Simple day-to-day tasks can become more taxing as aging takes its toll on one’s body. For some seniors, this may affect their personal hygiene due to limited mobility or physical limitations, such as struggling to shower, inability to walk and maintain balance, or even using the toilet. This is worrying seeing as hygiene and health go hand. As a caregiver, it can be challenging to help provide them with assistance. We are here to help! If your loved ones seem to be struggling with these everyday tasks, here are some useful tips you can implement daily to mitigate your struggle.
Do Not Neglect Dental Care
When taking care of your loved ones, it is possible that you may overlook dental hygiene and dental care. However, this is very important for a number of reasons. For one, any dental trouble can cause unwanted pain, as well as affect eating and even speech production. Thus, do ensure you’re your loved ones brush and floss their teeth in the morning and at night. If they use dentures, remember to rinse them regularly before and after eating, and soak them overnight. They should also consistently visit a dental care professional who can give them check-ups to help maintain their oral health.
Follow A Schedule
Often times older adults struggle to maintain good personal hygiene due to memory loss or forgetfulness. Hence, establishing a routine is the best way to help them. For example, start and end every day with the brushing of teeth at the sink and then going to take a shower using body soap, shampoo, and face wash. Before every meal, wash hands thoroughly, and end each day with the same routine. Over time this will become a habit and it will become easier for your loved ones to stay clean and healthy.
Ensure The Bathroom And Other Areas Are Safe
Older adults are more accident-prone and have higher tendencies to fall and injure themselves. Furthermore, since their bones are weaker, falls and other incidents could have detrimental and long-term impacts. This worry can easily be remedied by installing handrails in shower areas, adding anti-slip mats to the bathroom floor, and raising toiler seats. If your loved ones have issues standing for prolonged periods of time, then consider placing a bench or stool in the shower stall so they can sit and shower instead. It is also possible to build a bathtub so it is easier for them to shower.
Treat Them With Respect And Protect Their Dignity
Putting the above steps may cause some seniors to feel a loss of independence, and by extension, a loss of pride and dignity. Requiring the help of others to shower or carry out other hygiene practices can be embarrassing. Thus, it is crucial to treat them as respectfully as possible. Ensure their modesty is protected by using towels to cover their private area and do not leave them exposed. If they would like to wash themselves, allow them to do so, which will help them feel like they have more control and say in the process.
Maintaining good hygiene is extremely important in raising the quality of life of your loved ones. With proper care and assistance, you can help them clean themselves. It is key to prevent the build-up of dirt, oils, and bacteria, and it is easy to do so as long as you follow these steps. If you require additional help, you can also consider a senior living home.
