Clothes

Diabetic / wide socks with tops that aren't too tight are highly recommended, as they're easier to get on especially for swollen feet, and are made without seams that press onto fragile skin. We like HJ Hall's cotton diabetic sock (code HJ1351) which is quite thick, available online from the HJ Hall website and from many other retailers. Cosyfeet, whose slippers we like (see below), also do diabetic socks - see the Cosyfeet website. Note that cotton is breathable to prevent the skin getting damp, and you can't just get a size bigger in normal socks to make them less tight because the toe to heel length would then be too long. Although unlikely to be helpful for those with dementia, many places sell a 'sock aid' to help the less mobile put on their own socks. (We don't receive any money for mentioning these shops.)

Wide slippers are recommended, as they're easier to get on especially for swollen feet, and won't press on bunions. If the person is going to put them on by themself then make sure they can put their foot into the heel of the slipper without it simply folding under their foot - it's difficult to get the right size, because if it's too long then it could flap off. For those able to use them, many places sell a long shoehorn to help the less mobile. For those who'll have help putting their slippers on, a flap with a velcro fastener is the best, so the fit can be made just right. We like Cosyfeet slippers (see the Cosyfeet website), although they're expensive. They should really be washed by hand with a damp cloth if necessary, and dried gently - not dried in a machine or even on a radiator, as the sole will warp. Don't let a care home put them in their hot wash and dry or they'll be ruined. A spare pair can be very useful if the main pair has to be washed and allowed to dry. On some surfaces even a new slipper's sole may be slippery, in which case consider a slip-on shoe instead (although some rubber soles may make a squelching noise on a hard floor).

Shoes with grippy soles are useful to help prevent slips. Keep an eye on when the soles get worn or split, particularly noting that split soles won't be waterproof. Velcro flaps are useful for those who have help putting their shoes on, but if someone with dementia is able to put their own shoes on then it's probably best to avoid changing what they're used to.

Shawls with a cutout around the neck are very useful. They're usually made as a square with one quarter missing so that it forms a V around the neck. When sitting in a chair they can be put on 'backwards' to form a blanket, and when going out they can save difficulty getting arms into tight coats - so long as you have something like a waterproof cape to cover up with if necessary. It's useful to have several, so you can have extra layers and have one in the wash.

Highly recommended, a snood is a scarf that comes as a ring - it sits on the shoulder in folds and is deep enough to keep all draughts out. For maximum coverage when you have to go out in a cold wind they can be pulled up over the chin - just be careful to make sure there's plenty of room to breath.

A warm hat with 'deerstalker' flaps that can be lowered to cover the ears and cheeks and fastened under the chin is very useful when you have to go out in a cold wind. Combined with a snood you can keep all draughts out. Be very careful when fastening it under the chin, though - ones with plastic push-in clip fasteners are likely to catch the loose folds of skin under the chin, so we strongly recommend attaching velcro instead or simply tucking the flaps into the snood. Don't share hats between people as this can spread scalp infections.

A sun hat is very useful to keep the sun off when outside in the summer. It helps prevent getting too hot and also protects from the sun - but don't forget high SPF suncream for exposed skin.

A large headscarf is very useful for ladies to keep the sun off the neck as well as the head when outside in the summer, folded once into a triangle and tied under the chin. Again, don't forget high SPF suncream for exposed skin.

• Don't forget sunglasses (including clip-ons for normal glasses) for comfort and eye health in bright sun. Make sure they're genuine UV-blocking sunglasses not just dark plastic - get them from an optician's or other reputable supplier.
• Don't forget warm (and ideally waterproof) gloves or mittens.
• A glasses lanyard can be useful for someone to keep their glasses hanging round their neck until they need them.

• Don't forget cool clothes ready for heatwaves in summer, particularly nightwear.
• Whilst pull-on shirts may generally be easier than button-up ones, it's useful to have at least one or two button-up ones for doctor appointments.
• A slightly larger coat may give more room to get arms in (for example a husband's coat), although a couple of shawls and something like a waterproof cape is easier still.
• Make sure that trousers, nighties etc aren't so long that the hem can be tripped on, and bear in mind that if the person's losing weight then trousers may ride lower than they used to.

Labelling clothes

All clothes (and slippers and shoes) will need to be clearly and robustly labelled. The laundry systems that care homes use are quite aggressive and will remove labels not fastened on securely.

It's better to label with their name rather than a room number, which may change (for example if you move to a nursing home).

Avoid putting a label where it may be uncomfortable, remembering that old skin can be quite fragile. It's important that the label can be quickly seen, as clothes can get returned to the wrong person too often as it is. It's worth asking the care home whether they have a standard place they look for a label.

It's also a good idea to label glasses (spectacles) in some way.

Types of labels

Numbers and types of clothes

All clothes (for example including jumpers, trousers and shawls) may get washed every day, so you'll need enough to cover waiting for them to be washed, dried and returned.

Dressing gowns are useful - although shouldn't be used all day instead of getting dressed properly.

Don't let a care home put slippers in their hot wash and dry or they'll be ruined. It's best to have at least one spare pair to use while waiting for the others to dry.

Anything that requires handwashing or low temperatures will be damaged in a care home laundry. Also avoid anything that might run colour. You may wish to keep such items available to be worn on special occasions, but make sure you take them home for washing rather than leaving them to be washed by the care home.