Robert takes care of his aging uncle, and while they have a good relationship, Uncle Matt was quite reluctant to have Robert help him with hygiene and grooming. In fact, washing hair has emerged as a task where the two men argue frequently. As a result, Robert has given up but Matt’s hair is now greasy, itchy and has an odor. At the suggestion of a family friend, Robert is looking into hiring an elderly care provider to help with bathing and grooming needs for his Uncle Matt.
Taking care of an elderly relative is full of challenges, but family caregivers cannot imagine how difficult it is to encourage stubborn seniors to do something they don’t want to. Many seniors resist taking baths and showers, and washing their hair is one of the toughest battlegrounds of them all. Family caregivers that struggle to keep their aging loved one clean and groomed should investigate hiring elderly care providers.
When Seniors Need In-Home Care
Illness, disease, injury, surgery and other health conditions often leave seniors dependent on help from family caregivers, as well as professional care providers. Elderly care providers come into the home and help seniors as much as they need given their physical limitations. Bathrooms and kitchens are the most accident-prone rooms in the house, and aging adults with family caregivers won’t have the physical ability or stamina to take care of their personal needs.
While the goal is to keep the aging adults as independent as possible, most seniors at this stage of life need help in the bathroom to clean their bodies and wash their hair. They may also need help getting dressed and taking care of hygiene issues. If seniors are being stubborn and refusing help with keeping clean from their family caregiver, often they accept assistance from an elderly care provider.
How Elderly Care Providers Help Seniors with Washing Hair
Professional elderly care providers use many helpful techniques and strategies to make washing hair simple, fast and effective. Usually, they schedule a set time to wash hair, so the aging adult knows when it is happening. Due to changes in the body and a decrease of head oils, seniors don’t need to have their hair washed every day, so once or twice per week is usually sufficient.
Elderly care providers usually get everything set up in the bathroom before the elderly adult enters. They can set out all the towels, washcloths, shampoo, robes and more. If the bathroom area is chilly, they may even set out a space heater to warm things up. Shower chairs or tub chairs can help seniors feel safer in the slippery bathroom, too. Elderly care providers are fast and efficient when it comes to washing an elderly person’s hair and it’s usually finished in no time.
Family caregivers must see that their aging loved one gets their hair washed at least once per week to keep them healthy, clean and looking good. If washing hair has become a fight between them, it may be time to hire an elderly care provider to assist.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring Elderly Care in Greenville, SC, contact Heart of the Carolinas Home Care at 864-991-3116. Providing Home Care Services in Greenville, Simpsonville, Greer, Anderson, Spartanburg, Mauldin, Seneca, Laurens, Charleston, Columbia and the surrounding areas.
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