Tips to Promote Good Personal Hygiene in Seniors

For many older adults, everyday tasks can become more challenging with age. Maintaining good hygiene can be especially challenging due to low energy, lack of mobility, and dampened senses. However, performing activities of daily living like bathing and grooming are essential to maintain their independence and quality of life.

As a provider of senior care in Pennsylvania, we will share tips to promote good hygiene during the golden years:

• Identify the underlying issues

  Get to the root of why your loved one has neglected their personal hygiene. Seniors often develop poor hygiene when they are physically unable to perform their hygiene routines. Identifying the reasons will allow you to discuss solutions, such as arranging a companion to provide hands-on assistance.

• Create an everyday routine

  An everyday hygiene routine will make it easier for your loved one to remember specific tasks, such as brushing their teeth. You can make their hygiene routine more enjoyable by making sure the water is at a comfortable temperature and helping them pick out their clothes for the day.

• Purchase hygiene aids

  Hygiene aids are designed to help seniors solve hygiene issues. Examples of helpful hygiene aids include long-handled shower brushes, shower chairs, and raised toilet seats. You can also install grab bars near the toilet and bathtub to promote balance and stability.

• Arrange additional help

  If your loved one is more comfortable receiving help from someone that’s not a family member, consider personal care services. A professional caregiver can help your loved one maintain their hygiene with dignity and respect.

MARY ELIZABETH Homecare Services, Inc. is your trusted provider of comprehensive and dependable home care in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Promote healthy aging with our services — get in touch with us to get started.