As your senior parent gets older they may have trouble taking care of hygiene tasks. Showering, washing their hair, and brushing their teeth may become difficult as they lose their manual dexterity. But taking care of hygiene is very important for seniors because maintaining good hygiene is about a lot more than just looking or feeling good. Personal care at home services is a specialty care service that can help your mom or dad with hygiene tasks.
Seniors need to take care of their skin, hair, and nails because if they don’t they could up with infections or other illnesses. Changes in their hair, skin, and nails can also indicate other health problems, so it’s important for seniors to regularly examine their hair, skin, and nails.
Some of the things that can help seniors keep their hair, skin, and nails in good shape are:
Drink Water
As people age, their bodies tend to lose moisture more easily. Encourage your senior parent to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Drinking water throughout the day keeps skin soft, prevents dryness, and supports nail and hair health.
Use Moisturizers
Skin gets drier as people get older, so using a good moisturizer is important. Find a lotion or cream that works well for your parent’s skin type and have them apply it regularly, especially after washing their hands or showering. This will help prevent itchy, flaky skin. Thick creams that are petroleum-based are usually the best for senior skin.
Choose Gentle Hair Products
Seniors often experience thinning or fragile hair. Encourage your parent to use shampoos and conditioners that are designed for gentle care, like baby shampoo and conditioner. Avoid products with harsh chemicals, as these can make hair break more easily.
Wear Sunscreen
The best way to protect aging skin from sun damage is to make sure that your mom or dad wears sunscreen every day. Even if your mom or dad doesn’t go outside that often they should wear sunscreen. UV light can pass through windows and damage skin.
Eat a Balanced Diet
A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats helps keep hair, skin, and nails strong. Your mom or dad should be eating foods with vitamins like A, C, and E, as well as omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients promote healthy skin and hair growth.
Get Regular Haircuts
Keeping hair trimmed regularly is important, even if your parent’s hair is thinning. Trims help get rid of split ends and keep hair looking neat. It’s also a good time for a professional to check for any issues with the scalp, like dryness or irritation.
Keep Nails Trimmed and Clean
Make sure your parent keeps their nails clean and trimmed to avoid cracks or breaks. Moisturizing nail beds with a cream or oil can also prevent dryness. Regular nail care helps avoid infections and keeps nails looking their best. If your mom or dad has personal care at home their care provider can help them maintain their nails.
Avoid Hot Water
Hot water can strip moisture from hair and skin. Encourage your parents to use lukewarm water instead of hot water when washing their hands or faces or taking a bath. This will help preserve the natural oils that keep skin and hair soft.
Use a Humidifier
In the winter, indoor heating can make the air very dry, leading to dry skin and brittle nails. Using a humidifier in the home adds moisture to the air, helping keep skin hydrated. It can also prevent dry scalp and reduce itching.
See A Dermatologist Regularly
Your mom or dad should be seeing a dermatologist yearly to have their skin checked out and to get a skin cancer screening. If you or your mom or dad notice any changes in their skin or changes to the shape, color, or size of an existing mole they should see a dermatologist.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Personal Care at Home Services in Brentwood TN, please get in touch with the caring staff at Senior Solutions Home Care. (615) 307-4509
Senior Solutions Home Care is a Trusted Home Care Agency serving Nashville, Brentwood, Nolensville, Gallatin, Hendersonville, Smyrna, Murfreesboro, Mount Juliet, Lebanon, Goodlettsville, Davidson County, and surrounding areas.
Over the years, we have expanded, providing service in all 95 counties throughout Tennessee, and we now have a growing presence in Georgia.
Senior Solutions is recognized as a top 5% independent agency and a three-time Inc. 5000 honoree in 2018, 2019, and 2020. These types of awards matter to us because they show growth in our goal of eventually touching a million lives. We’re excited to continue that growth and to touch even more families with our commitment to quality care!
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