Dementia is a general term we use when one is experiencing symptoms such as impaired thinking and memory that become severe enough to start impacting everyday life. Dementia is progressive, which means it will get worse over time. This makes it challenging for those who deal with it to perform their day to day activities.
So, when it comes to providing care for a person with dementia, a number of challenges can arise due to this individual’s change in status and need for more assistance.
Dementia has been linked to personality and behavioral shifts and mood swings.
Caregivers, partners, and family members can experience feelings of tension, irritability, and helplessness as dementia progresses. The disease can create behavior changes that can be perplexing and difficult for others to deal with.
It may be easier to maintain composure and respond appropriately to the obstacles that come your way if you better understand the meanings behind the behaviors.
As Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia progress, those living with demetnia may encounter the urge to remove their clothes.
It can be challenging to describe the phenomenon with other symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s. This is because the brain continues to degrade more and more over time.
When this behavior occurs, we need to explore some ways we can help respond to these situations.
We will discuss some things to do below if you are faced with the situation of your loved one attempting to remove their clothes.
Things to do When People With Dementia Take Their Clothes Off
If you are having trouble dealing with a person who repeatedly tries to undress themselves, the following advice may help in such situations:
1. Examine How They Are Behaving
When someone with dementia begins to fidget with their clothes or try to get out of them, you should first conduct an objective assessment before taking any action.
During this time, make a mental note of their body language as well as the context (including the time, environment, and circumstances).
It will help you recognize a trend. It’s possible that they’re attempting to tell us something. Consider the following: Are their requirements being met? Was there a certain moment, location, or person that possibly served as a trigger for these events to occur?
2. Gain a Deeper Perspective
Identify and trends, patterns, or unmet needs that may be contributing to them removing their clothes.
The following are some of the reasons why someone you care about or a patient might undress:
Discomfort
It’s possible that their garments are overly restrictive or too irritating. They may have tags inside the clothing that are itching them, or they the clothes may be restrictive, making them feel they can’t breathe or move. They could feel the need to use the restroom and mistake the space they are in for one.
Hallucination
Depending on the type of dementia, it is common for people to report hearing, seeing, or feeling things that are not real. For example, an older person can have hallucinations that make them think they need to undress.
These hallucinations could be as simple as thinking it’s time for bed or scary in the sense they think bugs are crawling on their skin.
Sexual Causes
A senior experiencing Alzheimer’s disease or dementia may, on occasion, remove their clothing in order to fondle themselves.
However, if they are out in public, it is likely that they are oblivious or unconcerned about the fact that this is not an appropriate moment to do so.
3. Validate And Offer Solutions
It is essential to refrain from overtly correcting or interfering with the loved one who is exhibiting any dementia-related behavior. If you overreact and show that you are outraged or ashamed about their conduct, it gives the impression that you are the one who is in the wrong.
And that can make the issue even worse. Instead, you should acknowledge their sentiments and gently provide them a remedy, such as bringing them into a private space or covering them.
Communication such as, “I am aware that it is really hot right now, but it is not appropriate for you to remove your clothes here.” Let’s go over here, and you can change into this outfit that is more comfortable for you.
It is possible to be strong without being degrading by saying something like, “I realize that you’re uncomfortable wearing clothes, but we are around people now, and that’s why I’m putting a coat on your body.”
4. Customized Outfits
Many different kinds of assistive technology are now commercially available. Unfortunately, they are made with rear closures that make it tough for your loved ones to undo them by themselves.
Pieces of apparel like jumpsuits and tops with zips at the back fall under this category. You can find useful Alzheimer’s apparel by searching the internet. I always make sure their are no other unmet needs I could be missing before making the recommendation of a jumpsuit.
Dealing With Difficult Behavior
Caregiving for a loved one with dementia can be especially difficult because of the common personality and behavior changes. However, creative problem-solving, adaptability, patience, and empathy will get you far in the face of these problems.
In addition, you’ll benefit more from life if you can stay calm and take a second to think before reacting in these types of situations.
First, keep in mind the following guidelines:
- There’s Nothing We Can do to Alter The Person’s Character
Damage in the brain is happening as a result of dementia.
There’s a good chance you won’t be successful or that they’ll push back if you try to manage or alter his conduct. Consider how crucial it is to:
- Strive to Modify The Environment Rather Than The Individual’s Behavior
Keep in mind that modifications can be made, either to our actions or our surroundings. Changing how we act can profoundly affect how our loved ones act toward us.
1. Prior to Doing Anything, Consult Your Doctor
Perhaps the person is in pain or reacting badly to their medicine, which could be a factor contributing to this behavior. Pharmaceutical or treatment options may be available to help manage certain issues, such as incontinence or hallucinations.
2. All Behaviors Serve Some Purpose
People living with Dementia frequently lack the ability to communicate their wants and needs. It’s possible that they do something perplexing to us every day, like empty the closet of all its contents.
On the other hand, it’s possible that the person satisfies a desire to keep themselves actively occupied and useful. You should always strive to see the person’s perspective and satisfy their needs if you can.
3. Find The Triggers
Realize that actions never happen by accident; rather, they are precipitated by some sort of trigger. Behaviors can be prompted by either external factors, such as changes in the environment, or internal factors, such as something a person did or said.
The very first step in changing our behavior is disruption of our usual routines. Experiment with a new strategy or outcome.
4. What Works Now May Not Work Tomorrow
Given the complexity of the causes and consequences of problematic behavior and the inevitable progression of the underlying condition, the best treatments available today may need to be revised tomorrow.
Effectively handling challenging behaviors requires a mindset that is both inventive and adaptable.
5. Seek Out Community Help
You are among a large and growing community of people who are providing care for a loved one with dementia, so you should not feel isolated. Find local resources such as the Alzheimer’s Association or other groups that can assist you in your time of need.
There will be good days and bad days, just as there will be for the person you are caring for. Learn coping mechanisms to use on tough days.
How to Handle Embarrassing Situations? Tips For Caregivers
You might feel humiliated or angry if this individual engages in sexually inappropriate behavior in public.
Other people’s reaction, such as laughter or astonishment, may make you feel the need to shield them from the childish experience. Instead, discreetly explaining to others why the individual with dementia is acting in such a way might be helpful.
For instance, showing a help card that describes the person’s diagnosis could be a good method to do this.
Knowing that sexually suggestive behavior is not always motivated by sexual desire might be helpful. Rather, they may be experiencing or attempting to convey something else.
In addition, it may be less difficult to comprehend someone’s actions if you know the story behind those actions. A few instances of this could be:
Someone who starts stripping down in public may be trying to cool themselves off from the heat. On the other hand, people may be trying to undress in public because they are either unhappy in their current state (for example, their clothes are itchy or too tight), or they are unaware that this is an inappropriate behavior.
In addition, someone may reach for their private areas because they have to use the restroom.
- Perhaps they’re bored or anxious.
- Be mindful of the other person’s feelings and do your best to avoid making them uncomfortable at all costs.
Wrapping Up
If you find the person’s behavior really challenging to manage, you should seek the guidance of medical professional specialists or other caregivers before you become overly stressed.
It is possible to treat these behaviors with medication on occasion; however, the process should be closely watched and evaluated frequently.
Inquire about the potential adverse effects of any medications being used so that, should you see any of them. You will not immediately presume that dementia has worsened.
Keep in mind that it is possible for you to be the one who is responsible for the behavior because of your inability to comprehend what the other person is attempting to say.
Consider removing yourself from the circumstance, observing the person’s body language, and attempting to comprehend the emotions they may be experiencing at that time. Then, allow the person time and space to compose themselves and reassure them.
References
- https://www.caregiver.org/resource/caregivers-guide-understanding-dementia-behaviors/
- https://www.helpforalzheimersfamilies.com/learn/quick-tips/sexually-inappropriate-behavior/5-ways-to-cope-with-a-dementia-stripper/
- https://www.silverts.com/givingcare/coping-with-disrobing-in-a-senior-loved-one-with-alzheimers-and-other-dementia/
- https://www.stlukes-hospice.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Unusual_behaviour_factsheet.pdf
- https://www.dementia.org.au/support-and-services/families-and-friends/personal-care/dressing
- https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/symptoms-and-diagnosis/symptons/losing-inhibitions
