Dementia clothing and its benefits
When someone has dementia and needs help dressing and undressing, clothes specifically designed as ‘dementia clothing’ can make all the difference.
‘Dementia clothing’ describes garments that are carefully designed so it’s easier to dress and undress someone with dementia or Alzheimer’s.
It’s a form of adaptive clothing, which can be helpful for anyone with limited mobility or dressing challenges due to disability, age or illness.
The founder of adaptive label Petal Back Clothing, Linda, was prompted to design her first piece when her nana moved into care.
“I could see how uncomfortable she was when someone was dressing her. I asked her care providers what might be more practical as well as safe for them, and the result was Petal Back™ Clothing.”
More than 30 years on, Linda has many appreciative customers whose loved ones live with dementia, disability or illness.
How Petal Back Clothing can help
The unique design of Petal Back Clothing, with its back opening and overlapping panels, has many benefits.
Less stress and pain for the wearer
People with dementia can resist help or become distressed during the dressing process, particularly if the carer or nurse is standing behind them. Petal Back tops, dresses, nightshirts and nighties all slide up the arms from the front and go gently over the head.
The smooth fabrics and soft seams are free from anything that could scratch or bruise the wearer. No zips, no Velcro, no buttons and no studs – ideal for people with older or fragile skin.
Read about our easy assisted dressing for wearers.
Less time and risk for carers and nurses
It often takes two people to lift, slide or roll someone with dementia when dressing them in regular clothes. They may even need a hoist or other lifting device. Adaptive Petal Back Clothing slips on and off easily without moving the wearer, as our easy-dressing video shows.
It’s also quicker to change incontinence products and aids such as pads and catheters: the adaptive pants can be left open at the back and have a soft tie at the side, while tops and nightwear can be lifted while sitting.
Read more about Benefits for nursing staff.
Peace of mind for families
“I couldn’t find anything for my nana that was comfortable, practical, easy to put on and still made her feel good,” says Linda.
My designs look the same as regular clothes from the front, but dressing and undressing is easier and more dignified. Plus, you can wash them over and over, even in industrial washing machines, without affecting the softness.”
Read more about Benefits for carers and families.
Feedback from our customers
★★★★★
“the most amazing improvement for [my husband's] comfort and helpful for his nurses.”
~ Anon
★★★★★
“the staff at my mother's nursing home are very pleased with them”
~ Elaine
★★★★★
“[staff] say how easy it is to dress him now without hurting him like it was with the "normal" shirts.”
~ Lyn
Dementia Australia has resources to support people with dementia and their carers and loved ones. Their Getting dressed resource explains why dementia can make it harder to dress and undress, and what may help.
