Personal Care for the Elderly

The Importance of Personal Care for the Elderly

Maintaining general hygiene and daily routines becomes increasingly difficult as individuals age, facing challenges related to bathing, dressing, and bathroom use. By addressing hygiene needs, personal care plays a crucial role in maintaining the well-being of elderly individuals and providing a higher quality of life. Seniors need a healthy personal care regimen to maintain their dignity and sense of self-worth. A positive opinion of one’s appearance can have a strong impact on how a person feels about themselves as a whole. When the proper personal care regimens are in place, the many benefits include a greater level of independence, physical health, mental health, emotional well-being, and overall happiness.1

 

What is Personal Care?

Personal care refers to a range of personal daily living tasks that keep a person clean and comfortable. These tasks involve private hygiene such as bathing, toileting, and oral care. Additionally, other activities include dressing, eating, and ensuring medication is taken appropriately. An individual’s personal care requirements can differ depending on their overall health and level of mobility. Some older adults may require assistance with these tasks because they have problems with their joints, and strength, or have other health issues. For example, they may need help getting out of bed and into a chair or assistance with a bath or shower.2

 

Why is Personal Care so Important?

Personal care is key in promoting the overall well-being of elderly individuals. By engaging in personal care routines, individuals can experience a heightened quality of life empowering them to maintain their independence, health (physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially), and overall happiness.3

  • Independence benefits – an individual’s personal care routine can be adapted to their specific needs so that their independence can be maintained in a comfortable and safe environment. Support for physical mobility enables them to continue living in their familiar environment and allows them to move around more safely, reducing the risk of falls and injuries. Assistance with outings ensures that a person can participate in social activities, continue their connections, and enjoy life beyond their home setting. Assisted Living care facilities can offer transportation when needed and senior transportation services are available.
  • Physical health benefits – showering, dressing, and grooming are essential for maintaining physical health. Maintaining personal hygiene reduces illnesses and the spread of infection. It can also help certain health issues from worsening or reoccurring, such as skin conditions or urinary tract infections. Oral hygiene, including regular teeth brushing and denture care, prevents dental diseases and promotes overall health. Clean, appropriate clothing contributes to overall comfort. Maintaining a healthy diet, getting proper sleep, and obtaining adequate physical activity all play an important role in a person’s physical well-being.4
  • Mental and emotional health benefits – by optimizing a personal care routine, a person feels better, looks better, and has more energy. This self-care is linked to enhanced mental health, resulting in greater self-esteem and self-worth, increased optimism, and lower levels of anxiety and depression. A warm bath and the use of scented products at the end of the day can help a person feel relaxed and ready for bed. Proper nutrition and sleep are additional aspects of self-care that contribute to mental well-being.
  • Social health benefits – living alone can cause feelings of isolation and have serious health consequences. It is crucial to have a good social life to maintain overall wellness. Provided personal care support, such as what is available through an assisted living facility, offers an opportunity where an individual can form a genuine bond with their caregiver and gain companionship.
  • Quality of life – when an older adult is caring for themselves and maintaining their overall health, they’ll be better equipped to live their best life. With proper physical health, the body will run more efficiently. There’s a strong connection between the body and the mind, so when caring for the body, one will think and feel better as well. Health problems, even relatively minor ones like aches, pains, fatigue, and indigestion impact people’s happiness and stress levels. Health problems can also make daily tasks more challenging. Poor health habits can add stress to an individual’s life and interfere with daily living. Therefore, maintaining healthy habits is extremely important for overall health. When daily tasks are managed and a healthy personal care regimen is in place, people can focus on activities they enjoy. Additionally, feeling well-cared-for increases happiness, life satisfaction, and psychological well-being, resulting in a higher quality of life.5

While personal care routines can differ for older adults, it’s important to recognize an individual’s specific needs. Prioritizing an appropriate routine is a vital aspect of care for seniors. It empowers them to maintain their independence, overall health, and increased happiness. When ensuring personal care for a senior has become challenging or too costly, or social isolation is a concern, consider the benefits of an assisted living environment and call CarePatrol Baltimore for guidance and recommendations.

 

References:

1 Verywell Mind https://www.verywellmind.com/self-care-strategies-overall-stress-reduction-3144729

2 National Institute on Aging (NIH) https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/aging-place/aging-place-growing-older-home

3 Psychology Today https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/a-deeper-wellness/202302/understanding-the-mental-health-and-self-care-connection

4 Verywell Mind https://www.verywellmind.com/self-care-strategies-overall-stress-reduction-3144729

5 Verywell Mind https://www.verywellmind.com/how-to-maintain-a-high-quality-of-life-3144723