Hygiene is a concept that may be defined differently by people, but everyone understands its utmost importance. As people age, their immune system starts to decline, making them prone to infections and diseases. Maintaining cleanliness and good physical health can help one veer away from viruses and germs. That is especially true for people in their golden years.
If you have an elderly family member under your care, you should pay more attention to their health. Daily checking up on them and ensuring that they maintain good hygiene should be part of your day-to-day routine. To make sure that they are in their best condition always, here are some items you should include in your daily checking:
1: Make sure that their room gets fresh air and sunlight
If the older adult in your home has no choice but to stay in their room for the whole day, letting them breathe fresh air and getting sunshine vitamin can bring their mood and health to a different level. Natural light has many positive effects on people. It can provide a healthier complexion and also reduce the growth of harmful bacteria inside the room. The fresh air also supplies the immune system with the oxygen it needs to fight off bacteria, viruses, and germs.
2: Their room should be clean and organized
Having a room that is neat and tidy can be good for anyone’s mental and physical health. Ensure that your senior family member’s room is always in order. There should be no specks of dust around the room and no dirty laundry or dishes scattered around the area. Keeping it clean and organized could make your loved one healthy and more energetic. Meanwhile, a cluttered room can add up to their stress that would, later on, affect their mood and sleep quality. Moreover, dust and dirt could trigger various health problems.
3: Change their bed sheets regularly
Bed Sheets can be home to many bacteria, fungi, and even pollen that can worsen the condition of people with a weak respiratory system. Bed sheets also absorb sweat, dead skin cells, and bodily secretions, which can be unhygienic, especially for the elderly who stays in bed most of the time.
How frequently one should wash their beddings depends on the circumstance, but in general, changing it once every two weeks is ideal. However, if your family member sweats a lot, you should consider changing their beddings at least once a week.
4: Make sure that they regularly bathe
Even if your senior family member does not do any sweating activities, they should still regularly wash their body and hair. Not only does a warm bath clean up the body, but it can also help the blood circulate better.
However, for most seniors, getting up to take a shower or bath on their own is no longer possible. If this is the same case for your household, a bath once or twice a day can make them feel better. Wiping them is always the best alternative. Place a huge towel under their bed and bring a basin and washcloth. Make sure to use warm water and wipe their skin folds, such as the armpits, groin, genitals, and feet, to minimize body odor.
Conclusion
The health of each family member is important and should be taken seriously at all times. The case is extra special for senior family members as they can no longer do things the same way as before. Keeping an eye on them and giving them the support and love they need could contribute to their overall wellness.
If you want your senior family member to stay in your home but have no time to take care of their health, consider getting some help from senior health services in California. At Bridge Home Health & Hospice, we are committed to providing the highest quality home-based patient care to your family. Contact us today to learn more about our offered services.
