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Sharing a tip to get DW to change clothes

Timmyd
Timmyd Member Posts: 243
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in Caring For a Spouse or Partner

DW is early stage 6. For the past few months it has been a struggle / conflict to get her to change her clothes. I have found something that seems to work (for now) and would like to share.

If I tell her to change right when she wakes from sleep, we are able to get into clean clothes with minimal to no resistance. Something about DW being in that fog of just having woken up seems to be the key to this working for us. I still have to provide a lot of guidance and hands on assistance, but DW generally compliant (no yelling, anger or aggression) and it is so much easier than the previous routine of getting changed.

Comments

  • trottingalong
    trottingalong Member Posts: 837
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    That is a great idea. My DH is the same when first waking up. Thanks for sharing, I’m going to try that.

  • SDianeL
    SDianeL Member Posts: 2,596
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    Thank you. I’m sure this will help many caregivers!

  • heyjude44
    heyjude44 Member Posts: 1
    First Comment
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    My DH wants to sleep in his clothes rather than changing to pajamas.

  • eligius
    eligius Member Posts: 6
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    i have found it works best if I set each piece of clothing out for my DW handing her each item in order, undie to socks to shirt to pants to shoes, etc. no stress that way and give her lots of hugs throughout the day.

  • blacksparky
    blacksparky Member Posts: 168
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    https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/258961#Comment_258961

    My DW also sleeps on her clothes. I just let her since I have many more important battles than this one. If it makes your life a little easier I’d say go for it. It has worked for me.

  • blacksparky
    blacksparky Member Posts: 168
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    I have also done this with my DW’s clothes every morning and I have to help her. Well today she was no way going to tell her how to dress. I told her that was ok and I would wait in the other room for her to dress herself. It took about an hour but she finally figured everything out. Everything can change in a day. 🤔

  • Chance Rider
    Chance Rider Member Posts: 129
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    https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/258992#Comment_258992

    My husband also sleeps in his daytime clothes. Like you, I don’t try to force the issue, as it helps lessen his agitation.

Commonly Used Abbreviations


DH = Dear Husband
DW= Dear Wife, Darling Wife
LO = Loved One
ES = Early Stage
EO = Early Onset
FTD = Frontotemporal Dementia
VD = Vascular Dementia
MC = Memory Care
AL = Assisted Living
POA = Power of Attorney
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