As we grow older, completing day-to-day tasks becomes more difficult due to the lack of mobility and energy. Sometimes, feelings of depression and isolation can cause your loved ones to lose interest or completely neglect their personal hygiene. They may have forgotten how to clean themselves, requiring assistance on a day-to-day basis which can feel troublesome. They feel that is unimportant as they do not see the point in maintaining their physical appearance. However, maintaining personal hygiene is an essential component of living a healthy life. Dirt, oils, and bacteria can accumulate on the surface of the skin and if not cleaned properly, it could lead to infections. As such, it is fairly important to maintain personal hygiene!
Establish a Routine
When there is a routine, it is less likely for your loved ones to forget or neglect their personal hygiene. Having a solid routine that is suitable for your loved ones is highly beneficial! You could start the morning right by helping your loved ones freshen up, such as by assisting them to wash their face and brush their teeth. Afterwhich, have a nice warm shower. Ensure that soap and towels are within arm’s reach for easier access. If your loved ones live a fairly sedentary lifestyle, they do not require daily showers – three to four times a week is enough
Implement Safety Measures
Many fall accidents happen in the bathroom due to slippery falls and low toilet seats. Safety measures are often not implemented causing high fall risks. Measures to prevent falls could include non-slip mats on floors or even a shower chair if your loved ones have difficulty standing for a period of time. Ensure that a caregiver is with them at all times, especially in bathrooms, to ensure their safety,
Invest in Hygiene Aids
Nowadays, countless products in the market can address common hygiene issues. Providing your loved ones with these hygiene aids makes life so much easier for them. These aids can come in the form of bathing wipes and long-handled shower brushes. Additionally, assistive devices like hair washing trays make life easier for caregivers to complete hygiene tasks without causing pain to your loved ones.
Focus on Dental Care
There is a need to emphasize the importance of dental care as caregivers tend to forget to care for loved ones’ dental health. If they still have natural teeth, remember to brush and floss regularly to avoid bacteria from building up. For those loved ones who have dentures, practice good hygiene by rinsing dentures daily and soaking at night. Oral health is crucial as it could impact their eating habits causing loss of appetite and discomfort.
Moisturize
After showering, it is important to moisturize as your loved ones’ skin is dry and thin which can cause broken skin. Gently apply the moisturizer so that it does not irritate the skin while doing so. Do remember to opt for non-scented moisturizers as scented moisturizers can irritate the skin.
If your loved ones need help with personal grooming, perhaps it is time to consider assisted living? Residents of TerraBella Spartanburg’s senior assisted living program receive care services such as showering or bathing assistance, prescription management, mental health and footcare management, diabetes management, and more. Contact us to find out more.
