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My Mom Needs Help Getting Dressed – Can a Home Caregiver Help?

Caregiver in Elizabeth NJ: Help with Getting Dressed
Caregiver in Elizabeth NJ: Help with Getting Dressed

As people age, they can begin to have trouble doing all sorts of things they’ve done independently for their entire lives. One of those things is getting dressed. Aged fingers may not work as well as they once did, which can make fastening clothes difficult. Seniors may also have trouble bending to slip pant legs over their feet or to put on socks. Of course, a family member might be able to come over every morning and evening to help a senior to dress, but sometimes that simply isn’t possible. It can also be uncomfortable and embarrassing for a parent to have their child help them with dressing and grooming. Hiring a home caregiver to visit the senior’s home to help with personal care, including dressing, can be an excellent option. Home caregivers are experienced in helping older adults with dressing, so they know how to handle all sorts of disabilities and situations. Here are some of the ways they can help.

Caregiver in Elizabeth NJ: Help with Getting Dressed
Caregiver in Elizabeth NJ: Help with Getting Dressed

Assisting Dementia Patients to Dress.

Dementia patients can be a challenge to dress because of their cognitive disabilities. A home caregiver can help by using some of the following techniques:

  • Picking the Right Clothes. A home caregiver can help the senior to choose clothing that is less difficult to put on. Clothes that are loose fitting and soft are sometimes easier to put on. Dementia patients often have trouble making decisions, so a home caregiver can present them with just a few outfits to pick from, allowing them to keep their independence without being overwhelmed.
  • Organizing Clothing. It can help to lay clothes out on the bed in the order the person should put them on. A home caregiver can lay out the clothing and provide specific instructions to help guide them through the process.

Getting a dementia patient dressed can be time consuming, so having a home caregiver that can spend the time necessary to complete the task can reduce frustration and stress.

Helping Seniors with Mobility Problems.

Older adults with mobility problems can have an especially hard time getting dressed. Home caregivers can help stroke patients with the use of only one arm to pull shirts over their heads and get the non-functioning arm into a sleeve. They can also help those who cannot stand to put on pants while they lie on a bed by rolling them from side to side while they pull pants over the hips.

In addition to helping with dressing, home caregivers can also assist with grooming. They can help older adults to brush their teeth, comb their hair, and even bathe or shower.

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring caregiver services in Elizabeth, NJ, call the caring staff at Helping Hands Home Care today at 908-418-4299. Providing Home Care Services in all of Northern and Central NJ, including Clark, Westfield, Cranford, Scotch Plains, Rahway, Linden, Summit, Edison, Elizabeth, Mountainside and the surrounding areas.

 

Sources

http://www.caregiverslibrary.org/caregivers-resources/grp-home-care/hsgrp-personal-care-activities/personal-care-grooming-and-dressing-article.aspx

https://www.alz.org/care/alzheimers-dementia-dressing.asp

 

Robert D'Arienzo

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