For aging adults, completing daily tasks such as personal care may become challenging and that can diminish their personal hygiene. Poor hygiene may result from limited mobility or lack of energy to take care of the body. However, it is important to take care of one’s self always as hygiene and health go hand in hand. If your loved one is having trouble keeping up with their personal hygiene and self-care, the following tips might help:
Identify the Problem(s)
The first step to take is finding out why your loved one has decided to neglect their personal hygiene. Many aging adults have issues with hygiene because of health concerns, such as mobility issues. With limited mobility, aging adults will most likely become unable to take care of their own grooming such as brushing teeth or having a bath. Knowing the cause of the problem will help to get the right solution to it. Whatever the problem may be, it is essential to work out a solution that will help them remain clean and healthy.
Come Up With a Routine
If your aging loved one is physically able to carry out the task of bathing and brushing their teeth, it’s best to plan out a routine they can follow each day to ensure proper hygiene. This routine should include tasks such as cleaning their face, washing their genital areas, along with bathing most days of the week. Also, teeth should be cleaned twice daily to maintain good oral hygiene. Putting on your loved one’s favorite song, keeping the room and water warm, and laying out their clothes are great ways to motivate them to care for their body.
Ensure Bathroom Safety
One of the reasons why many adults choose to neglect their personal hygiene is the fear of falling or slipping which is likely to happen in the bathroom. Therefore, ensure that the bathroom is slip-free and not in any hazardous condition. Install assistive equipment in the bathroom, such as shower chairs, handrails for support, and raised toilet seats. When carrying out home care, ensure that you protect your loved one from falls or injuries. Ensure that there’s enough room for you to gain access to the bathroom in case of an emergency. Make sure your loved ones know and understand how to move safely while having the necessary aids available for them.
Invest in Hygiene Aids
Hygiene aids are devices designed to help aging adults tackle hygiene issues by making the task of grooming and self-care easy for them. This includes bathing wipes, shower brushes with long handles, toenail clippers, and others.
Consider Assisted Living
If your aging loved one needs more assistance with medical and personal care, consider moving them to assisted living. Even though the transition from home to assisted living can be overwhelming, it is beneficial for adults who would like to live a fun-filled retirement life despite their health and mobility concerns. Your loved ones will get all the assistance they need when they need it. Assisted living communities also offer laundry and dry-cleaning services to ensure that their clothes and linens are clean and dry always.
At Lakeside At Mallard Landing, our priority is ensuring that your loved one stays clean and healthy while participating in and enjoying our fun programs and activities. Our community is a home away from home for all residents. To learn more about our assisted living option, feel free to contact us.
