My father is in a long term assisted facility (in another state). They are telling me that he frequently walks around with his pants down. Is this normal and if so, what is the best way to handle this? The staff at this facility is not adept at working with patients with dementia so I'm trying to politely offer ideas that might help that doesn't step on their toes. Thank you.
I am truly surprised that a facility can not manage this.
Begin looking for a Memory Care Facility that has staff that is adept at managing dementia and it's various behaviors.
I agree with others it may be time for MC, since dementia is a progressive disease. If you have to "train" that staff to understand dementia behaviors, then he may not be in an appropriate facility.
It’s actually quite common for people with dementia to remove their clothes or walk around partially undressed. Often it’s not intentional “misbehavior,” but a sign of an unmet need or confusion — for example:
• He may be too warm, uncomfortable, or irritated by the fabric of his clothes.
• He may be trying to use the bathroom but can’t find it or communicate his need.
• He may simply be confused about where he is and what’s appropriate.
Because these behaviors usually indicate that someone’s dementia has progressed, it can be difficult for a standard assisted living facility to manage them. Memory care units are specifically designed for people at this stage. They have:
• Staff trained to respond to dementia-related behaviors.
• Higher staff-to-resident ratios and more supervision.
• Environments designed for safety, dignity, and comfort.
In the meantime, some families find it helpful to dress their loved one in adaptive or “anti-strip” clothing — one-piece outfits with closures in the back — which makes it harder for the person to disrobe while still keeping them comfortable.
Here are a few reputable companies that specialize in adaptive clothing for people with dementia:
• Silverts Adaptive Clothing (silverts.com)
• Buck & Buck (buckandbuck.com)
• Joe & Bella (joeandbella.com)
• Resident Essentials (residentessentials.com)
• Adaptive Clothing Showroom (adaptiveclothingshowroom.com)
I hope this helps you feel a bit more prepared and supported.
You can keep his pants on by buying him clothes designed for people with dementia that they can't take off on their own. Jumpsuits and pants with velcro fastening in the back so they can't get them off.
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