1. Respect the Elderly Person's Feelings
Some elderly people are uncomfortable discussing their hygiene with others, let alone allowing someone to give them a bath. Use caution and do everything you can to help an elderly person feel at ease. She may prefer to cover herself with a towel while bathing. Some elderly are more comfortable with a professional caregiver helping them. Just because an elderly person needs help with her hygiene doesn't mean she doesn't want to maintain her dignity. Do your best to make her as comfortable as possible during the process.
2. Lack of Personal Hygiene May be a Warning Sign
Bad hygiene is usually a warning sign that an elderly person needs assistance. Evaluate the situation and investigate the root of the problem. The solution could be as simple as replenishing his supply of toiletries or getting him a new pair of glasses. Or it could be more complicated and require the advice of a doctor. Changes in personal hygiene should always be addressed to ensure that an elderly person is getting the care that he needs.
3. Organize the Supplies
Some elderly don't have good hygiene because they aren't able to easily access their toiletries. They may benefit from help organizing their toiletries. You can arrange the bathroom so that all the toiletries are within reach. You can organize them by how or when they should be used with instructions written out for elderly who need help remembering when or how to use them.
4. Hygiene Habits Can Affect Health
Washing hands and staying clean is very important for the elderly. It can reduce an elderly person's risk of getting common illnesses like the cold or the flu. For the elderly, a cold or the flu can develop into much more serious health problems, like pneumonia. Elderly people can easily get infections under their skin if they fail to wash properly. By staying clean, elderly people may be able to avoid certain illnesses and may be less prone to infections.
5. The Mouth Matters
Poor oral hygiene can cause many problems for the elderly. Any type of painful sore or toothache in the mouth will make it difficult to eat. This may cause malnutrition. Dentures need to be properly cleaned on a regular basis to avoid infection. Studies have shown a link between poor oral hygiene and respiratory problems in the elderly. Talk to a dentist who works with the elderly to learn more about how to improve an elderly person's oral hygiene.
Member Comments