Overview
The elderly person in your life wants to maintain as much independence as possible. It’s vital for her self-esteem and good mental health. The day will come when she is unable to complete one of her hygiene activities of daily living. If she has suffered a sudden illness, such as a stroke, this inability could be temporary or it might become a permanent condition. You will both need to adjust to the new routine. Talk to her and find out what she wants to continue doing for herself and help her with the rest.
Step 1
Respect the elderly person’s wishes regarding self-care. The Pennsylvania Department of Welfare Services suggests you give him the opportunity to take care of as much of his daily hygiene habits as he can do and help him with those he is not able to take care of. Talk to him and find out what he wants to do for himself and what he’ll allow you to help with.
Step 2
Gather her toiletries all at one time and assist her in taking care of her daily hygiene. Stay close by if she needs help squeezing toothpaste on her toothbrush or if she needs help brushing her hair. If she is unable to bathe herself, the Pennsylvania Department of Welfare Services suggests assisting her into her tub. If she’s not able to get into the shower or tub, fill a basin with lukewarm water and make sure her bath soap and a wash cloth are available so she can wash herself. Help her clean the areas of her body she’s not able to reach and respect her modesty.
Step 3
Clip the elderly person’s fingernails and toenails weekly. His nails have probably become thick, brittle and ridged. To make it easier to cut them, soak the nails first in a solution of warm, soapy water. Clip his toenails straight across and file them to eliminate any rough edges. File his nails into a short oval by using the fine side of the emery board. File in one direction only and don’t file too close.
Step 4
Wash or help wash the hair of the elderly person once per week. Use a gentle shampoo. The entire washing, combing and drying process could take as long as an hour, so take care of this portion of her hygiene on a day when she does not have many plans. Save her energy for the shampooing process.
Step 5
Get your elderly relative to brush his teeth every day. As he ages, the salivary glands become less active, the soft tissues inside his mouth become harder and pain impulses are more difficult to feel. It’s important for him to brush his teeth every day so he can avoid mouth sores, bad breath and cracked, dry oral membranes. Lack of good oral hygiene can lead to the development of pneumonia in the elderly, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Welfare Services.
