Home/Clinical Skills/Dressing and Undressing a Resident

Dressing and Undressing a Resident

Assisting a resident to dress and undress while preserving dignity and promoting independence is a key daily care skill.

18 steps·5 evaluator checkpoints·5 common mistakes

1Step-by-Step Procedure

1
Gather equipment: clean clothing as selected by or with the resident.
2
Wash hands.
3
Identify the resident and explain the procedure.
4
Provide privacy.
5
Assist the resident to a sitting position if possible.
6
Undressing: Always remove clothing from the stronger side first.
7
Remove the sleeve from the stronger arm, then gently maneuver the garment off the weaker arm.
8
For pullover tops: remove from the stronger side first, then the head, then the weaker side.
9
Dressing: Always dress the weaker side first.
10
Slide the sleeve onto the weaker arm first, taking care not to force the joint.
11
Bring the garment across the back and assist the stronger arm into its sleeve.
12
Adjust the garment for comfort and appearance.
13
For pants/trousers: while supine, slide pants over the feet and up the legs; assist the resident to raise their hips to pull pants up to the waist.
14
Fasten all buttons, snaps, zippers, or velcro.
15
Ensure clothing is not twisted underneath the resident.
16
Check that the resident is comfortable and that the clothing fits properly.
17
Lower the bed; place the call light within reach.
18
Wash hands and document care and any observations.

✓
Weaker side is dressed first and undressed last.
✓
Joints are not forced during dressing or undressing.
✓
Resident's privacy is maintained.
✓
Resident is encouraged to do as much as they are able (promotion of independence).
✓
Clothing is smooth and comfortable after dressing.

⚠
Dressing the stronger side first — the rule is "weak side first" for dressing.
⚠
Undressing the weaker side first — the rule is "strong side first" for undressing.
⚠
Forcing the arm through a sleeve when there is joint stiffness.
⚠
Leaving the resident with twisted clothing underneath them, which causes pressure injury.
⚠
Not encouraging the resident to participate in dressing.

→
Memorize the rule: Dress weak first, undress strong first.
→
Think of it as protecting the weaker limb — dress it while the garment has the most room.
→
Go slowly around stiff or painful joints.
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Ensure there are no wrinkles under the resident when they lie back.

Also study the written exam topics

Physical Care Skills makes up 45% of the written exam — the same procedures you just reviewed will appear as multiple-choice questions.

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