What Changes in Hygiene Mean that Seniors Need More Help?

Changes in hygiene habits are not surprising for many family caregivers when it comes to aging adults. But some of these changes may be an indication that seniors need more help than they currently have available to them. Personal care at home can offer tons of support with hygiene tasks. What’s most important is for family caregivers to recognize when this additional support is needed, especially because seniors may not mention that these tasks are becoming more challenging for them.

Less Frequent Bathing

One change that might be noticeable is when seniors change how often they bathe. There can be a lot of different reasons for this change, like mobility problems, joint pain, or even fear of falling. When seniors start bathing less often, they become more prone to skin issues, physical discomfort, and increasing difficulties with overall hygiene. They may also feel more embarrassed about being around other people.

Noticeable Body Odor

Less frequent bathing can also lead to noticeable increases in body odor. There may also be health issues or medication side effects that contribute to increased body odor. Some seniors may not be aware of this increase in body odor, but others are aware of the change, and it becomes a factor that affects self-esteem and ability to interact with other people.

Urine Odors in the House

Incontinence and changes in bathroom habits may also result in urine odors throughout the house. When seniors are having more trouble maintaining bathroom hygiene, they might not be able to keep up with cleaning and other household tasks. Home care providers can take over these tasks, making it easier for aging adults to have the help they need.

Big Differences in Grooming Habits

Changes in grooming habits, like hair care, nail maintenance, and clothing care also signal that there may be a need for more help. This is especially obvious when seniors were at one point very picky about these habits and now are not maintaining them at all. Again, this can happen for a variety of reasons related to physical or emotional health, physical limitations, and cognitive decline.

Other Hygiene Changes

Other types of hygiene, like oral hygiene, laundry, and just general cleanliness, are also variables to consider. When these habits start to decline, home care might be the right answer. Caregivers are able to step in and assist with these tasks as often as necessary. Having help with these tasks can enable seniors to conserve their energy, which can help them to take better care of themselves in other ways.

Changes to hygiene habits don’t just indicate that people are growing older. They can also be big signs that someone needs additional support in order to maintain those habits and tasks. Personal care at home can be an embarrassing type of assistance to need at first. But caregivers are able to help with these very delicate care tasks while also maintaining the dignity of the person receiving care. That’s an important factor in helping them to continue accepting that degree of assistance.

If you or an aging loved one is considering personal care at home in Modesto, CA, please contact the caring staff at Provident Care Home Care today at (209) 578-1210.