For a person with mobility issues the simple act of attending to their personal hygiene may present problems which leave them feeling frustrated.
Whether the issue is back pain, arthritis in the hands or anything at all that prevents an elderly person from tending to their own personal hygiene the fact is that it can add to that person’s distress and this is something that we see frequently. Yes there are challenges caring for the elderly but it needn’t be an insurmountable problem.
Poor personal hygiene and health
If your loved one has begun to neglect themselves it is not always easy to step in with such a personal issue as this. But poor hygiene can have repercussions for general health; this could take the form of skin problems or infections. It can also impact adversely on mental health, contributing to a state of depression and leading them to worry about losing their independence. Those experienced in elderly care however are well practised in helping people in their care with personal hygiene in a professional and compassionate way and in a way that helps to maintain the dignity of the person in their care.
How you can help your loved one
Where there is limited mobility there are often issues with balance which means an increased risk of falling or slipping in the bathroom. You can help your loved one and their carers by checking that the bathroom is accessible in case of an emergency where your relative has fallen and is unable to move for instance. Also check that the bathroom floor is dry to avoid slips and that there are no obstacles.
You can help by making sure your loved one always has their favourite toiletries and towels to hand. If they are unable to get into and out of a bath you can look into the possibility of creating a walk-in wetroom for them. Ultimately your task may lie in persuading your loved one to accept help and support with their personal hygiene in order to maintain their independence and their health.
How live-in carers can help
One of the many tasks that a live-in carer can help with is washing and dressing. Sometimes it may be that an elderly person simply needs a reminder to brush their teeth or take a bath for instance, but when the obstacle of limited mobility presents itself the carer can take personal charge by helping the person to wash, dress, brush their hair, shave, in short anything that your loved one is unable to manage themselves including helping them visit the toilet.
Carers can work with you by formulating a care plan which incorporates personal hygiene requirements. But there are other advantages too of a live-in carer – one of which is simply the companionship which can be a real antidote to loneliness for elderly people.
According to many studies on elderly care, the more help a person has to stay in their own home, with their own things around them, the better they will cope with a loss of mobility. If you want to know exactly how a live-in carer can help your loved one with mobility issues you can find out more at the Live-in Care Hub.
