Being bedridden can lead to a variety of difficulties for your aging parent. Whether they have recently suffered an illness or injury that has caused them to temporarily not be able to leave bed, or they are confined to their bed on a more permanent basis, it is still vital they get dedicated, personalized care to support all their needs.

One of the most important needs to fulfill for an elderly adult who is unable to leave at the bed is hygiene needs. Proper hygiene is important for overall health and well-being, as well as mental and emotional well being. As a family caregiver, it is important for you to make maintaining a proper hygiene an essential part of your care efforts for your senior for as long as they are not able to do so on their own.

Use these tips to help you manage the hygiene needs of a senior who cannot leave bed:

• Keep their nails short and smooth to prevent them from inadvertently scratching themselves and potentially causing injuries that increase their risk of infection. Add a sense of pampering to this by turning it into a “manicure” with lotion, a hand massage, and even a swipe of nail polish if your senior desires
• Use rinse-free shampoo caps to keep their hair clean and healthy without having to use water. These caps are simply warmed in the microwave and then you place them on your senior’s head, massage as you would when washing their hair normally, and towel dry
• Use rinse-free washcloths to keep their skin clean and healthy when they cannot get in the bath or shower. These cloths are filled with cleansing solution that does not need to be rinsed away so you can simply wipe the skin
• Pay close attention to keeping them clean if they suffer incontinence. Keeping their skin clean and dry is vital to prevent skin damage and infection
• Use pure cornstarch powder to help keep the skin dry and prevent friction. Avoid using talc, which may be dangerous, particularly for female adults

Respectful, dignified assistance with personal care needs is a valuable benefit of home care for your senior. Many elderly adults struggle with challenges that keep them from being able to manage their personal care needs, such as bathing and grooming, on their own. Personalized assistance from an in-home senior care services provider allows your aging loved one at to maintain their health and comfort while reducing stress and easing the emotional concerns that can come from needing to accept help with these types of challenges. As a family caregiver, this can help you to feel more confident in your senior’s health and well-being, while reducing your stress and the potential emotional strain of the sensitive care needs.

If You Or An Aging Loved One Are Considering Hiring Home Care in Largo, FL, Please Contact The Caring Staff At Assisting Hands Home Care Today! 727-748-4211.