Comfort Home Care in Rockville, MD, provides senior care services that help your loved ones remain in their homes. We provide assistance with the activities of daily living. One of these is personal hygiene. For most of us, personal hygiene is something we automatically do every day. We develop routines in our teens and early adulthood and typically don’t give them much thought as we carry them out.
However, as seniors, our bodies undergo changes that can affect our ability to carry out our personal hygiene habits. It is important to be aware of these changes as they can affect your overall health. The good news is, with some guidance, new routines can be adapted and new products introduced.
Here are five must-have personal hygiene products you will want to consider for your senior’s home care, comfort, and overall good health.
Product #1: Incontinence Products
For many seniors, incontinence can become an issue. There are different causes of incontinence – loss of muscle control, nerve damage due to disease, overactive bladder, and urinary tract infections. All of these can make it difficult or impossible to “hold it” until you can reach the bathroom.
Fortunately, there are a variety of products available to help when this problem occurs. They include diapers, pads, briefs, and underwear that hold urine. Most of these products are designed to absorb odor as well as wetness.
Product #2: Bathroom Aids
There are many bathroom aids available for seniors who need help with bathing, using the toilet, or getting in and out of bed. Grab bars help you steady yourself, reducing the risk of slips and falls while getting in and out of the tub or shower, as well as when using the toilet. Raised toilet seats can be installed, so you don’t have to squat as low. Bedpans can be used when it’s difficult to get out of bed or has been recommended by your medical team.
Bath seats, benches, and shower chairs provide a comfortable and stable place to sit for those who cannot stand for long periods. Comfort Home Care’s home health aides will suggest products like these to make it easier for seniors to perform personal hygiene tasks and reduce the risk of injuries.
Product #3: Gentle Soaps
Our skin becomes more delicate as we age, making it prone to dryness and irritation. That’s why it’s essential to choose a gentle and hydrating soap. Look for a soap that contains natural ingredients like shea butter or cocoa butter, which help to lock in moisture.
You should also avoid soaps with fragrances, dyes, or other harsh chemicals, as these can further irritate the skin. Instead, opt for a mild, unscented soap that cleans your skin without stripping away its natural oils.
Product #4: Hydrating Skin Care Products
The more delicate skin that develops as we age is more susceptible to dryness, rashes, skin infections, pressure sores, and even cancer. Use moisturizing skin care products such as lotions, creams, and ointments every day. When going outside, make sure you are applying a generous amount of sunscreen.
To further help with dry, itchy skin, try using a humidifier to add moisture to your bedroom. And turn down the heat in the shower or bath. Hot water is more drying to your skin than warm water.
Product #5: Dental Care Products
As we age, our teeth and gums become more susceptible to decay and disease. Therefore, seniors must maintain good dental hygiene. There are a few things to consider when choosing dental hygiene products for seniors.
Look for products that have extra soft bristles. These products tend to be gentler on the teeth and gums. Many are specifically designed for seniors. Used daily, they will help reduce plaque and tartar build-up. Another option would be an electric toothbrush, as studies suggest they remove 21% more plaque than a traditional toothbrush.
You may also want to consider using mouthwashes or rinses that contain fluoride. It’s widely accepted that fluoride can help to strengthen tooth enamel, making it less likely to develop cavities.
Personal hygiene is important at any age but becomes more so as we age. Thankfully, a variety of personal hygiene products are available to help seniors maintain their health. Speak with your healthcare provider about which senior care products are best for you or your loved one. For more information on senior home care in the Rockville, Maryland, area, contact the dedicated staff at Comfort Home Care today.
