If your senior parent is recovering at home after a hospital stay for a fall, surgery, or after a heart attack or a stroke, they are going to need a lot of extra support for some time. The recovery process is different for each senior but can take months. If you can’t be there each day or stay around the clock to help your mom or dad during their recovery, personal care at home providers can help.
During their recovery, your mom or dad will likely need help with tasks like getting up to use the bathroom, showering, taking care of hygiene tasks, and getting out of bed to walk around. They will also need help with things like cooking and cleaning. With personal care at home services, your mom or dad will have experienced and well-trained care providers who can help them transfer in or out of bed, take care of hygiene issues, and help them stay clean and comfortable as they recover.
In addition to getting personal care at home for your mom or dad, you can use these tips to help them with hygiene tasks during their recovery:
Create a Routine
Keep things simple and consistent. Plan times for basic hygiene tasks like washing their face, brushing their teeth, and cleaning their hands. That way your mom or dad will know what to expect and they can try to save their strength for getting up.
If your parent feels tired or weak, doing these small tasks one at a time can make the process easier. Having a regular schedule will help them know what to expect each day, and it can also help you stay organized as you provide care.
Use Gentle, Easy-to-Use Products
While your parent is recovering, their skin may be more sensitive, and they may not be able to handle complicated hygiene routines. Choose gentle, easy-to-use products, such as mild soap, unscented lotion, and soft washcloths.
Dry shampoo and no-rinse body wipes can also be helpful if they’re unable to shower or bathe regularly. Make sure these items are within reach so they can help take care of themselves when they feel able. Simple products and tools that they can use on their own will give them back a sense of autonomy and control.
Focus on Hand and Foot Care
Your mom or dad’s mobility may be limited, so they may not be able to clean these areas well on their own. Wash their hands regularly and trim their nails to prevent infection.
For their feet, check for any signs of dryness or sores, as these can develop more easily if they’re not moving around much. Moisturize their feet daily and keep them clean and dry to avoid skin issues. Foot care is especially important if your mom or dad has diabetes.
Make the Bathroom Safe and Accessible
Falls are a major risk for seniors, particularly during recovery. Make sure the bathroom is easy for them to access and is set up with safety in mind.
Install grab bars near the toilet and in the shower, and use non-slip mats on the floor. Keeping the bathroom safe will allow your parent to feel more secure and independent when they need to use it.
Be Patient and Respect Their Privacy
Your senior parent may feel uncomfortable or embarrassed about needing help with personal hygiene, especially if they were more independent before their health event. It’s important to be patient and respectful.
Ask them what they’re comfortable with, and try to involve them in the process as much as possible. For example, if they can wash their own face or brush their own teeth, let them do so. Giving them some control over their hygiene can boost their confidence and help them feel more in charge of their recovery.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Personal Care at Home in Carlsbad, CA, please contact the caring staff at A Passion for Care today. Call (858) 798-5005
A Passion for Care is a Trusted Home Care Agency serving San Diego, La Jolla, Del Mar, Rancho Bernardo, Encinitas, Oceanside, Rancho Santa Fe, Point Loma, and surrounding areas.
Making the transition to a completely new industry brought the opportunity to learn and grow, which continues still today. Pat studied Gerontology in San Diego State University’s certificate program and became licensed as a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA), a Home Health Aide (HHA), and completed the California Certification Program for Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCCFE) as a Certified Administrator. She presented workshops at Aging in America Conference four years in a row and served as Chair of the San Diego Regional Home Care Council 2019-2020 and was the education board member for several years. More recently, Pat became a Certified Senior Advisor and was a San Diego Business Journal “50 over 50 2022 Women of Influence Honoree”.
Pat and her husband Roland have lived outside San Diego in the San Pasqual Valley for over three decades. She has two children who are grown professionals and three grandchildren. Pat enjoys traveling to, and visits from, family and friends throughout the year. While at home in San Pasqual Valley, she and Roland enjoy peaceful views and exploring the surrounding valleys.
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