As people get older, living a normal life becomes more challenging. Their sickness, medical conditions, and old age prevent them from doing mundane tasks like taking a bath, cooking, maintaining personal hygiene, or walking outside. However, these activities are essential for them to continue living a comfortable life. Poor hygiene can affect their self-esteem and potentially lead to more severe health conditions.
So, if you are a senior or someone who is taking care of the elderly, follow these tips to establish more effective hygiene habits.
Devise a daily routine
Seniors tend to forget or sometimes neglect their hygiene if they do not have a strict routine to follow. You can make a checklist of all the activities they need to accomplish within the day. Print it out using big and bold letters that they can easily read. Then, create a schedule or routine that fits their waking and sleeping hours, and ensure that products like shampoo, soap, and toothbrushes are easily accessible. Adding pamper days is also a good idea to boost their confidence and make them feel good about themselves. Remember that the elderly can sometimes be stubborn, so you have to be patient in guiding them until they get used to their routines.
Buy appropriate clothing and accessories
Clothes that require seniors to use fine motor skills like zipping and buttoning are discouraged. Instead, you should shop for more comfortable clothing that is easy to remove and wear, encouraging the elderly to wear fresh and clean clothes every day. Choose clothes that are not too tight or too rough to avoid the formation of rashes. Aside from clothing, you should also check their medical needs. One of the most common conditions that seniors face is urinary incontinence or an overly active bladder; you can use the MoliCare product finder to search and shop for the products they need. Educate them about the products you bought and teach them the proper ways to use and dispose of them.
Do not neglect the hair and nails
Ensure that the fingernails and toenails are clean to avoid painful and dangerous infections. Long fingernails are also breeding grounds for bacteria and fungi that can make the elderly sick, sometimes even causing severe medical conditions. Ensure that you clip or file down rough edges to lessen the chances of seniors scratching themselves. You can even be playful by painting the elderly’s nails with vibrant colours to brighten their mood.
Contact a professional hairstylist to groom the elderly’s hair. Although short or braided hair is easy to groom, you need to let them choose their preferred hairstyle. This way, they will feel good about their appearance and be motivated to maintain it. After all, a good hairstyle can boost their morale and self-esteem.
Conclusion
Life’s last chapters are meant to be spent with joy and comfort. So, make the most out of your golden years or that of your loved ones by taking these simple steps.
