Keep the skin clean with a hygiene routine

Providing your loved one with a good hygiene routine will help keep them feeling clean, comfortable, and confident. With the right plan, you’ll help prevent skin irritation and infection, while soothing their skin. To maintain their independence, only provide assistance for things they can't do themselves. Here are six simple steps to help your loved one with their routine, especially if they're not able to maintain their hygiene levels on their own due to mobility, dexterity or other issues.

We’ve got some tips to help you put together a hygiene routine for your loved one and we’ll explain why these steps are needed.

Older adults need good hygiene; it helps protect their physical and emotional health. Staying clean offers this protection in the following ways:

• It supports healthy skin, teeth, and gums.¹
• It prevents Infections like urinary tract infections (UTIs)¹
• It improves their mood and self-esteem.²
• It prevents discomfort, sadness, and withdrawal.²
• Skin problems such as incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD).³
• It protects your loved ones from episodes of diarrhea.⁴
• It helps older adults feel confident.⁴

When you’re planning hygiene routines for older adults, you should consider their unique needs, especially when it comes to hygiene and personal care.⁴

For example, someone with dementia might respond better to a familiar bathing routine or gentle prompts,⁵ compared to someone with urinary incontinence who may require small aids and adaptation to help get to the toilet on time.⁶

After their needs, make sure you include other areas like:

• Toileting or incontinence care⁶
• Showering²
• Oral care²
• Hair care²
• Nail care²
• Hand hygiene⁴
• Environmental hygiene: washing clothing and cleaning up the environment⁴
• Skincare

Helping seniors bathe is a regular, and intimate task and a consistent routine can make all the difference. You should pay attention to changes in their skin, mood, or behavior and adapt the routine.

Below are some ways to maintain elderly hygiene with their dignity and comfort intact.

How to Help Seniors Bathe and Shower Safely

For bathing in a bathroom

• Make sure the space suits your loved one's needs. For safety and support, consider grab bars, non-slip mats, shower chairs, or handheld showerheads.
• Grab all the necessary toiletries and keep them within reach.
• Make sure the bathroom is warm.
• Check if the water is too hot. As an additional measure, you could ask your loved ones if it feels right.
• Stay nearby and be alert in case they need you.

For a bed bath or a sponge bath

A sponge bath or bed bath doesn't provide much privacy to your loved ones. You could provide them with some privacy by:

• Asking if they are comfortable before continuing.
• Reassuring them that they can pause or stop at any time.
• Letting them wash areas they can manage on their own.
• Closing all windows and blinds.

Easy Oral Care Tips for the Elderly

Here are some simple ways to maintain a healthy smile:

Brushing and flossing:

• Encourage your loved one to take part in the routine. Even small steps like rinsing after brushing can help them feel involved.
• Use electric toothbrushes or flossing aids to make brushing easier.
• Replace toothbrushes every 3-4 months or sooner if the bristles look frayed.⁷
• Choose a toothpaste with the American Dental Association (ADA) seal.⁷

Denture care:

• Rinse dentures daily and after meals.^2,4
• Handle dentures over a soft towel or water-filled sink to prevent accidental drops.²
• Clean dentures as directed and store them safely when not in use.²

Watch for warning signs:

• Bleeding gums, grimacing, or discomfort while brushing could mean brushing too hard or signs of dry mouth. ⁸
• Grinding teeth at night? Let a dentist know, they may recommend a mouth guard to prevent wear and sensitivity. ⁷

Don’t skip checkups:

• Schedule dental visits every six months.
• Regular cleaning and exams can prevent problems before they start.⁷

Hair Care Made Simple for Older Adults

Here are some hair care tips for older adults:

• Create a gentle hair care schedule that fits matches their comfort level. You don't need to wash their hair daily.²
• If you're washing their hair, make sure the water is at a comfortable temperature.²
• Brush their hair regularly to prevent tangles and distribute oil across the scalp.² Brush the hair from the roots to the ends.²
• If you have difficulty brushing, put a hand near the scalp to avoid overly tugging.²
• Trim their hair as necessary but ask them how they want it to be styled.²
• If you want to use dry shampoo, do so in moderation, as it causes an itchy and dry scalp if you use it excessively.⁹

Hand and Nail Care Tips for Seniors

Here are some helpful tips for hand and nail care for your senior grooming routine:

• Trim their nails regularly to prevent scratches and lower their risk of infection.²
• Cut their nails straight across, staying close to the nail’s edge.²
• Encourage them to wash their hands with soap and water, especially after going to the toilet or doing dirty tasks.
• A good rule is to wash for at least 20 seconds.⁴
• Check their nails during routine care.
• Look out for signs like brittleness, swelling, changes in texture, or tenderness.²
• If you notice any of these, let their doctor know.
• After trimming, gently moisturize their hands to keep the skin soft and prevent dryness.²

Gentle Skin Care Advice for Aging Skin

The skin becomes thinner, paler, prone to bruising, and less supple as we age; skin care could help protect it.

Here are some tips to add to your routine:^{3, 10}

• Avoid overly hot baths and showers as they dry out the skin.
• Choose mild soap.¹⁰
• Avoid too much soap, perfume, and antiperspirants. ¹⁰
• Use unscented moisturizers to help with itchy and dry skin.¹⁰
• Add a humidifier to the room to help with moisture.¹⁰
• Check every month for bleeding, new moles, growth, or sores that won't heal.10 Call a doctor for help if you find any signs.
• Check daily for lesions, pain, itching, and redness in their intimate areas; these could be signs of IAD. (a skin condition that could occur when your loved one's skin is regularly exposed to urine and feces).3
• You should consult a doctor to help manage it.³
• Encourage them to wear hats on a sunny day and apply broad-spectrum sunscreens when going out.¹⁰

Toileting Tips to Support Elderly Dignity

Older adults could have fall accidents when using the bathroom.

Here are tips to prevent falls and preserve their dignity:¹¹

• Make a toilet schedule to avoid the need to rush care or accidents.
• Let them know you're taking them to the toilet.
• Don't rush them; let them walk as slowly as they want.
• Stay close enough to catch them if they wobble, but not so close that it feels overwhelming.
• Let them know they are near the toilet.
• Ensure the toilet seat is raised, and all accessories like wipes are available.
• In a clear, short sentence, let them know how to sit safely on the toilet.
• If there are no grab bars, let them hold onto your forearms, widen your legs, make sure you're steady, and then ask them to lower themselves slowly.
• Don't rush them. Instead, let them know you are at the door if they need anything. Make sure they can't lock themselves in.
• When standing up, repeat the same movement as you did when lowering, but ask them to stand up slowly.
• If they use a walker, make sure they are steady, then ask them to transfer one arm at a time from you.
• Don't let them use a walker to lower themselves or stand up.

Laundry and Clothing Care for Older Adults

Laundry is an essential part of personal care. It prevents infections and the spread of germs.4 Here are some tips for laundry and clothing care:⁴

• Wash all bed linens and towels often. If they have incontinence, wash them daily.
• Use mild and fragrance-free laundry agents to prevent skin irritation.
• When choosing clothes for them, think of comfort. It shouldn't be too loose or tight.
• Choose easy-to-change clothing with features like elastic waistbands or front buttons to prevent frustrations and toilet accidents.
• Change their clothes every 48 hours to promote comfort. If they have an active day, change them daily.

Tips for Helping with Incontinence

Incontinence is common among older adults, but you can help. Here are some ways you could help with incontinence:

• Ensure your incontinence products fit properly to avoid odors and leaks.¹²
• Try odor-absorbing pads or underwear.¹²
• Use mild soaps and warm water to clean the genital area.
• Make sure to pat dry after cleaning up.12
• Protect the skin with moisturizers and barrier creams; avoid products with alcohol.¹²
• Use adult diapers in public and have backups ready especially for elders with urge incontinence.¹³
• Pack an incontinence care kit when taking them for exercise for those with stress incontinence.¹³
• Use incontinence pads and bed protectors at night to help with leaks and comfort.⁴
• Change absorbent or incontinence pads regularly to prevent IAD.³
• Avoid scented incontinence pads; they could cause irritation.
• See a healthcare provider for more options on the treatment of urinary incontinence.

Simple Foot Care Tips for Seniors

Elderly foot care is important, especially for those with diabetes. Here are some simple tips for foot care:¹⁴

• During foot care, check for blisters, sores, and skin breakdown.
• Choose comfortable, well-fitting shoes that are neither too tight nor too loose.
• Give regular massages to promote circulation.
• Change their socks regularly.
• When cleaning their feet, make use of mild soaps.
• Moisturize to avoid cracks, itching, and calluses.
• Consider scheduling regular podiatrist visits to maintain foot health.