When providing care for your elderly loved one, it’s important to respect his or her need for privacy as you assist with daily routines. Personal hygiene tasks can be an especially delicate matter, yet there are some simple strategies you can use to help your loved one maintain dignity as you meet his or her grooming needs.
Promote Independence with Assistive Devices
When a loved one faces mobility challenges, there are many options available for helping him or her complete tasks independently. Long-handled wiping aids can ensure personal hygiene needs are met after toileting, and dressing aids can be used to help your loved one fasten buttons or pull a shirt over his or her shoulders.
Living independently is important for seniors who want to maintain a high quality of life. For some, this simply means receiving help with tasks that have become more challenging to manage over time. Even when families have the best intentions, they may not have the time to provide the care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. If your loved one needs help for a few hours a day or a few days a week, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a trusted provider of respite care Annapolis seniors can depend on.
Prepare Beforehand
Having everything ready to go can shorten the amount of time your loved one may be uncomfortable. Before your loved one’s bath, spend a few minutes making sure shampoo, towels, and other necessities are nearby. Then lay out your loved one’s clothing so he or she can get dressed immediately after.
Use Distraction
When a potentially embarrassing task must be done with your assistance, attempt to take your loved one’s mind off his or her discomfort. Try to engage your parent in conversation while you assist with toileting or bathing. Looking away from your loved one’s private areas as you help him or her get dressed or making eye contact as you share a silly joke can also show respect for his or her dignity.
Offer Towels to Limit Exposure
Many seniors put off bathing out of concerns for their privacy, yet you can still help your loved one get clean without making him or her feel exposed. When helping your loved one bathe, simply use a towel as a drape over his or her body. Your loved one can hold on to the towel and uncover one body part at a time for you to wash, which may increase his or her comfort level.
A professional caregiver can offer personal care support while treating your parent with the dignity he or she deserves. When considering home care service, families should make sure their senior loved ones have the resources they need to maintain their independence and remain healthy. Trusted in-home care professionals can assist seniors with daily tasks like cooking, bathing, and exercise, and they can also encourage them to focus on healthier lifestyle habits.
Recruit Help
For many families, personal hygiene is a very private matter, and some seniors may prefer to have professionals take over the task. Talk to your loved one about what he or she prefers, and consider your personal comfort level regarding hygiene assistance. Often, a professional caregiver is the ideal solution for avoiding the embarrassment that may be felt when it comes to the most delicate parts of a senior’s daily routine.
In Annapolis elderly home care agencies can be a great boon to seniors. With the help of the caregivers at Assisting Hands Home Care, your aging loved one can lead a happier and healthier life. Our dedicated in-home caregivers can assist with meal prep, bathing and grooming, exercise, medication reminders, and many other important tasks. Reach out to us at Assisting Hands Home Care if you need compassionate professional care for your loved one. Call one of our friendly Care Managers today.
