As your senior loved one ages and becomes more affected by physical or cognitive limitations, they may start to neglect their hygiene. There are many ways that you can help your senior loved ones improve their hygiene and maintain their independence and quality of life.
It is always advisable for your loved ones to actively participate in their own care, provided that they are capable and can do so safely. This approach not only empowers them but also provides comfort and helps maintain their independence. Instead of focusing on what they cannot do, always emphasize and celebrate their abilities.
Here are some things to focus on to help your senior loved ones maintain proper hygiene:
Doing Daily Hygiene
You should make sure that your loved one focuses on daily hygiene such as washing hands after using the restroom. If they have a difficult time with this, give them a soapy washcloth to encourage them and make sure their hands get clean. They should also wash their face daily and take a bath or a shower twice a week at a minimum. Their teeth should be brushed every morning and evening.
Provide Help with Washing and Bathing
It can be difficult and uncomfortable for your senior loved one to accept that they need help with washing and bathing. If you help them bathe, you must do it in a way that allows them to maintain their dignity. Set-up any bathing equipment and needed materials, check the water temperature, communicate clearly, and make sure they are covered until it is time for showering or bathing. You can also cover parts of the body with a towel or washcloth during the bath.
It may help to make bathing a relaxing activity by using their favorite products and playing their favorite music. Always make sure to focus on safety when it comes to whether they should have a shower or a bath. If your loved one suffers from dementia, always explain what is happening to help keep them more comfortable. Be mindful of their feelings and accommodate them the best you can. If you are having a tough time talking your loved one into showering or bathing, you can try showering/bathing them more often in the week and focus on different body parts each time.
If your loved one starts to have bad hygiene habits, try doing more activities that require showering after, which may encourage them to shower.
Grooming and Dressing
For your loved one to be well-groomed, help them prioritize washing and brushing their hair, getting regular haircuts, and shaving if that is their preference. Keeping their nails trimmed is also very important for safety and hygiene reasons.
When they are getting dressed, let them choose anything they want to wear if it is reasonable for the season. Style is important for most people. When your loved one is well-dressed and groomed, make sure to compliment them and encourage them to continue these routines. You can also check if they would like to wear makeup and accessories to help them feel good about their appearance.
Toileting
If your loved one is having trouble with toileting, you need to help them to reduce their risk for infection. If they have issues with bladder or bowel functions, they are at a higher risk for developing infections and skin issues. You should provide them with the proper assistance and help them change when necessary.
Your loved one should never be left in wet pads or underclothes as they may develop skin infections. If they have limited mobility, they may have “accidents” and be embarrassed. You can consider seeking the assistance of a continence advisor to help you deal with these issues.
Continence
Many seniors have issues with urine flow. Whether the issues are bladder control or mobility issues making access to the toilet more difficult, trouble urinating can cause skin issues, body odor, and other health issues. A continence GP (General Practitioner) can help with incontinence with physical or occupational therapy and nutrition.
There are also continence advisors that can provide specific equipment to help with continence such as disposable or washable pads, plastic bed covers etc. If the issue is more about getting to the toilet, a local social service can help with home adaptations such as handrails, commodes, and raised toilets.
Laundry Help
Social services usually offer laundry services which can help seniors who cannot keep up with their laundry. Make sure to ask about the laundry services in your area. They may first assess the needs of your loved ones before providing services.
Keeping their Dignity
If you are helping your loved one with bathing, make sure to consider their needs and comfort level. Your loved one should be provided with specialized bathroom equipment such as shower chairs to ensure they are safe and stable and to make it easier to wash themselves. If necessary, they should get a referral for occupational therapy.
You should always ask your loved one how they prefer to be helped. Do not make assumptions and make their safety a priority. You can ask them about the hygiene routine they used and their preferred products such as shower gel or shampoo, so that you keep the experience familiar. If your loved one is self-conscious undressing in front of you, make sure you are considerate of their feelings and act appropriate for the situation.
Safety
For those who have mobility issues, it may be difficult and risky to use the bathroom. It is important to assess the safety of the bathroom before helping them with hygiene. Here are some things to do:
- Make sure the floors are not wet or slippery
- Ensure that the water is a comfortable temperature
- Use non-slip mats in the bathroom tub/shower
- If they need help getting in and out of the shower or tub, make sure they know how to do it safely and have the proper aids to do so.
Giving a Bed Bath Safely
If your loved one has limited mobility, they may need a bed bath. It is important to be cautious when assisting your loved one with this type of bathing. There are also disposable baths that can be used for complete submersion that are helpful for individuals with this requirement.
Professional Help from Assisting Hands
If you notice that your loved one needs help with personal hygiene and tasks around the home, it may be time to get additional help. Here are some signs that hiring a professional caregiver may be warranted:
- Your loved one has memory loss that is getting worse or is showing physical decline
- You find it difficult to care for your loved one and keep the home in good condition
- You are feeling burned out and stressed trying to help your loved one by yourself
- You are unable to provide the daily assistance your loved one needs
If you need elder care services for your loved one, Assisting Hands Home Care can help. Our professionally trained caregivers will ensure your loved one receives the proper care in their home and will become their companion over time.
To learn more about the full range of senior home care services we offer in Duluth, GA, make sure to give us a call at (470) 275-1072.