5 ways Professional Caregivers Help with Elderly Hygiene Care

1. They Establish a Routine

Establishing a solid routine helps elders stick to it. That way, they won't forget or neglect personal hygiene care. It can be starting with a warm bath in the morning, then dental care and hair care.

However, if they already have a routine, it is best to stick to it. If they prefer a particular shampoo, soap, or even bathing at a specific time of the day, sticking to it helps them feel in control.

2. They Offer Professional Support

Professional caregivers offer professional personal services to your loved one. Some older people feel uncomfortable with family members grooming them, especially when it comes to the bathing part of senior hygiene.

They may feel more comfortable with a non-family member and much better if they are professional. They can have access and know-how to use tools meant for caring for the elders.

3. They Provide Essential Hygiene Aids

Mobility problems and lack of stability may make hygiene for seniors difficult and frustrating. Providing them with essential elderly hygiene products and aids can go a long way to make it easier for them to do their grooming.

Shower chairs, no-rinse bathing wipes and shampoo caps, easy to use nail clippers, and shower brushes with long handles can all make it less strenuous for them. Senior hygiene products might even encourage them to do their grooming when they realize it's easier.

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4. They Make Sure the Care Recipient Stays Moisturized

As we age, the skin becomes thin, dry, and brittle. It is also susceptible to tears and bruises. Sores and bruises take longer to heal when people age.

Following up with a moisturizer after bathing can help keep their skin soft and hydrated. You will also avoid issues that accompany dry skin, such as itching, resulting in bruises.

5. They Stay on Top of Dental Care

Caregivers often overlook dental care in seniors. They may not have some or all their natural teeth, but the gum or dentures also require maintenance.

Ensure they brush their teeth daily or help them if they are unable. If they have dentures, make sure they are cleaned daily, soaked every night, and their gums cleaned after the dentures are removed.

1. Always Exercise Patience and be Slow to Anger

Tending to caregiver responsibilities is similar to any other job. There will be good and bad days at your work. Older adults sometimes experience mood swings. That friendly person you saw yesterday might be a changed one for the worst today. Maybe, he/she might not be willing to take in any of your assistance; that is from bathing them, helping them with oral care, or even clothing.

Their words might also not be kind enough. In such a case, all you need is patience and try to understand them. Assume you're the relative and that the older person has no one else to help them. Thus, all you need is to give them a little time, engage them in a talk, and maybe he/she will open up on what's the matter.

2. Understand Your Work Limits

Although we said the elderly might be more comfortable with a non-relative helping them, this trick won't always work. As a caregiver, there are days an older person won't be in the mood to connect with you. In such scenarios, never force it. It might ruin the good relationship more. All you need to do is understand your limit and ask for help.

Maybe, there is someone within the family who they will listen to. Asking for help is the best way since essential care such as teeth brushing, feeding, clothing, and taking a bath can not get postponed just because they are not connecting with you at that time.