety of reasons, including confusion, disorientation, and difficulty with communication. As dementia progresses, patients may experience a loss of inhibitions and a reduced ability to understand social norms, which can lead them to engage in behaviours that are socially inappropriate, such as removing their clothing in public.

Pic Courtesy - fabrikasimf (freepik.com)

Additionally, some patients may experience physical discomfort or pain that they are unable to communicate effectively, leading them to remove their clothing in an attempt to alleviate their discomfort. In some cases, dementia patients may also experience hallucinations or delusions that lead them to believe that their clothing is uncomfortable, dirty, or otherwise problematic, which can also contribute to clothing removal behaviors.

Overall, clothing removal in dementia patients can be a challenging and distressing behaviour for caregivers and loved ones to manage, but it is important to approach the issue with empathy and understanding, and to work with healthcare professionals to develop strategies for managing the behaviour in a safe and respectful manner.

Dressing can be difficult for the following reasons: 

Memory impairment: Dementia can cause memory impairment, which can make it challenging for individuals to remember how to dress themselves and the steps involved in the process.

Loss of motor skills: As dementia progresses, individuals may experience a loss of motor skills, making it difficult to manipulate clothing, fasten buttons, and zip up zippers.

Difficulty with spatial awareness: Dementia can cause difficulty with spatial awareness, which can make it challenging for individuals to identify the appropriate clothing to wear and to coordinate their outfits.

Lack of coordination: As dementia progresses, individuals may experience a lack of coordination, making it challenging to put on and take off clothing.

Resistance to change: Dementia can cause individuals to become resistant to change, including changes in their clothing and daily routines.

Inability to communicate: Dementia can cause individuals to lose the ability to communicate effectively, which can make it challenging to express their preferences for clothing or to ask for assistance with dressing.

Caregiver availability: Dementia patients may require assistance with dressing, but may not have a caregiver available to provide the necessary support.

How Adaptive Clothing helps with Dementia/Alzheimer’s?

Adaptive clothing can be extremely beneficial for individuals with Dementia or Alzheimer's. These types of clothes are specifically designed with features that make dressing and undressing easier for people who struggle with motor skills or cognitive impairment. Adaptive clothing may have larger openings or fastenings that are easier to manipulate, eliminating the need for complex movements. This can significantly reduce the frustration and confusion that people with Dementia or Alzheimer's often experience while getting dressed. Additionally, adaptive clothing can help to maintain a person's dignity and independence by allowing them to dress themselves without assistance from caregivers. Overall, adaptive clothing can greatly improve the quality of life for people with Dementia or Alzheimer's by reducing stress and promoting independence in daily activities.

What are Jumpsuits, Dignity-suits, Cover alls, All-in-one and over-alls?

Those are specially designed garments that offer the ultimate convenience and practicality. The garments are designed to imitate the look of a blouse and trousers, but in reality, it is a single, seamless piece that can be worn as a whole. They usually have a fastening at the back to prevent the individual from inappropriately undressing.

Specifically intended for people who are incontinent and cannot stay away from their incontinence products during the day. The garments are also suitable for individuals who have a tendency to undress themselves at random, providing them with reliable and discreet protection.

Below are some useful tips we suggest for simplifying the process of dressing:

WEAR A COMFORTABLE FABRIC -
Adaptive clothes are specially designed to meet the unique needs of individuals with physical or cognitive disabilities. When selecting adaptive clothing, it's important to choose fabrics that are comfortable and gentle on the skin. Some individuals with disabilities may experience swelling or rashes, so it's essential to select fabrics that won't exacerbate these issues. Soft, breathable fabrics like cotton and bamboo are good options for people with sensitive skin. Additionally, adaptive clothing often  features like adjustable closures and elastic waistbands to ensure a comfortable fit that accommodates a range of body types and shapes.

Here are few suggested products:

Women’s Wear
Ladies All-in-One Pyjamas with Long Sleeves
Ladies All-in-One Pyjamas with Short Sleeves
Ladies B Warm Embroidered Jacket
Ladies Soft Close Poncho

Men’s Wear
Interlock Cotton Completely Open Back Nightshirt with Long Sleeves 
Cotton Pyjamas with Popper Fastenings 
Pure Cotton Interlock Back Opening Nightshirt with Popper Fastenings 
One Polo Shirt and Trousers 

CHOOSE ADAPTIVE CLOTHING FOR YOUR FASHION NEEDS
Dressing someone with Alzheimer's using overhead clothing can cause discomfort and distress. Choosing garments that fully open in the front /back or side , soft fasteners, poppers, elasticated waist can offer an ideal solution.

Here are a few suggested products:

Women’s Wear
Ladies All-in-One Daywear Jumpsuit 
Open back adaptive blouse

Men’s Wear
Men’s Polo zipped tshirt
Adaptive shirt

ADUL BIB, WATERPROOF WASHABLE MEALTIME CLOTHES
This adult bib for women and men is both waterproof and oil-resistant, effectively safeguarding against mealtime spills and stains on your clothing.

Here are few suggested products:

For Women
Women's Adaptive Waterproof T-Shirt: V-Neck 
Towelling Feeding Cape with Waterproof Backing 
Terry Towelling Tabard with Waterproof Backing - M035

For Men Wear
Men's Adaptive Waterproof T-Shirt 
Waterproof Adult T-Shirt Bib

Unisex adult bib
Adult Bib With Full Width Waterproof Back and Poppers 

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