As seniors get older, their care needs change. Seniors who want to live independently may be reluctant to talk about things like personal care and hygiene care with their grown children. Even if your senior parent is struggling with some aspects of taking care of their hygiene they might not tell you that. You may have to start the conversation with your senior parent about hygiene if you notice that your senior parent isn’t looking quite as well groomed as usual or if you notice they’re having a problem with odor. In order to have an open and honest discussion about hygiene and personal care at home for seniors some things that you should know are:
Sometimes It’s Easier To Have A Stranger’s Help
Many family caregivers assume that their senior parent would rather have help with hygiene tasks or bathing from a family member that they trust. But in many cases the opposite is true. Seniors largely prefer to get help with things like bathing, dressing, using the bathroom, and daily tasks like brushing their teeth from a stranger. It’s less embarrassing them to have a professional caregiver that they don’t have a family connection with help them do those kinds of things.
It’s Safer To Get Specialty Personal Home Care
Seniors are the most vulnerable when they’re showering, using the bathroom, getting in and out of bed, or getting dressed. They’re much more likely to fall doing those tasks, and the process of getting a senior out of bed or into bed can be very physically challenging. It’s safer for your senior parent and safer for you to have a professional caregiver who is trained in techniques that will help seniors move, stand, and transfer in and out bed without causing injury to your senior parent or to themselves.
It’s Going To Be Awkward No Matter What
It’s going to be awkward to talk to your senior parent about personal care and hygiene no matter what. It just is. But take the time to listen to their wants and concerns and remember that the goal is just to make sure that they are healthy and safe. If you really listen to them and work with them to find the best solution the conversation can be productive and positive even if it’s still a little awkward.
A Sense Of Humor Is Essential
Having a good sense of humor will make the entire process of talking about personal care at home and actually finding a care giver much easier and less embarrassing for everyone. Your senior parent may also find it much easier to talk to you about the hygiene struggles they’re having if the two of you can laugh about the many embarrassing things that happen as people get older. Remind your senior parent that everyone who ages has to go through these struggles and finding the humor in it is the best way to deal with the situation.
If you or an aging loved one is considering personal care at home in Union, NJ, please contact the caring staff at Adult Alternative Home Care today. 888-664-1769
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