Promoting Good Personal Hygiene And Grooming
By Shirley Brower, R.N., Peninsula Volunteers Rosener House

Maintaining good personal hygiene and grooming is essential for both physical and mental well being. It not only provides cleanliness and personal comfort, but also prevents disease and the spread of infection.

Illness, disease and the many changes in the aging adult may compromise their ability to adequately maintain their own personal hygiene and grooming. People with memory loss, confusion and disorientation may have the greatest difficulty performing these tasks. Making decisions and concentrating on simple tasks can be frightening, frustrating and overwhelming to these people.

Because personal hygiene and grooming has been a private experience in the past; accepting help from others can be intimidating and embarrassing. Being told when and how to do something can be irritating and lead to anger and resistance in accepting help from caregivers.

The caregiver plays an important role. They must continuously assess the abilities of those in their care. Helping them maintain safety and independence while adjusting them with their needs is indeed challenging. The good news is that there are many helpful resources and support services available, such as the Alzheimer's Association and Aging and Adult Services. Many have helpful books, support groups and simple guidelines for caregivers and families. Listed below are a few of these guidelines that may be helpful with grooming and hygiene care.

Before Getting Started Remember:

1. A patient, reassuring and pleasant approach is necessary.
2. Maintain a consistent and established routine.
3. Use simple words and step-by-step affirmative statements.
4. Maintain a quiet atmosphere and minimize background noise.
5. Use distraction and a sense of humor in attracting their attention.
6. Be organized. Assemble and prepare clean clothes and supplies.
7. Break down work into smaller tasks.
8. Remember to maintain safety throughout the procedure.

Dental Care

• Maintain regular dental visits and make sure dentures fit properly and are clean.
• Use soft bristle toothbrushes, sponges and denture cleaners.
• If unable to brush, fluorinated mouthwash with "swish" and "spit" directions are available.

Bathing and Hair Care

• Keep water heater temperature turned down to prevent scalding.
• Use only six inches of water and stay with the person.
• Sponges, mitts and detachable hand-held showers are helpful.
• Handrails, tub benches, non-skid rugs and tub decals prevent falls.
• Washing hair in the sink with cloth over eyes might be easier.
• Use moisturizing soaps, shampoos and lotions. Avoid bath oils.
• Maintain the same order for washing and drying body.

Grooming

• Don't forget to put glasses on and hearing aids in.
• Electric razors are safer and easier to use.
• Short, easy-care hair styles make grooming easier.
• Keep nails clean, cut straight across and filed.
• Use makeup sparingly.
• Maintain regular podiatry visits.
• Wear supportive and easy to put on shoes.

Dressing and Toileting

• Use easy care, easy to change clothing (front zippers, snaps and Velcro fasteners helpful).
• Use reversible fabrics, wraparounds and elastic waistbands for pants and skirts.
• Duplicate favorite and frequently used ferments.
• Lay out one set of clothes at a time (contrasting colors are less confusing).
• Maintain every three to four hour toileting schedule.
• Mark bathrooms with bright colors, signs and pictures.
• Use night lights and keep walking areas clear of clutter.
• Use incontinent pads and diapers as needed.

Promoting good personal hygiene and grooming is essential. Be patient, keep it safe and keep it simple. If at first you don't succeed, don't despair. Try again later.

Back to previous   |   Back to category page   |   Back to top

Peninsula Volunteers, Inc.
800 Middle Avenue
Menlo Park, CA 94025
Telephone: 650-326-0665
Fax: 650-326-9547