Whether it’s short-term or long-term, having a loved one who is bedridden can involve a lot of work for the caregiver. Those who become bedridden due to an illness or injury need more constant supervision and help in everyday tasks, causing the caregiver to often stop what they are doing to assist the loved one.

Grooming is one of those everyday activities that most of us don’t think about too often. It’s just a natural part of our daily routine. But for someone who is bedridden, they may no longer be able to manage these tasks on their own. It can often help a family caregiver to consider hiring a 24-hour home care team that will rotate providers throughout the day and night to help with daily grooming chores. A 24-hour home care team can take some of the burden off of the caregiver, allowing them to enjoy more free time with their loved ones.

Here are five important grooming practices your 24-hour home team can assist with when caring for your loved one.

• Haircuts, Combing, and Shaving. Helping your loved one stay in style not only promotes his sense of well-being and confidence, but it can also help to keep him healthy by eliminating the possibility of filth in these areas from spilled food or drinks. Clean hair and facial hair keep away bugs and mold that could make an unkempt area more welcoming.
• Clothing. Just because your loved one is stuck in bed, doesn’t mean he shouldn’t have a fresh, clean change of clothes each day. Once again, the mental boost to self-esteem this provides is important, as well as the importance of eliminating the risk of dirt, germs, and bacteria building up on his clothes, causing a possible health risk.
• Bathing. Whether your loved one needs assistance getting to and from the bathroom, or can only manage a bed bath, your 24-hour home care provider will be trained on how to safely move him or perform the washing in his bed. Many elderly loved ones would rather have a trained person help with this task than a loved one due to the discomfort of having their loved one see them without clothes.
• Dental Hygiene. Another area to strive to maintain healthy grooming practices is the mouth. Brushing teeth, providing lip moisturizers, and flossing all help to make sure these areas stay healthy and do not cause additional health problems. Whether your loved one can do it himself or needs someone to physically use the toothbrush for him, a 24-hour home care provider will be there.
• Fingernails and Toenails. Just because your loved one is bedridden, doesn’t mean his nails will stop growing. Keeping his nails short and clean can help prevent the possibility of your loved one scratching himself too deeply with a dirty nail and risking infection.

One of the best things you can do to help your loved one recover and feel good about himself in the process is to ensure that his grooming practices are completed regularly.

If you or an aging loved one is considering 24-hour home care in Union, NJ, please contact the caring staff at Adult Alternative Home Care today. 888-664-1769

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Lorraine Arkaifie, MSN, AGPCNP-BC

Founder & Director of Services at Adult Alternative Home Care

After completing nursing school in 2009, she worked as a Registered Nurse with the elderly in nursing homes, hospitals and in their homes. She went on to complete advance nurse training with a focus in Geriatrics. As she gained more clinical experience, she was encouraged to pursue her dreams of establishing a home care organization that will provide excellent services to members of her community. With over ten years clinical knowledge, she has perfected the skills to establish rapport and support of the frail and elderly we serve. She loves what she does and will love to help you or your loved ones get the care and support they need.

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