Hygiene is vital for each one of us. Good hygiene can symbolize good health. That is why we tend to do so many practices to preserve our wellness. As a matter of fact, most people allot a budget to maintain proper hygiene.

As people gets older, practicing proper hygiene becomes a bit challenging. Let’s admit it; we are kind of vain during our younger years. But upon reaching the silver lining, carrying out these practices is at times tiring or sometimes, they are neglected. Much like the importance of proper hygiene for younger people, seniors especially those who are over 60 must have good hygiene as well. If you are taking care of an elderly person, here is a checklist of the four important hygiene cares.

Bath Care

Bathing should never be overlooked when you are caring for a senior. Obviously, you do not want your senior to have a foul smell. Taking a bath means washing away the dirt on the body which might cause illness. Some seniors are still capable of taking a bath on their own, while other elderly people need assistance to bath.

Check the bathroom if it is safe for the seniors specially for those who have ailments. Bathroom should have accessible bathtub or shower to avoid any untoward incidents. For additional safety measure, make use of slip-resistant mats on the floor to prevent slipping especially when the surface is wet. You may also place a shower seat so the elder will just sit on it while taking a bath.

Physical Appearance Care

One important part of good grooming is proper dressing. But it does not refer to wearing branded clothes or elegant clothing. Caring for the physical appearance entails wearing proper type of clothes. Seniors should wear comfortable clothing, wherein they can move freely and can take them off easily.

An elderly person can put on any clothing that he/she feels comfortable. One good example of practical attire for the seniors is pants with elastic waistline. Unlike the zip pants, elastic waist pants can be worn and slip off easily. Caregivers should check senior’s wardrobe to determine if the clothes are good fit. The important thing to remember is to make certain that your senior looks neat and tidy.

Oral Care

Irrespective of the age, oral care is very important for every person. Children are always reminded to brush their teeth to avoid teeth and gum problems. This is no difference to seniors. To make brushing easier, buy your senior a toothbrush with larger handle or non-slip handle for better grip. Remind your senior to brush the teeth right after every meal so that it will not be neglected.

Even though many seniors use dentures, they must still have good oral hygiene. For seniors who are wearing false teeth, they must clean their dentures regularly. Brush dentures daily to avoid plaque and tartar build up. Dentures are just like real teeth - they need regular cleaning. There are over-the-counter denture cleaners you can purchase. Or, you may use homemade cleaning solution.

Restroom Care

Using the toilet is a vital issue when taking care of an elderly. For an elderly person who can still manage to go to the toilet alone, this will not be a big challenge for the caregiver. Seniors with trouble using the toilet needs special assistance. Installing hand bars in the restroom can help the senior sit down and rise from the toilet seat easily. Lastly, ask your senior to wash hands right after using the toilet.

Giving care to an elderly person is not as difficult as it seems. As long as you know what to do and you are aware of their needs, taking care of a senior is a rewarding task. Pay attention to the hygiene and appearance of your senior. Poor hygiene could signify health problem.

Keep in mind, when you need to leave your senior, be sure he/she has an alert device to notify you if necessary.

Author's Bio: 

Ashley O’connor is a social media writer. She enjoys writing about family matters and health topics. She blogs for several successful firms in the industry including Fall Alert, a provider of emergency response systems. Writing occupies most of her time, but she finds time to read books and watch her favorite tv shows. Follower her on Twitter at @AshleyOconnor82 or add her on Facebook.