Your mom’s getting older and her attention to her grooming and hygiene are slipping. The older she gets, the harder it is for her to wash her hair and body, rinse off thoroughly, brush and floss her teeth, and get dressed. Have you considered the benefits of personal care at home?
Six Signs That Your Mom’s Grooming and Hygiene Aren’t Taken Care of Properly
What should you be looking for to know if your mom is lacking when it comes to personal care? These six signs are common indicators of issues.
Body Odor
When you stop by to visit your mom, you’ve noticed body odor. Older adults don’t sweat as much. If she smells excessively sweaty, she may not be showering often enough. Daily showers aren’t necessary for older adults, but she should be showering every three or four days to make sure she’s washing away germs and unhealthy bacteria.
Once she’s showered, she should apply a skin lotion to trap moisture in her skin. A deodorant or similar product can help her from having smelly armpits.
Skin Infections
What if she doesn’t smell of sweat, but the odor is worse? She should let you check her feet or other hidden areas of her body for sores or cuts that are infected. As your skin becomes thinner with aging, the risk of infection and cellulitis increases. If she has an infection, she needs to see her doctor.
Bad Breath
You’ve noticed your mom has bad breath. Is she brushing twice a day and flossing at least once? Has she been seeing a dentist regularly? Often, arthritis pain in the joints of the fingers makes it hard to brush and floss properly, so gum disease and tooth decay are risks. It may be time to have someone help her with oral care.
Poor Clothing Choices
It’s hot outside, but your mom is wearing a sweatshirt, jeans, thick socks, and boots. If she’s struggling to choose outfits that match the weather, which can happen when cognitive skills diminish, she needs someone to help her choose her daily outfits.
Unkempt Hair
Your mom’s hair is a mess. It doesn’t look like she’s washed it in ages as it’s greasy and limp. She may have hair that is all knots and sticks up in multiple directions. If she’s not washing or taking care of her hair, it’s time to have someone available to help her with hair care.
Overly Long Nails
Your mom’s toenails are so long they’re curling into her toes. She’s not trimming them enough. Check her fingernails, too. Are they torn and ragged or neatly trimmed and filed? If nail care is lacking, it’s time to get her the help she needs.
Have Personal Care Aides Available to Help Her
Personal care at home offers a way for your mom to keep up with her grooming and hygiene routines. With a care aide assisting your mom with showers, dressing, oral care, and more, your mom will not miss any important care tasks. Arrange these services by making a call and talking to a specialist in home care.
If you or an aging loved one are considering personal care at home in Del Mar, CA please contact the caring staff at A Caring Touch Home Care today. Call (619) 344-0528
A Caring Touch Home Care is a Trusted Home Care Agency providing exceptional home care in Coronado, Del Mar / Del Mar Heights, Bonita, East Lake, La Jolla, Torrey Pines, Mt. Helix/ La Mesa, Carlsbad, Oceanside, Carmel Ranch, Rancho Penasquitos, Point Loma, Rancho Santa Fe, San Diego and surrounding areas.
