4 Bathing and Personal Hygiene Challenges Seniors Face in the Summer
As summer is starting to heat up in the Saint Paul - Minneapolis area, keeping up with personal hygiene is more important. With increased perspiration comes increased risks of rashes and oily build-up on the skin. Keeping up with a hygienic routine such as bathing isn't only the polite thing to do for people around you, but is also important for personal health. Of course, this may be more difficult for older adults.
With that in mind, here are our tips to stay hygienic in the hot summer.
Get to the Root of the Bathing Problem
If someone has developed poor hygiene maintenance, there is probably a reason for it. For most older adults, that reason is safety. While younger people can tolerate a small tumble out of the shower, the same isn't true for older individuals.
Poor mobility is another leading reason. After all, how could anyone take a shower if they are unable to get in and out of the tub easily?
Lastly, not keeping up with a good hygienic routine is another major cause. Older adults are enjoying their golden years and may forget to bathe daily during the winter months. When the summer arrives, it can be easy to forget to start showering daily again.
No matter the cause, this article will address these three major contributors to hygienic challenges for older adults.
Install a Walk-in Bathtub
It can be hard to stay hygienic if getting in and out of the shower causes a lot of pain. Installing a walk-in bathtub can help resolve this issue. Instead of needing to step over a tall ledge to get into the shower, a walk-in bathtub is much easier to get in and out of.
Walk-in bathtubs can still provide a bathing experience if you don't like showers. These walk-in tubs can get as tall as 4 feet, allowing plenty of space to take a bath. Additionally, most come with seats, making it easy to relax while you soak. It is very easy to find a walk-in bathtub installer in the Minneapolis area.
Walk-in bathtubs also provide an exciting novelty effect. Who wouldn't want to try out a new and exciting way to bathe?
Establish a Routine
No matter a person's age, a personal routine can go a long way in establishing healthy habits such as bathing. Planning on bathing every morning or evening will eventually become a habit and won't require much thought at all.
Bathing can also be a fun experience. Turning on enjoyable music, lighting a fragrant candle, and using heated towels can all help to encourage the development of a new habit. The bathroom can be turned into a place of daily fun instead of a boring chore. Adding some colorful decorations, beautiful paintings, and interesting knick-knacks can also make the bathroom a more pleasant place to be.
Install the Right Equipment
If someone doesn't feel safe using the shower, they are less likely to use it. Almost everyone is afraid of slipping or falling when getting in and out of the shower, no matter their age. However, older adults are more likely to suffer painful injuries from a slip or fall. Installing handrails, tub grips, removable shower heads, and shower chairs can help make the shower safer. Contact us for more details on how we can help you in Minneapolis.