Hygiene problems are surprisingly widespread when providing care for the elderly. The greatest technique to convince a senior to wash frequently and wear clean clothing is to determine why their bathing habits have changed. A perfect storm of unsanitary conditions may be caused by various circumstances. Not all seniors will want their adult children to help them with this task, even if you have provided care or stepped into the caregiving role. This is intimate and personal, and when taken away, it can feel like a loss of independence. Your senior may not need to shower every day of the week, but they may need to shower every 4 or 5 days. If they don’t want your help with this task, it’s time to find personal care at home professionals.
Benefits of Hiring Personal Care at Home Providers When Bathing
Personal care at home may be more comfortable for your senior. It can be humiliating to turn to an adult child to help with bathing, leading to a lack of hygiene. Having professional help for your seniors may allow them to age in place longer and healthier than if it was just you taking care of them.
Strange body odor and an untidy look might be caused by inadequate hygiene. On the contrary, significant changes in bathing habits may be detrimental to a senior’s social and physical well-being and health. Family caregivers often find it difficult to persuade elderly relatives to bathe more often. There is typically much more going on than meets the eye when it comes to this problem, but here are some things you can do to help your mom or dad.
Get Help From Their Doctor
In certain instances, the physician of a loved one may be a formidable ally. For instance, a physician may assist in deciding whether depression is a cause and if antidepressants may improve their mood and increase their energy, thus aiding in the resolution of the self-care issue. A fresh interest in life may increase a senior’s awareness of the necessity (or desire) to wash or shower and wear clean clothing. In addition to ruling out other reasons that may be impacting the patient’s capacity and/or desire to care for oneself, medical practitioners might prescribe the next measures. Remember that our seniors may take physicians’ “official” suggestions more seriously than a family member’s begging and badgering.
Don’t Let it be a Power Struggle
A little deception might be useful if you find yourself in a power conflict with an older person who refuses to be “bossed about.” Try to get a close friend to contact you and extend an invitation to lunch or another event that takes some primping. Sometimes, a cause to clean up for someone other than one’s family is sufficient. The promise of a special reward, such as supper at their favorite restaurant on their weekly bath day, may also serve as a significant incentive.
Focus on Comfort When Showering
Additionally, specially developed bathing aids and products for seniors may be a game-changer. For instance, if you can still assist a loved one into the shower but they are unsteady on their feet or fatigue quickly, there are a variety of shower chairs available. This is a sensible decision for aging individuals since it may considerably reduce the chance of falling in the shower. Bathing a loved one who is scared of or overwhelmed by water might be made easier with a handheld showerhead. It enables them (or an assistant) to direct the stream just where and when they choose. For people who are terrified of falling, grab bars are another need.
If you or a family member need to hire Personal Care at Home Services in Coconut Creek FL, call the caring professionals at Star Multi Care today at (954) 870-4770. Providing service in Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Coconut Creek, Deerfield Beach, Delray Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Lauderhill, Margate, Pompano Beach, and Tamarac.
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