Normal self-care tasks, including showering, using the restroom, and maintaining personal hygiene, may become difficult for people with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Taking your time and taking the proper measures will greatly reduce the complexity of your daily washing and grooming procedure. If your senior is suffering from PD, they may need more help than they care to admit. This shouldn’t be shameful, and finding the right personal care at home can be a great step to ensuring your loved one is taking care of themselves without being in pain. Here are some tips for you and your loved one.
Tips for Bathing with Parkinson’s
People with PD may have trouble getting in and out of a shower or bathtub. Here are a few tweaks you may make to your bathing routine to increase security and lessen pain.
Use or Install Hand Railings- At least two handrails should be installed in bathtubs and shower stalls to aid in entering and exiting. When possible, have a professional install handrails for your loved one. You should never use sinks, tubs, or toilets as makeshift railings.
Use Non-Skid Mats- Parkinson’s patients may slip and fall due to being shaky or slipping in the water. Having non-slip mats will decrease the risk for them so it’s important to look into this.
Use a Shower Chair- A senior with PD may not be able to stand for long periods. This is when a shower chair can come in really handy. They can sit down while bathing and stand only when necessary to rinse off. It may also allow them to clean more areas without being in pain.
These are all good tips to help keep a senior more independent when grooming with Parkinson’s. If your senior lives independently, they should acquire personal care at home to help. During shower times, a caregiver can be nearby in case a senior needs any help during their grooming routine.
Personal Grooming Tips for Seniors with Parkinson’s
Brushes, razors, and hair dryers may be awkward for people with PD due to the disease’s associated stiffness and tremor. Consider these suggestions:
Sit Down If Necessary- Brushing teeth or hair can be done while seated. Buying a vanity stool or chair to place in front of the mirror can help a senior remain independent while achieving these tasks.
Use a Hands-Free Dryer- If your elderly loved one needs to dry their hair, they may not be able to hold the blow dryer. This is something that personal care at home can help with, but there are also other options available. On a senior’s vanity, you can add a hands-free blow dryer. All they have to do is turn it on and step underneath it.
Tips on Going to the Bathroom
Among the many symptoms of Parkinson’s disease is incontinence. If you’re looking for strategies to simplify your bathroom visits, here are a few:
Buy an Elevated Seat- You may improve your safety and reduce the effort required to get up from the toilet by installing a toilet frame or using a raised toilet seat. Those who lack sufficient leg strength may have trouble rising from the toilet.
Keep On a Toilet Schedule- Sometimes a senior may not feel like they have to go, but when they stick to a routine like trying every two hours, their body knows it’s time. This may help them go to the bathroom more, which will limit other problems in the future.
If you or an aging loved one needs Personal Care at Home in Folsom, CA, contact A Better living Home Care today (916) 514-7006
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