Strategies to Help Seniors Maintain Good Hygiene

Everyday tasks often become more challenging as we age. For many elders, maintaining good personal hygiene can be especially difficult due to factors like lack of mobility, poor energy, or chronic pain. However, good hygiene is essential to senior health and reduces the risk of infection and disease. Likewise, we at Lowenhill Home Care Services will share strategies to help seniors maintain good hygiene:

• Determine the underlying issues.
  Determine the root of why your loved one has neglected their hygiene. Seniors often develop poor hygiene due to mobility issues or discomfort in using the bathroom. Knowing the underlying cause will help you identify the problem and discuss potential solutions.
• Increase bathroom safety.
  Fear of slipping and falling can be enough for seniors to avoid using the shower or bath altogether. A recent fall or injury may also discourage them from using the bathroom independently. You can help promote bathroom safety by having an in-home caregiver and installing the right equipment, like handrails in the shower and raised toilet seats.
• Create a daily hygiene routine.
  A daily hygiene routine will help seniors get into the groove of doing specific activities like brushing their hair or taking a shower. You can make these tasks feel less like chores by helping your loved one pick out their hairstyle or clothes for the day and ensuring the bathroom and water are at a comfortable temperature.

These are a few strategies to help your senior loved one maintain good personal hygiene. If they need additional help, we offer personal care services, including bathing assistance. Set an appointment with us to discuss your loved one’s care needs.