When you are taking care of a senior parent you may need to help them with hygiene tasks like bathing, brushing their teeth, and getting dressed. As seniors get older a variety of factors like medical conditions, age-related mobility issues, low vision, or side effects from medications can make it difficult or even dangerous for seniors to do hygiene tasks. If you or your senior parent isn’t comfortable with you helping them with hygiene tasks, personal care at home services for seniors are available.
When seniors have personal care at a home a care provider that has training and experience in helping seniors with sensitive tasks like bathing will come to the home to assist your mom or dad. Personal care at home can make hygiene issues much less awkward or embarrassing for both your mom or dad and for you.
If you are going to help your senior parent with hygiene tasks at least part of the time you can use these tips to help them maintain their dignity and their safety as well as their hygiene:
Establish a Hygiene Routine
Establishing a consistent daily routine for personal hygiene can help your senior parent know what to expect and make the process more manageable. Try to stick to regular times for bathing, grooming, and other hygiene tasks. If you have to change the schedule, like if your senior parent has a medical appointment so they need a shower on a day they usually don’t shower, let them know in advance.
Simplify the hygiene routine by breaking tasks down into smaller steps and focusing on the most essential ones. Prioritize tasks based on your parent’s needs and preferences to make the process less overwhelming. It’s also a good idea to explain each step before you do it so they know what you’re going to be doing.
Safety First Always
Make sure the bathroom and other areas where hygiene tasks are performed are safe and accessible for your senior parent. Install grab bars, non-slip mats, and other safety equipment to prevent falls and accidents. A shower chair is strongly recommended so that your senior parent can safely sit down while you help them shower and there’s no risk of them falling in a slippery shower.
Assist as Needed
Offer assistance with tasks your senior parent finds challenging, such as bathing, toileting, dressing, and grooming. Be patient and respectful of their preferences and privacy while providing the necessary support. Let them do as much as they can on their own.
Adapt Tools and Products
Use adaptive tools and products designed for seniors to make hygiene tasks easier and more comfortable. This may include long-handled brushes, shower chairs, raised toilet seats, and easy-grip grooming aids.
Use Gentle Products
Choose gentle and mild hygiene products that are suitable for your senior parent’s skin type and any specific health conditions they may have. Avoid products that contain harsh chemicals or fragrances that may irritate their skin. It’s a good idea to use shampoo and soap made for babies because those products are typically fragrance-free and very gentle on the skin.
Don’t Skip Brushing Teeth
Make sure that your senior parent is brushing their teeth at least twice a day and using a good cleansing mouthwash. Oral health is very important to physical health, so brushing teeth and maintaining good oral hygiene should be a priority.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Personal Care at Home Services in Punxsutawney PA please get in touch with the caring staff at Quality Health Services.
Call today! Northern Counties: (814) 251-9044
Blair, Cambria, & Centre Counties: (582) 220-2127
Quality Health Services is a trusted non-medical senior care provider in Dubois, Punxsutawney, Bellefonte, Jefferson, Brockway, Brookville, Clearfield, St Marys, Emporium, Philipsburg, Blair County, Cambria County, and Centre County, PA areas.
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