Cold and flu season is right around the corner, so now is the time to make sure that your senior parent is doing everything they can to stay healthy. Experts are predicting record numbers of flu infections, so it’s worthwhile to do anything that might help your senior parent avoid getting sick.
Good hygiene practices can go a long way towards protecting your senior parent from catching colds and the flu. The best way for your parent to avoid getting sick is to avoid being around sick people, of course. But that’s not always possible. At the grocery store or the doctor’s office, your senior parent may be exposed to viruses and bacteria that could make them sick.
If your senior parent has trouble maintaining good hygiene because they have arthritis, poor grip strength, muscle weakness, or other health problems that make hygiene tasks difficult, personal care at home can help.
Personal care at home is compassionate help with hygiene tasks for seniors. The care providers are experts at helping seniors maintain their dignity while helping them brush their teeth, shower, get dressed, and wash up.
A personal care at home provider can help your senior practice these hygiene steps to protect their health and lower their risk of getting sick:
Wash Hands the Right Way
Handwashing is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent colds and the flu. Germs spread easily when we touch doorknobs, railings, or other surfaces and then touch our faces.
Seniors should wash their hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds, especially after coughing, sneezing, or being in public places.
If soap and water aren’t available, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer works well. Making handwashing a regular habit is the first line of defense against winter illnesses. Seniors should always carry a bottle of hand sanitizer with them when they are out in public.
Keep Hands Away from the Face
Rubbing the eyes, nose, or mouth can spread germs fast. Seniors should try to avoid touching their faces, especially when out in public. If their eyes itch or they need to adjust glasses, it’s best to use a clean tissue or wash their hands right before. This small change in habit can stop viruses from spreading from the hands into the body.
Cover Coughs and Sneezes Properly
Coughing and sneezing release tiny droplets that carry germs. If these droplets land on surfaces or on other people, they can spread illness quickly. Seniors should always cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or their elbow, not their hands.
Keep Surfaces Clean
Colds and flu germs can live on surfaces for several hours. Common items like remote controls, phones, doorknobs, and light switches are touched often and can pass germs along.
A personal care at home provider can help your parent by cleaning these surfaces regularly with disinfectant wipes or sprays. They can also clean counters, handles, and faucets. A quick daily wipe-down keeps germs from building up and makes the home a safer place during cold and flu season.
Practice Good Personal Hygiene
Staying clean helps keep the immune system strong. Seniors should bathe regularly, change into clean clothes, and make sure bedding and towels are washed often. Personal care at home can be a big help for seniors who struggle to maintain their hygiene.
Good personal hygiene also means brushing teeth and rinsing the mouth, which helps remove bacteria. Fresh clothes and clean skin reduce the chances of germs lingering on the body and spreading around the home. It also helps seniors feel comfortable and refreshed, which can boost overall health.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Personal Care at Home in Sun City, AZ, please contact the caring staff at Blessings! for Seniors Companion Care today. Call (623) 594-0819
Blessings! for Seniors Companion Care is a top provider of home care services in Goodyear, Avondale, Buckeye, Glendale, Peoria, Litchfield Park, Sun City, Sun City West, Tolleson, Phoenix, Youngtown, Surprise, and surrounding areas.
Blessings for Seniors makes it possible for older adults to enjoy the comforts of their own home for as long as possible. We offer a customized care plan that includes services such as; Hourly Senior Home Care, 24-Hour Home Care, Dementia Care, Personal Care and Companion Care. Also ask us about our Veterans’ Home Care program.
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