Supporting and assisting an older person in keeping up with personal cleanliness is critical to allow them to feel their finest in their late adulthood. But be aware that having a second helping hand with grooming might be humiliating or even unpleasant for some people. The amount of assistance will also be determined by their strength and abilities. For some, help may be necessary merely to prepare bath water and have someone on standby in case of an emergency. Others may be considerably more reliant on you, requiring you to perform practically all of the personal hygiene tasks, such as wiping body parts, drying them, and assisting with clothing. Here are some tips to aid in the maintaining of personal hygiene for seniors.
Talk it Out
Giving someone close attention is a highly private experience. To discover more about your loved one’s opinions and abilities, have a chat with them. For example, some older adults may find it more pleasant to bathe with towels draped over their private parts. Though you will ultimately have to remove the towels to clean those spots, allowing your family member a little more privacy can help them feel more at ease with the arrangement.
Use the Right Tools
Bathing your loved one might be difficult if you don’t have the proper equipment. You may need to modify the bathroom or bathtub to make it more convenient if your older parent has balance issues or can’t stand for lengthy amounts of time. Handrails, a sturdy bath seat, showerheads sprays, and high friction adhesives on the shower floor are all plausible options.
Stick to Preferred Routines
Even if your loved one doesn’t like the approach, if it’s shower time, try your best to keep to the routine. While mild coaxing may be necessary, a regular bathing practice is essential for maintaining hygiene. If a person is resistive, it could be a good idea to get a doctor’s prescription that specifies specific washing times.
Let’s not forget dental hygiene. Whether the older person has healthy teeth or dentures, it is critical to maintain frequent dental checkups and proper oral hygiene habits. Brush and floss any remaining teeth daily, rinse and massage their gums with a soft cloth, and brush their dentures with a gentle brush.
Consider Shifting to Senior Living
As a caregiver, it’s typical to have up and downs, especially when assisting elders with personal grooming. When you’re upset, attempt to put yourself in your loved one’s shoes to see what they’re going through.
Be aware of your limitations and understand that you are not alone in this journey. If mom or dad needs a lot of personal attention, senior living accommodations can be a wonderful option. Senior living communities offer a range of diverse care for elders, such as aid with showering, clothing, maintenance, and other everyday tasks. Your family member will be able to choose from a variety of housing options, recreation programs, and food choices in these communities.
As your family member becomes older, it’s crucial to keep up with their personal hygiene, but we understand it’s not always simple to intercede if you see them struggling. Nonetheless, poor hygiene may lead to unpleasant illnesses and skin problems, therefore stick to gentle persuasion to get the ball rolling.
