Do you know someone whose body is growing frail and weary? Do they have trouble with doing simple, everyday tasks? If you have an elderly loved one in your life that needs assistance at home, help them. One thing your aging mother and father might need help with includes personal hygiene. Those who are in their later years may have trouble keeping their bodies clean. Poor hygiene can lead to sickness, so provide your elderly parent with the aid that they need with maintaining their personal hygiene. In fact, as a provider of home care services in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Non-Medical Home Care in Brown Deer, Wisconsin, we pay close attention to helping our clients maintain good hygiene especially in the following aspects:
- Nails
Take care of your elderly mother or father’s nails. Nails that are too long can be dangerous. We’ve all had the experience being scratched or bending a long nail back. The feelings are not pleasant. Dirt, germs, and bacteria can also hide beneath long fingernails. If nails are not kept cut and clean, we open up a doorway for those germs to get into our systems whenever we eat with our hands or touch our faces. Trim your elderly loved one’s nails on a regular basis. - Bathing
One way you can help your aging loved one is by assisting them with bathing or showering. Bodies need frequent washing, not just to smell good, but to also remove dirt and germs.When assisting your loved one with showering remember to:- Get the assistive bathroom devices that your loved one needs
- Prevent slips and falls with a bath mat in the tub
- Do everything at a slow pace to avoid injuries
If the one you are caring for cannot get out of bed, give them a bed bath.
- Dressing
Getting dressed can be a challenge for older bodies. When assisting your loved one with dressing, make sure that the clothes that they’re putting on are comfortable and simple. Tight-fitting, complicated articles of clothing might be difficult for someone who is older to put on. Aches and pains could present problems and prevent them from being able to get dressed. A roomy shirt and stretchy, loose-fitting pants are easy to put on and will keep your elderly loved one feeling pleasant. - Teeth
It is important to take care of our teeth. As we grow older, our bones may start to get weaker. Help your parent take care of their teeth by providing them with foods rich in vitamin D and calcium. Make sure they clean their teeth properly, as well. Daily brushing and flossing of the teeth will prevent your mother or father from having bad breath, gum disease, tooth loss, and cavities. Take your elderly loved one to the dentist for a dental cleaning and checkups to ensure their oral hygiene is in good condition.
Taking care of your aging loved one might be a big challenge for you to take on. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Our caregivers at Supportive Personal Care Services in Wisconsin will give you the assistance you need when it comes to your loved one’s personal hygiene.