How to Help Your Elderly Loved One When Grooming Becomes Too Difficult

You have been taking care of your elderly loved one for some time. Recently, they have found grooming to be too difficult. You might be unsure of what you can do to help them. However, there are some things that can be done to help your elderly loved one when grooming becomes too difficult.

Senior Care in Lorton VA: Senior Grooming Tips
Senior Care in Lorton VA: Senior Grooming Tips


Grooming Routine

One of the most important things you can do to help your elderly loved one when grooming becomes too difficult is to set up a grooming routine. For example, if your loved one has always gotten their hair cut by a certain person, make sure this continues. You or their elderly care providers can take them to the place where they get their hair cut. Make sure you put grooming into their routine when it works for them. For example, if they become distressed later in the evening, don’t do their grooming during this time.


Use Their Favorite Products

If grooming becomes too difficult for your elderly loved one, it is important to help them groom themselves. However, you should make sure you continue using their favorite products. For example, if they have a favorite shaving cream, keep using that. This will get them to see that you are just trying to help them. You aren’t trying to take over.


Do Tasks By Your Elderly Loved One

If you have found that grooming is too tough for your loved one to do on their own, it might be helpful to do tasks by your elderly loved one. For example, if they can’t brush their hair without seeing someone else do it first, you or their elderly care providers can brush your own hair, so they can see how to do it. They can then copy what you are doing. Encourage your elderly loved one to copy what you are doing.


Use Simple Grooming Products

When your elderly loved one starts getting agitated when it comes to the grooming process, make sure you use simple and safe grooming products. For instance, you should use cardboard nail filing tools instead of metal ones. You should use an electric shaver instead of a razor or clippers.


These are some of the tips for how you can help your elderly loved one when the grooming process becomes too difficult. Remember, to time the grooming process to when your elderly loved one is less agitated. This will help to make the grooming process go easier and calmer.


If you or an aging loved-one is considering Senior Care in Lorton, VA, please contact the caring staff at Dependable Home Health Services today at (703) 370-2300.


Sources
Nia.nih.gov

Zena Ayalew, RN