As Parkinson’s progresses, it becomes increasingly challenging for seniors to keep up with their personal hygiene routines. Yet many seniors resist assistance due to modesty and concerns about losing their independence. If your aging loved one requires help with bathing and other hygiene tasks, here are a few strategies that can help you meet those needs while honoring his or her dignity and privacy.
Focus on Independence
Seniors with Parkinson’s should be supported so they can perform personal hygiene tasks independently whenever possible. For many hygiene tasks, assistive devices can be provided that make it easier for aging adults to bathe and brush their teeth. For example, grab rails can be installed in showers to prevent falling, and electric toothbrushes with special handles can make it possible for seniors to manage their dental care with minimal assistance.
Many seniors in the early stages of Parkinson’s are able to live on their own, but they may need a bit of help with the everyday tasks of life, such as exercising and preparing nutritious meals. Aging adults who require assistance with the tasks of daily living can benefit from reliable in-home care. Families trust Assisting Hands Home Care to provide the high-quality care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. Our caregivers are trained to help seniors prevent serious illnesses and encourage them to make healthier decisions as they age.
Create a Private Space
When it becomes necessary to help an older adult with Parkinson’s with personal tasks such as bathing, it’s still possible to provide some privacy. If your loved one feels exposed during bathing routines, offer a towel to cover up with as he or she is being bathed. A curtain can also be hung around the bed to provide privacy as your loved one is being dressed. If possible, minimize the number of people who are around during personal care so only the caregiver is present.
Living with serious health conditions can make it challenging for seniors to age in place. However, they can maintain a higher quality of life with the help of professional live-in care. Fort Lauderdale seniors can benefit from assistance with meal prep, bathing, transportation to the doctor’s office, medication reminders, and much more.
Offer Choices
When seniors are allowed to make decisions regarding their care, they’ll have a sense of control that maintains their dignity. Take the time to reassure your loved one throughout the hygiene routine, and offer choices, such as asking which type of soap your parent would like to use.
When help is needed with toileting and bathing, respect your loved one’s preference for the person who assists with these tasks. For many older adults, it can be upsetting to have their adult children provide these types of care, and having people outside the family, such as professional caregivers, assist with these tasks may ease their discomfort. By communicating with your loved one and respecting his or her preferences, you’ll preserve his or her dignity while ensuring your parent’s essential hygiene needs are met.
If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of home care Fort Lauderdale families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s. Trust your loved one’s care to the professionals at Assisting Hands Home Care. To create a customized home care plan for your loved one, call us today.
