So many seniors experience trouble with personal hygiene tasks because of cognitive, physical, or emotional challenges. Addressing those hygiene issues can’t be ignored because proper hygiene helps to prevent infections, boosts self-esteem, and helps seniors feel better overall. Personal care at home could be the missing piece in a care plan to address hygiene challenges for aging adults.
Common Hygiene Challenges for Seniors
Every senior’s situation is different, but they can experience some similar issues with hygiene. Mobility difficulties can make it difficult for seniors to bathe, groom themselves, or change clothes. Seniors may experience balance issues due to health issues, which can make hygiene tasks difficult. Memory loss could make it difficult for seniors to remember to take care of hygiene tasks. And some seniors may feel embarrassed or frustrated when they need help with personal care tasks.
Safety Concerns
Safety concerns are a big reason for aging adults to need help from elder care services with hygiene tasks. Bathrooms can be more dangerous for them because of accessibility issues and lack of safety tools, like handrails. Assessing safety concerns and addressing those issues is something that families often need help doing. Help from personal care at home providers greatly improves safety for seniors and gives families an idea where those safety concerns lie.
How Personal Care at Home Helps
Personal care providers offer assistance as needed with daily hygiene tasks. The assistance they offer is based on what exactly seniors need help managing and other preferences and limitations. When seniors no longer have to struggle with tasks that are too difficult, they can spend that time and energy elsewhere. Families also know that they’re safe, which is a huge relief.
Encouraging Independence
A common concern seniors might have when family caregivers bring up personal care at home is that they won’t be able to maintain their independence. The truth is that home care providers offer seniors assistance, but not with every single aspect of personal care unless that’s what seniors need. Seniors build their confidence and learn that they can still do the tasks that they’re capable of handling.
Tips for Family Caregivers
Personal care assistance works best when seniors have a consistent hygiene schedule that works for them. Investing in safety devices and tools, like shower chairs, that can help seniors feel safer while bathing and doing other personal care tasks can help a lot. Talking with seniors about what they’re comfortable doing is also helpful. Personal care at home offers seniors dignity while also helping with specific tasks. Accepting that help can feel weird to seniors at first, so making these changes a little more slowly and as seniors are comfortable doing so can make it easier.
Hygiene challenges aren’t just about keeping seniors clean and smelling good. Hygiene affects emotional wellness, physical well-being, and overall quality of life. Personal care at home gives seniors compassionate assistance that helps them deal with the challenges they’re facing while also preserving independence and dignity at the same time.
If you or an aging loved one is considering personal care at home in Lone Tree, CO, please contact the caring staff at SYNERGY HomeCare of Parker. 303-953-9924
