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1. Establish a routine
It is easier for the elderly person to forget or neglect their hygiene when they do not have a solid routine in place. Start the morning off right by helping your loved one freshen up. Have a warm shower or bath waiting and make sure that shampoo, soap, and other essentials are within reach. Once washed, move to the sink for teeth brushing, followed by hair care. As many elderly individuals live a fairly sedentary lifestyle, they may not need to shower or bathe daily. The routine may involve bathing just three times a week.
2. Implement safety measures
Slip-and-fall accidents can occur when proper safety measures are not taken. Falls are highly common in the bathroom due to slippery floors, low toilet seats, and inadequate towel racks and grab bars. Start by adding a raised toilet seat which raises the toilet seat about eight cm. Place non-slip mats on the floor of the shower or tub. The elderly who have difficulty standing for long periods of time may benefit from a shower chair or transfer bench. Also install grab bars to make it easier for your loved one to get in and out of the tub.
3. Create an intimate atmosphere
Some elderly person feel embarrassed for needing help with bathing and hygiene. One way to help calm and soothe your loved one is by creating a relaxing environment and intimate atmosphere. Try to keep any conservation natural and casual to help distract the person from the hygiene tasks at hand. Try to allow your loved one to maintain as much independence as possible but do not be afraid to step in when assistance is clearly needed.
4. Protect the person’s modesty
Some elderly person may find having someone else help them shower or bathe to be a degrading experience. Whenever possible, it is important to try and protect the elderly person’s modesty. Allow your loved one to cover the body parts with a towel that are not being actively. When cleaning the person’s private parts, allow them to help you wash these areas. Have a towel and clean clothes ready for the person for when they exit the shower or bath. These actions will help your loved one feel more in control over the hygiene process.
5. Invest in hygiene aids
There are different products on the market designed to address common hygiene issues in the elderly. By providing your loved one with some of these devices, you may make their life a little easier. Shower chairs or benches can be useful for the elderly person who have strength or balance problems. Bathing wipes, long-handled shower brushes, no-rinse shampoo caps, and easy grip nail clippers can be invaluable for the elderly who want to partake in their hygiene. Assistive devices like hair washing trays can also make it easier for caregivers to complete hygiene tasks quickly and without causing discomfort.
6. Use skin moisturizers
The natural aging process can cause skin to become dry, thin, and brittle. By applying moisturizers to the skin like lotions or creams, you can help keep your loved one’s skin soft and hydrated. As the elderly person have delicate skin, you will want to be gentle while applying the product. Consider giving your loved one a soothing massage while applying the lotion. Opt for a non-scented or light-scented moisturizer as lotions that are highly scented can be nauseating to some elderly who may be sensitive to certain fragrances. Aging skin can also benefit from moisturizers containing antioxidants and vitamins C and E.
7. Focus on Dental Care
Caregivers often overlook dental care for a number of reasons. If your loved one still has their natural teeth, brushing and flossing twice a day is a must. The elderly with dentures should practice good hygiene by rinsing their dentures after eating, cleaning their mouth after removing the dentures, brushing the dentures daily, and soaking them at night. Dental care should also involve regular visits to the dentist for oral healthcare checkups. Remember that oral health does not just affect the mouth, but has also been linked with other conditions like heart disease.
Good hygiene is an essential part of a healthy life and having a personal hygiene checklist helps. You can expand this checklist to include other activities that take into account the needs of the elderly person. You can consult this checklist with a doctor so as not to miss important steps and recommendations to ensure the health and comfort of your loved one.
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