If your mom is living alone she may need some help with basic tasks as she gets older, including some hygiene tasks. It’s very common for seniors to need some help with things like showering or getting dressed as they get older, but many seniors don’t like to talk about it or ask for help.
There will be signs that your mom needs help. You might notice that her hair doesn’t look as clean as it used to. Or you might notice she wears the same clothes frequently, because they may be the only ones she can easily put on.
Personal care at home can help your mom with hygiene tasks in a discreet and empathetic way so that she doesn’t have to ask you for help. Getting personal care at home is a fantastic way to make sure that your mom has help with hygiene tasks like:
Bathing or Showering
If your mom isn’t getting around as easily as she used to she may need assistance with getting in and out of the tub or shower safely. It’s a good idea to have someone help your mom shower just in case she gets dizzy or loses her balance so that she doesn’t fall. She also may need a care provider’s help with washing hard-to-reach areas to ensure thorough cleaning.
Oral Care
Regular brushing, flossing, and denture cleaning might become challenging if your mom is losing her grip strength or struggling with arthritis. She may need help with maintaining good oral hygiene. A care provider can help your mom brush her teeth twice a day, floss, and use mouthwash to keep teeth and gums healthy.
If your mom has dentures a care provider can also help her properly clean and disinfect her dentures so that the dirty dentures don’t cause gum disease or oral infections.
Hair Care
Washing, drying, and styling hair can be difficult for seniors with limited mobility or dexterity, so having personal care at home is a great way to help her maintain her hair. For many women having clean and properly styled hair affects their self-confidence. If your mom isn’t able to wash and care for her hair it could impact her mental health.
Nail Care
Nail care tasks like trimming and cleaning fingernails and toenails may be difficult or impossible for your mom, especially if she has weak grip strength or limited flexibility. It’s very common for seniors to be unable to bend over and reach their toes well enough to cut their own toenails.
Dressing
If your mom is struggling with dexterity issues, weak hands, or other symptoms she may not be able to wear the clothes she really wants to wear. A care provider can help your mom look and feel her best every day in the clothes that she really wants to wear.
Skin Care
Applying moisturizers, checking for skin issues like dryness or sores, and ensuring overall skin health is important, especially if your mom has sensitive or aging skin. A caregiver can help your mom take good care of her skin every day.
Comments