How to Help Seniors with Everyday Routines
Daily routines can seem like something we take for granted, but they play an indispensable role in old age. Keeping a healthy everyday pace and taking care about how they look and dress is something that some seniors tend to neglect, which indicates a need for a helping hand. If not treated properly, this can soon become a hurdle for their family members and cause the elderly to feel like a burden. How can you help them take care of themselves and lead a satisfying life?
Fortunately, professionals who provide dedicated homecare across West Los Angeles can give you straightforward answers. If you wish to learn some of their most useful tips for aiding the elderly, continue reading!
Why is grooming important for elderly?
In the context of assisted living, taking care of grooming and dress is equally important as taking regular medication. Feelings of social isolation are prevalent among elderly people. It can lead to loss of self-esteem, social withdrawal, and self-neglect, so it’s important to remind them that they still have a role to play.
One of the most common issues that seniors face is a lack of interest in personal grooming and taking care of their appearance. This can be caused by several factors, including poor vision, dementia, arthritis, or depression. While it may not seem like a big deal at first, soon enough it will start to take a toll on their mental well-being and physical health. It should be addressed from the very start to prevent further negative consequences.
How do you groom an elderly patient?
The elderly may need assistance with a variety of daily grooming tasks, such as:
- Washing their face and hands
- Brushing their teeth and other oral hygiene duties
- Combing their hair
- Shaving
- Bathing
- Applying makeup
- Polishing nails
- Pedicure
- Dressing and undressing
Some of these tasks may require the help of a caregiver or family member, while others can be done with the aid of special products and equipment designed for seniors who age in place. For example:
- electric toothbrushes with extra-soft bristles and specialized flossers
- long-handled bathing sponges that make it easier to reach all parts of the body
- shower seats and benches
- bath lifts
- raised toilet seats
- portable commodes and vanity tables
There are a few things that you can do to encourage your loved ones to stay looking their best, even as they age:
- Include plenty of mirrors in their home. This will give them the opportunity to check themselves regularly and improve self-care and awareness of their look.
- Make grooming a fun and positive experience by chatting or playing music while you help them with tasks such as shaving, applying makeup, or doing their hair.
- Don’t be afraid to hire professional in-home care services if you need an extra set of hands.
How do you help an elderly patient dress?
Keep in mind that dressing will involve a whole new set of responsibilities and potential challenges to the elderly. Dressing is challenging for the elderly who face issues with movement due to chronic pain or disability. For example, those who are wheelchair-bound will need help getting in and out of clothes, while those with dementia or motor impairment may forget how to dress altogether.
The best way to help an elderly patient dress is to take your time and be patient. Of course, this isn’t always easy. For instance, if you need to encourage them to use hearing aids, you’ll probably face some resistance with other tasks.Â
Help them choose clothing that is both comfortable and stylish, and make sure that all items are easy to put on and take off. If possible, try to involve them in the process as much as possible so that they can still feel like they have some control over their appearance.
Where can I find more information about companies that provide expert homecare in West Los Angeles?
Taking care of your elderly loved ones is an important responsibility that should not be taken lightly. A well-groomed elderly person will feel more confident and have a better outlook on life. However, if you’re overwhelmed with everyday responsibilities, you don’t want to be left feeling like you’re neglecting your loved one. If you’re living in Rancho Park or anywhere else in West Los Angeles area, reach out to A Better Way in Home Care. We’ll gladly connect you to someone who’d be eager to assist with everyday tasks. With our help, your senior relatives can continue looking and feeling their best – no matter what age they are! Call us today and let us match you with the best Caregiver.