My Loved One Needs A Lot Of Assistance

As you may know, when we grow older, our skin ages too. It becomes quite fragile. As a result, elderly people need a special hygiene routine, one designed for their delicate skin. That’s especially the case if they suffer from incontinence, since urine and feces irritate and damage their skin. Gentle cleansing and protection helps prevent skin irritation and infection. It’s also soothing, and helps your loved one feel clean, comfortable, refreshed and healthy. That can actually give their confidence a boost.

 

Three steps need to be considered when caring for their skin: cleansing, restoring and protecting. That’s where TENA skin care range could help you. It’s tailor-made for fragile elderly skin.

As mentioned, it’s a good idea to protect elderly skin from urine and feces, which can be particularly harsh on it. Each day, when cleaning your loved one, try to check the condition of their skin. Then, if you see any signs of skin breakdown, you can take steps to stop it from getting worse. For practical tips on how to care for an incontinent person’s skin, see Incontinence and hygiene.

 

It might be the case that the person you care for stays in bed for long periods of time, and is unable to change position regularly. If so, their skin is at risk of breaking down, and developing pressure ulcers and sores. You can prevent that by helping your loved one change position often and regularly. You and they could treat this moving around as a simple daily exercise. It could even be a good time for you to give them a short massage, to invigorate them and relieve the pressure from lying in bed. To find out more about preventing bedsores, ask your doctor.

Your loved one may be inclined to drink less so that they don’t need to go to the toilet so often. This can cause problems though. It can make their urine more concentrated, and increase risks to their health. Try to encourage them to drink as normal, responding to their natural thirst.

 

Mealtimes are another important consideration. It’s worth remembering that a meal is about more than just nourishment. It’s also a social occasion – something you and your loved one can do together. Maybe you could include other family members and friends to sit and eat with you, to share and have a laugh together. Your company will help your loved one’s health and spirits.

No matter how old we are, we all love to have our hand held, our backs rubbed, or our body warmly hugged. Simply being connected with family members or friends feels good. When someone spends most of their time alone, these feelings become even more important.

 

Experienced caregivers tell us that even small activities and doing things together can help brighten up the day of the person you’re caring for.

 

For ideas of activities you and your loved one can enjoy together, visit Activities to Do.