4 Bathing and Personal Hygiene Challenges Seniors Face in the Summer
When caring for a person 65 years and older, you might be surprised by the different challenges that come with summer. Even if your senior is moving around and getting out in the community, you still need to take some extra steps to keep them safe and healthy while they’re enjoying the warmer weather.
Here are some tips to help keep your loved ones safe and comfortable while they enjoy the hot months.
1. Increased Perspiration
The elderly have challenges regulating their body temperature, so they quickly overheat. If your loved one doesn’t sweat properly, they may not know when it’s too hot for them. If they’re hot, cool them by using a cold compress on their neck. Make sure the loved one is comfortable and safe.
2. Showering Becomes Challenging
The hot weather can make showers hard, and some seniors may have difficulty getting out of bed to bathe. In addition, for those with limited mobility or trouble using their hands, personal hygiene can be challenging.
Make sure that your loved one has access to clean water and soap. If they can’t get to the bathroom sink or shower quickly, consider buying a large plastic pitcher to fill up with water in the kitchen for washing up in a different location. A small stool or chair next to the sink will make it easier for them to sit down while they wash up.
You could also give them baths at night when it’s cooler or showers in the morning before it gets too warm outside.
3. Develop Heat cramps
Heat cramps are painful and sometimes disabling muscle spasms that occur when you exercise in the heat. They are caused by dehydration through sweating or urinating. It typically occurs in the legs, abdomen, arms, or back muscles. They can also affect the neck muscles that help you swallow. The best way to treat heat cramps is to rest, drink fluids, and apply ice packs if needed.
4. Heat Rash
Heat rashes affect seniors in hot weather because the skin becomes less elastic with age, which makes it more difficult for the body to cool down. It is caused by excessive sweating trapped in the skin and some symptoms include inflamed lumps and blisters.
Some ways to help reduce this challenge in your loved one is by keeping their home at a comfortable temperature. Also, be mindful of medications that may cause sensitivity to heat or sun exposure.
Conclusion
Common problems loved ones have with personal hygiene is related to skin health. They have different skin types and conditions than younger people, so they may need to use other products or take extra care when bathing. Caregivers and relatives acting as caregivers to loved ones need to prepare for increased or new hazards to skin health and hygiene during the summer months.
Alternatively, you can hire a reliable home care service like Senior Helpers. We are located in Southwest Houston and provide services throughout Pearland, Bellaire, and Harris County. Contact us for specialized care for the elderly with chronic diseases like Alzheimer’s and Dementia. Please call us at 346–501–4357 today!