Category: Activities of Daily Living™ Care Training Program

Helping a person living with dementia maintain proper dressing and grooming habits demonstrates respect for the individual and their family members. A comfortable person is more likely to feel relaxed, confident, and engaged throughout the day.

Dressing can sometimes be challenging for people with dementia, especially when they feel confused or unsure about what is happening. The CARES® Approach encourages caregivers to communicate clearly, remain calm, and focus on the individual’s emotional needs during care.

Strategies That Support Successful Dressing Care

Caregivers can make dressing easier by following person-centered care practices, including:

• Introducing yourself and addressing the person by name
• Using a calm, gentle, and reassuring voice
• Explaining each step before and during care
• Paying attention to the person’s mood and comfort level
• Allowing the individual to participate whenever possible
• Remaining patient during repetitive speech or behaviors
• Responding calmly if the person becomes upset or agitated
• Respecting clothing preferences and personal routines

These simple strategies help reduce anxiety, build trust and create a greater sense of comfort during daily care activities.

The Importance of Individualized Care

Every person with dementia responds differently from moment to moment. Family members can provide valuable information about clothing preferences, routines and personal habits. Understanding these preferences helps caregivers deliver more respectful and individualized support.

By combining patience, clear communication, and compassion, the CARES® Approach helps individuals living with dementia feel comfortable, respected and supported. Even small acts of understanding can make dressing and grooming a more positive experience for everyone involved.

Enhance your approach to dressing and grooming support with person-centered dementia care strategies. Build your caregiving skills with CARES® Training and enjoy 10% off with code SummerFun through August 31, 2026.

Getting dressed is a routine many of us take for granted, yet it plays an important role in how we feel each day. The clothing we choose reflects our personality, preferences, and sense of identity. For people living with dementia, these preferences remain important, even when they need assistance with dressing.

Promoting Comfort and Independence

As dementia progresses, individuals may need support selecting clothing or completing the dressing process. A compassionate, person-centered approach can help make dressing a more comfortable and positive experience. Respecting personal preferences, offering simple choices, and allowing individuals to participate as much as possible helps preserve dignity and independence.

Comfort also matters. Clothing that fits well, feels comfortable, and reflects a person’s usual style can improve confidence and emotional well-being. Familiar colors, fabrics, and outfits may provide reassurance and help individuals feel more like themselves.

Using Compassionate Support During Dressing

Dressing assistance should focus on the person, not just the task. Caregivers can use the CARES® Approach by communicating calmly, explaining each step, and responding with patience and empathy. Understanding the individual’s preferences and routines can reduce frustration and make the experience more positive.

Family members may also have concerns about clothing choices or appearance. Open communication and a focus on the person’s comfort and preferences can help build trust and support collaborative care.

By prioritizing comfort, choice, and dignity, caregivers can transform a daily task into an opportunity to support confidence, well-being, and person-centered care.

Help individuals feel comfortable, confident, and respected through person-centered support. Strengthen your caregiving skills with CARES® Training and enjoy 10% off with code SummerFun through May 31, 2026.

What we wear each day is more important than many people realize. Clothing reflects our personality, preferences, comfort, and sense of identity. The colors we choose, the outfits we enjoy, and even the clothes we wear at home can influence how we feel about ourselves. For people living with dementia, these preferences remain meaningful and should continue to be respected.

Clothing Is More Than Just Getting Dressed

Many people have favorite colors, preferred styles, or outfits that make them feel comfortable and confident. Some enjoy dressing up for special occasions, while others prefer casual, comfortable clothing. Wearing something uncomfortable or unfamiliar can affect mood, confidence, and overall well-being.

As dementia progresses, individuals may have difficulty expressing their clothing preferences, but that does not mean those preferences disappear. Person-centred care involves learning about and honoring the individual’s likes, dislikes, routines, and personal style whenever possible.

Supporting Dignity Through Personal Choice

Allowing people living with dementia to participate in clothing choices helps preserve dignity, independence, and self-expression. Caregivers can support this by offering simple choices, selecting comfortable clothing, and paying attention to favorite colors, fabrics, and familiar outfits.
Small efforts to respect personal preferences can provide reassurance and create a greater sense of comfort. Clothing can also serve as a connection to a person’s identity, life experiences, and personal history.

By recognizing the importance of clothing and personal choice, caregivers can create more positive daily experiences that promote confidence, comfort, and emotional well-being.

Support person-centred care by learning how everyday choices can enhance dignity and quality of life. Strengthen your caregiving skills with CARES® Training and enjoy 10% off with code SummerFun through August 31, 2026.