Best 8 Personal Care Practices for Seniors to Live Healthily

The average age of a person receiving care is about 69.4 years old. Almost half of all care recipients are over 75. As a caregiver, your responsibility isn't just to watch over them but to provide personal care for seniors who struggle to do so themselves.

Senior living assistance is tough enough as it is. You need to know how to keep them groomed, feeling fresh, and staying active even when they don't feel up to the task.

Here are eight practices you should invest time in for your senior loved one.

1. Establish a Senior Hygiene Routine

The first way to provide daily care for seniors is to establish a hygiene routine.

There are two main reasons to focus on good hygiene. For one, staying clean can help prevent infections. It also promotes overall well-being and establishes a consistent routine.

Their hygiene routine should include daily bathing or showering, regular handwashing, and dental care. Skipping any of these steps could make their whole day feel off or even start bad patterns.

Try to communicate with your care recipient to make the routine feel more like something they've contributed to. That may mean introducing specific body washes or doing their hair a particular way.

2. Prioritize Skincare

One of the best healthy aging tips is to take care of your skin. Good skincare is essential for aging seniors and can prevent a lot of problems.

As most people know, older people tend to have more sensitive skin. They may develop wrinkles, liver spots, rashes, tenderness, and more. Dryness, itching, and infections may occur.

Most dermatologists recommend that seniors wash their bodies with a gentle cleanser, use warm water, and pat themselves dry when they're done. They should apply a fragrance-free moisturizer within a few minutes after bathing to help lock in all that extra moisture.

Apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30 when going outdoors and reapply every two hours. It's also important to regularly check their skin for any changes or abnormalities.

3. Maintain Regular Grooming Habits

Grooming habits refer to more cosmetic things like hair care, nail care, and facial grooming. These are important for maintaining a senior's confidence as well as helping them feel more dignified and independent.

Cut their hair regularly to keep them looking good or accompany them to the local barber or salon. Trim their nails regularly so they don't become too long or ingrown. Male seniors will need help shaving or trimming their beards.

4. Exercise Regularly

Physical activity is essential for any senior who wants to maintain their mobility, strength, and overall health. It helps promote good blood flow, improves mood, and can even enhance cognitive function.

Some of the best physical activities for seniors are anything low-impact and fun.

Walking, swimming, yoga, and taichi are all great options. They all require the senior to stand up and move around without straining themselves too much.

If your care recipient enjoys any sports like tennis or golf, then it may be worth it to integrate those into their weekly routines. Spending time with friends and family also offers an opportunity to get out of the house and move.

5. Follow a Balanced Diet

Another way to stay healthy is through a good diet. A nutritious diet includes a balance of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Many seniors need to take vitamin supplements due to their body's difficulty absorbing these important nutrients.

Eating these types of food can boost a person's immune system and help manage their chronic health conditions. As a caregiver, it's your responsibility to encourage eating nutritious meals. Take the time to cook their meals and invite them into the process so they understand what they're eating.

Keep in mind that some foods that younger people eat may not sit well in a senior's stomach. Foods that can cause constipation include dairy products, processed meats, frozen foods, and even bananas.

6. Ensure Adequate Sleep

Quality sleep is good for a senior's mental and physical health.

Poor quality sleep can lead to a range of health issues such as weakened immune function and memory problems. Any chronic conditions they have may also worsen over time.

In addition, lack of sleep will lead to tiredness and exhaustion. Your loved one may find themselves dizzy or nodding off throughout the day. Their mood can worsen and sour.

The best way to deal with this issue is by preparing for sleep in advance. No sugary foods or drinks right before bed. The same goes for any screen time.

If things don't improve, it could be time to seek advice from a healthcare professional.

7. Stay Social

Staying social is essential for maintaining a person's mental and emotional well-being. No one does well in solitude for long periods of time. Regular social interaction helps to break up the monotony of daily life and can even lead to new experiences.

Encourage your senior loved one to join clubs, attend community events, and participate in group exercise classes. Something as simple as a book club could engage their mind and help them make new connections.

It's also important for seniors to stay in touch with their family members. Nowadays, technology like smartphones and computers allows them to video call anyone at any time.

8. Get Regular Health Checkups

The most important part of personal care for seniors is making sure to monitor their health.

On the caregiver's side, you can keep track of their medications, check their vitals, and keep an eye out for any changes to their medical conditions. Their doctor is responsible for making any adjustments to their medications and running more comprehensive tests.

Follow their healthcare provider's instructions and always get their permission before making any changes.

Personal Care for Seniors Made Easy

Personal care for seniors shouldn't be difficult once you've established a routine. It's okay to stay in and have a lazy day as long your care recipient takes their medications and gets a good night's rest. You'll also want to make sure they brush their teeth and eat well-balanced meals.

Allegheny Place is a personal care community in Penn Hills that prioritizes each resident's individual needs. Our community amenities include social programs, lounges, an activity room, a hair salon, and more.

Reach out today to learn more and schedule a visit.