It can be very awkward to discuss hygiene issues with a senior parent. But, as seniors age, their hygiene needs change as their bodies change. Seniors who have health conditions like arthritis also may find it difficult to keep up with personal hygiene the way that they used to.

If you notice that your senior parent seems to be having some trouble with personal hygiene you should talk to them about personal care at home. With personal care at home, seniors can get the help they need with activities of daily living like showering, brushing their teeth, and getting dressed. Personal care at home helps seniors maintain their dignity and confidence in their appearance.

You may also want to make sure that your senior parent is well-stocked on hygiene items that they might be embarrassed to shop for or ask you to shop for. Making sure that your senior parent has these items in their home could save them some embarrassment while also giving them what they need to maintain their hygiene. According to experts, all seniors should have their hygiene products available to them:

Briefs or Leak Proof Underwear

If your senior parent is struggling with incontinence they might not want to tell you about it. Discreetly buying briefs and putting them in the bathroom is one way to make sure that your senior parent has what they need to handle incontinence. Or, you can gift them leak-proof underwear that can help them manage leaks or odors associated with incontinence.

Personal Cleansing Wipes

Everyone can use personal cleaning wipes or baby wipes, but they are especially helpful for seniors. Cleansing wipes make it easy for seniors to wash up between showers, keep any skin folds clean and bacteria-free, and help them feel fresh. You can buy them in bulk and store them in all the bathrooms as well as in your senior parent’s pocketbook so they have some when they go out.

Shower Chair or Bench

Putting a shower chair or bench in a senior parent’s shower will make it safer and more comfortable for them to shower on their own. And with a shower chair or bench and a long-handled sponge or bath brush, they will have a much easier time cleaning all their body parts.

Adaptive Toilet Seat

Seniors may have a hard time using the toilet when the seat is low or uncomfortable. Installing a raised adaptive seat will make it easier for your senior parent to use the toilet and stand up without falling or losing their balance.

Denture Care Products

If your senior parent wears dentures make sure they have anti-bacterial denture cleaner and all the tools they need to keep their dentures clean. Without those tools, they could develop bad breath or gum disease from the bacteria on their dentures.

Battery-Operated Toothbrush with an Easy-Grip Handle

Using a toothbrush can be tough for seniors with poor grip strength. A toothbrush designed for seniors with a big padded handle and one that is battery operated will make it much easier for seniors to brush their teeth twice a day the way they should.

Skin Care Products

Seniors need skin care products designed for delicate skin. Look for lotions, soaps, and cleansers that are designed for mature skin. Or, get some baby lotion, baby wash, and other baby products because those products are also designed for delicate skin.

If you or an aging loved one are considering Personal Care at Home in San Mateo, CA, please contact the caring staff at Aviva In-Home Care today (415) 463-1400

Aviva In-Home Care provides exceptional senior home care in the Bay Area, including San Francisco, Burlingame, San Mateo, Hillsborough, Atherton, Menlo Park, Palo Alto, Berkeley, Lafayette, Orinda, and surrounding areas.

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Evan Loevner

CEO at Aviva In-Home Care

As a former hospital administrator, I launched Aviva with the goal of having a more focused, direct impact on the delivery of care than I could ever accomplish within a hospital setting. For me, the joy of running an organization like Aviva In-Home Care is having the ability to positively improve the lives of individuals needing customized care. As a passionate Bay Area resident, I know that many local seniors can benefit from new approaches to in-home care, that will bring them more connection to the community, and provide families with a greater sense of comfort that their loved one is indeed matched with an ideal caregiver.

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