The way people dress often tells us how they think about themselves. We choose the clothes we wear based on comfort and the image we wish to make with others. However, illness can make it difficult for a person to dress.
For example, people with neurological problems, like Parkinson’s disease or those affected by a stroke, lose strength and the ability to use their fingers to put on or fasten clothing. Also, a person with arthritis may find it too painful or have stiffness that makes it hard to pull on underwear or stockings.
Those with dementia might not be able to make choices on what to wear or they may not remember how to put on their clothes. A person with serious lung disease or chronic fatigue may not want to dress or change clothes.
When you care for a person who needs help with dressing, follow these guidelines: