The Importance Of Personal Hygiene For Seniors

Personal hygiene is important for people of all ages. Most of us don’t need to be reminded that without regular cleansing, we leave our bodies susceptible to not just smelling bad, but feeling poorly. Naturally, there are numerous bacteria that can develop from improper washing, and these can lead to severe illnesses. This is especially true for our elderly. Therefore, it can be argued that personal hygiene is more important for seniors than anyone else.

The problems, as many caregivers have experienced, is that many seniors dislike bathing. It’s not that older people wish to not smell and feel their best. It’s just that many of them forget to properly clean, aren’t physically capable of cleaning themselves or feel embarrassed by having a caregiver do the cleaning for them. Nevertheless, it is important to find ways to help your elderly loved ones maintain their personal hygiene to better their overall health.

Good Hygiene Is an Important Part of Healthy Living

“The most obvious and important reason for good hygiene is maintaining physical health,” affirms the Miami Home Care Services website. “As we age, our immune system is not as robust as it once was and that means germs and viruses are more of an enemy than ever. Hand-washing before handling food and after visiting the facilities if not already a habit should become one.”

The site goes on to point out that many medications which are common amongst seniors can cause the skin to become fragile. This makes it easier for germs to invade. The importance of skin care for seniors cannot be understated. Naturally, our skin loses elasticity as we age. This is one of the main culprits for fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin.

A Senior’s Skin Is More Sensitive Than Most

As Megan L. Multanen informs us on HomeCareMag.com, our skin performs many functions. So, for the elderly, it’s especially important to practice proper skin care techniques in order to maintain good health.

“As the largest organ in the body, the skin performs regulatory functions including temperature maintenance, the expulsion of toxins through sweat and prevention of dehydration, and skin is part of the body’s defense system against infection,” writes Multanen, “Thus, skin maintenance becomes even more critical as we age. The fragile state of skin in many individuals who face bathing disabilities compounds the necessity to be sure we are actively cleaning and taking care of the skin while also protecting and enhancing its integrity.”

Shower Bay Makes Good Personal Hygiene Easy to Maintain

At Forward Day, we’re extremely proud of the fact that our Shower Bay portable showers have worked wonders in helping seniors maintain good hygiene. Because they are safe showers designed for wheelchair users, they allow elderly people with mobility issues to bathe independently.

Shower Bay’s unique design allows for quick assembly in any room of the home. As a result, users are given much easier access to cleaning themselves than if they were to be relegated to their traditional bathrooms. If you have any questions about our Shower Bay portable showers, please don’t hesitate to contact us to ask them. Give us a call at 1-877-593-4461 or email us at info@showerbay.com