Loved one with dementia taking clothes off constantly: What do you do?

Bug girl, sorry you are having this problem. My dh does just the opposite, he’s always cold even though it’s summer time. He still wears heavy jacket, multiple layers on his bed plus a heated mattress pad! Not sure which is worse. Hopefully these things too will pass.

Buggirl, sorry to hear of this for both of you. My mother probably has Alzheimer's & she struggles mightily whenever the caregivers try to undress or dress her. Wish I had some helpful advice, but problems with clothing seem to be a pattern here. I agree with joyd3 that we must hope that these things too shall pass.

What would happen if you just allow it? I know it could be embarrassing in public, but maybe just allow it when it's in private?

I fully allow it. If shes more comfortable withnothing on, i don't care. 🙂

I don’t have this problem but check out this website. There may be some Houdini proof garments. https://www.buckandbuck.com/adaptive-clothing-guide/snap-back-clothing.html

My mother in law is legally blind but too proud to ask for assistance in her independent facility and wears dirty stained clothing. I don’t want to hurt her feelings on this delicate matter. She takes pride in doing her laundry. I have given her new clothes but she has favorites.

Just a random thought from a creative thinker… if being too hot is a problem… try a hand held plastic fan from Dollar Tree or other discount places . Saw a fan water mister at Walmart.

Another idea… if she likes “ taking clothes off “ in general… try a dressable doll with an array of clothing to dress and undress or one of those preschool learn to dress rag dolls with zippers buttons and snaps.

@wrightvillebeach Great ideas! Have you successfully tried any of these?

Look on the internet - it seems this is a common phenomena in dementia.
"Disrobing may occur due to the individual being unable to communicate that they are hot/cold, tired or uncomfortable."
The internet has more information and suggestions

I had that happen with my Mom. And, she also took FIVE casts off her arm which were for a broken wrist. They were up over the elbow and the pain she must have gone through to get those off must have been awful...but the doctor said she likely felt 'trapped.' Same with the clothing. You might try a loose duster type dress or very loose tops maybe sports bra instead of regular, etc. Anything is worth a try. As for the bed covers; don't worry about those. If she can sleep cool/cold, so be it.

Hello, sorry to hear about your situation. Unfortunately I don’t have an answer. My father had the same issue. Luckily, he was a vet so we had help from the VA. My mother was having a really difficult time dealing with him especially about the issue of undressing. At some point we decided to place him full time in a VA hospital. What ever they did or gave him worked. When we went to visit him he had clothes on. Dementia is an evil disease. Whatever you do take care of yourself. Try to get respite and something from your doctor for your nerves. Good luck.

My mother broke lamps so when I traveled 2000 miles to see how she was doing and she was uncooperative with caretakers- I would have to go to
Salvation Army and buy more lamps. I think I cleaned them out. But finally the police found her walking outside at 10PM without a coat on in October
and I found more restrictive care.