Personal care for the elderly
The older we get, the less self-reliant we become. An unfortunate truth about ageing is that sooner or later you won't be able to look after yourself and will require assistance.
Personal care can alleviate the stresses that elderly people suffer through on a daily basis, create a safe environment for them in their home, plus provide some much-needed company for those who have been left alone.
Assistance with personal hygiene
The older we get, the more difficult it is to move, whether that's making our way up the stairs or climbing into the bath. Bathing is very hard for those with such limited movement, and a bad attempt could lead to a fall which could break bones and result in further medical complications.
Personal carers help seniors to get in and out of the bath, or into the shower, without the risk of injuring themselves. They will also help wash them in areas that have become more difficult for them to reach eg the back and the feet. Personal hygiene assistance extends to brushing their teeth, combing their hair and helping them put on a clean set of clothes.
Personal care also includes assisting elderly people us the lavatory. This is understandably undignified for both the personal carer and the person in care, but it is a necessary part of looking after someone. Personal care encompasses every aspect of an elderly person's day-to-day life, no matter how embarrassing or messy.
Help around the house
With the physical impairments that come with old age, maintaining a clean and tidy home can be hard. Dusting higher areas becomes incredibly challenging and the strain of trying to clean hard-to-reach areas could put unnecessary pressure on an elderly person's body and potentially lead to injury.
Personal care ensures that they do not have to go out of their way to keep their home clean. Personal carers are more than happy to clean up around the house and even cook meals for the person they're caring for.
This extends to keeping the home safe of any hazards to help instil a greater sense of security for the person in care.
Keeping elderly people company
Personal care is much more than simply looking after someone. Carers are trained to be friendly and attentive to the needs of the person they're caring for. Some elderly people are left alone when much of their family moves away, or their spouse passes away, so sometimes what they need more than anything is a friend.
With people undergoing overnight 24-hour personal care, they need not ever feel alone.
Personal care allows elderly people to get out of the house for a while to watch a movie or stroll in the park with someone they can trust and hold a decent conversation with.
Sometimes carers don't even need to have conversations to provide the outlet that elderly people want. Good listening skills are the difference between good and bad personal care.
Personal care can help an elderly person retain a sense of independence and dignity without putting themselves in danger. They can be a friend to the elderly person they care for, listening to them and keeping them company. Personal care is so important for elderly people because otherwise they could be left completely isolated, depressed and at risk of potential injury.
Care can also provide respite for family members who have their own responsibilities and may not have a lot of time for their elderly relative.
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Source by Anitha Hari
