How will you assist the patient in changing clothes?

September 22, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the World Health Organization, a person’s dignity should be maintained at all times, including during intimate care tasks. To assist a patient in changing clothes, a caregiver must prioritize communication, respect, and safety above all else, adapting techniques to the patient's specific needs and mobility level.

Quick Summary

Assisting a patient with changing clothes involves assessing their mobility, ensuring privacy, communicating each step, and using gentle, respectful techniques tailored to their individual needs, which may include using adaptive clothing or dressing aids.

Key Points

Assess Mobility First: Always evaluate the patient's mobility, strength, and range of motion before starting to determine the best approach.
Maintain Dignity and Privacy: Use curtains and towels to cover the patient, communicate every step, and encourage their participation to empower them and show respect.
Master the 'Affected Side' Rule: For patients with one-sided weakness, dress the weaker side first and undress the stronger side first to minimize discomfort.
Consider Adaptive Solutions: Utilize adaptive clothing with features like Velcro, snaps, or magnets, as well as dressing aids, to increase patient independence.
Communicate and Be Patient: Move at the patient's pace, use clear language, and avoid rushing to prevent anxiety and potential injury.
Prioritize Safety and Hygiene: Lock bed brakes, adjust bed height, perform proper hand hygiene, and check for any skin issues during the process.

Prioritizing Patient Safety and Dignity

Before beginning, it's essential to create a safe and comfortable environment. Always start by explaining the procedure to the patient, even if they appear unresponsive, to maintain respect and reduce anxiety. Gather all necessary supplies, including the chosen clothes, towels for privacy, and any dressing aids, beforehand. Lock the bed brakes and adjust the bed height to a comfortable working level to prevent caregiver back strain.

Assessing Patient Needs and Mobility

Every patient is different, and a proper assessment is the first step toward effective assistance. This includes understanding their level of mobility, range of motion, and any limitations due to medical conditions, pain, or recent surgery. For patients with a one-sided weakness, a common rule is to "dress the weak side first" and "undress the strong side first" to minimize unnecessary movement and discomfort. If a patient is completely bedridden, the process will differ from assisting someone who can sit or stand.

Communicating Clearly and Encouraging Participation

Communication is the cornerstone of providing person-centered care. Use a calm and reassuring tone, giving simple, step-by-step instructions. For example, instead of saying, "We're going to put on your shirt," try, "I'm going to put your arm through this sleeve now." Encourage the patient to participate in the process as much as possible. This fosters independence and self-worth, which are vital for their emotional well-being. For example, a patient might be able to pull up their own pants from the knees, while the caregiver assists with the upper part.

Step-by-Step Techniques for Different Scenarios

Assisting a Bedridden Patient with Dressing

Prep the environment: Gather clothes, towels, and lock the bed. A bath blanket can be used to maintain privacy and warmth.
Remove the old top: Start by removing the sleeve from the patient's stronger arm first. Roll the patient gently onto their side, and tuck the shirt under their back. Then, roll them back and remove the sleeve from the weaker arm.
Put on the new top: Reverse the process. Start by putting the sleeve on the weaker arm first, as this requires more manipulation. Roll the patient to tuck the shirt under their back, then put on the sleeve on the stronger arm.
Manage the lower body: Gently lift the legs, supporting the knees, to slide pants or underwear up to the hips. If the patient can lift their hips, encourage them to do so. Roll the patient from side to side to pull garments up fully.

Assisting a Patient with One-Sided Weakness (e.g., after a stroke)

Undressing: Start by removing the garment from the unaffected (stronger) side. This allows for easier maneuvering. Once the strong side is free, carefully remove the garment from the affected (weaker) side.
Dressing: Start by putting the garment on the affected (weaker) side first. This positions the clothing correctly and minimizes manipulation of the limited-mobility limb. Once the weaker side is dressed, complete the process on the stronger side.

Using Adaptive Clothing and Dressing Aids

Adaptive clothing is designed specifically for people with mobility challenges. Features like Velcro closures, magnets, and side-snaps can significantly ease the dressing process for both patient and caregiver. Dressing aids like button hooks, long-handled shoe horns, and zipper pulls can also empower patients to dress more independently.

Comparison of Dressing Techniques


Technique	Patient Scenario	Pros	Cons
Bedridden Roll Method	Fully dependent, bedridden patients	Minimizes patient movement, reduces skin friction	Requires caregiver strength, can be time-consuming
Sit-and-Stand Method	Patients with some sitting balance and strength	Promotes patient independence, faster process	Risk of falls if balance is poor, can be painful for some
Affected Side First (for weakness)	Post-stroke, injury, or surgery patients	Protects the weaker limb, reduces pain	Requires careful technique and communication
Adaptive Clothing Use	All patients, especially with dexterity issues	Increased independence, less strain, preserves dignity	Initial cost of clothing, may not match all styles

Respecting Patient Privacy and Comfort

Maintaining the patient's privacy is non-negotiable. Always draw curtains, close doors, and use a bath blanket or towel to cover parts of the body not being worked on. Talk to the patient throughout the process to keep them informed and comfortable. Be mindful of their pace; rushing can increase discomfort and anxiety. Use gentle movements and avoid pulling or pushing, especially if they have sensitive skin or a recent wound.

Proper Hygiene During Clothing Changes

Personal hygiene is a critical component of general health. Ensure your hands are clean before and after assisting with dressing. If the patient is incontinent, a full clean-up and changing of any adult incontinence products should be performed before putting on fresh clothes. Regularly check for signs of skin breakdown, rashes, or pressure sores, and report any concerns to a healthcare professional. For comprehensive resources on patient care best practices, visit the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Conclusion

Assisting a patient with changing clothes is a sensitive task that demands patience, respect, and proper technique. By prioritizing safety, communication, and dignity, caregivers can make this daily routine a positive and empowering experience. Adapting your approach based on the patient's specific needs, utilizing adaptive clothing, and focusing on gentle, clear communication will ensure a successful and respectful outcome, promoting both physical comfort and emotional well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

The most important rule is to dress the weaker side first and undress the stronger side first. This minimizes the patient's discomfort and protects the weaker limb from unnecessary movement or strain.

To protect privacy, close doors and draw curtains. Use a bath blanket or towel to cover the patient's body parts that are not actively being dressed or undressed, and always inform them of your actions beforehand.

Adaptive clothing often includes features like Velcro or magnetic closures instead of buttons, side-snap pants, and open-back tops. These make it easier for caregivers to dress patients without lifting or straining them.

Encourage participation by asking for their input, such as what they would like to wear, and by giving them small, manageable tasks like pulling up their own pants once you have them positioned correctly.

If the patient experiences pain, stop and assess the situation. Move more slowly and gently. Communicate with them to understand where the pain is and adjust your technique accordingly. Never force a movement that causes pain.

This depends on the patient's mobility. If they have poor balance, dressing while lying down is safer. If they can sit with support, this can offer more independence. Always prioritize safety and comfort based on their ability.

For someone with dementia, keeping the process calm and unhurried is key. Lay out clothes in the order they will be put on, provide limited choices to avoid confusion, and give simple, step-by-step instructions with gestures if needed.