There are many kinds of care that we provide at CareBuilders, and personal care is very important to maintaining one’s dignity as they age. Personal care is something I have not discussed that often, so lets do that now. Personal care refers to daily tasks of care for one’s hygiene and appearance, such as brushing one’s hair and teeth, and getting dressed. Here are some of the ways that personal care can make a difference in the lives of our clients.
Good Hygiene is Part of Your Health
Hygiene is an important part of your physical health. For example, someone who is not able to properly brush their teeth will jeopardize their oral health. This can cause other issues as well. Having someone to help with tasks like showering will also help your physical health.
Human Dignity
It is frankly embarrassing to not be able to fully shower or toilet or brush your teeth. Preserving an older adult’s dignity is essential in their emotional wellbeing. This also goes for our clients who do not need complete assistance. Our caregivers balance our clients’ needs for privacy and their need for assistance. For example, if a client is able to use the toilet by themselves but need assistance getting on and off the toilet, our caregiver might stand outside with the door slightly propped until they are needed.
Being in fresh clothes with well-brushed hair and teeth gives our clients confidence, especially if they’d been unable to do that for themselves for a long time. Having a caregiver help them may also mean that they are able to wear more of their wardrobe, as often older adults become limited to what they can put on themselves. The same goes for their hair or shoes.
Thank you for reading this, and join me tomorrow for our next topic.
Written by Brigid Stakelum
