Hair Hygiene for a Senior Who Has Limited Mobility

By Robert D. Liken CPC, CTS, President

October 21, 2016

Senior Care in Robinson Township PA

There are many reasons that an elderly adult might suffer from limited mobility. They might have experienced an injury that has lingering effects, have a condition or medical issue that causes stiffness or loss of range of motion, or be recovering from an injury or illness. As a family caregiver it is important that you understand the issues that limited mobility can cause so that you can Senior-Care-in-Robinson-Township-PAmake meaningful changes to your care efforts to ensure that even if your parent is dealing with a period of compromised mobility. One of these issues is difficulty with hygiene. Helping your parent maintain their hygiene is an important step in protecting their mental and emotional wellbeing, and preventing problems such as skin irritation and infection.
 
Use these tips to help your aging parent maintain their hair hygiene when they are dealing with limited mobility:

  • Shampoo cap. Shampoo caps are simple to use and highly effective, which means that your aging parent may even be able to use them independently. Simply put the cap over their hair as you would with a shower cap and massage it to use the pre-moistened interior to wash and rinse the hair. When finished, take the cap off and discard it, then brush the hair as usual. There is no rinsing needed and you can warm the cap right in the microwave to make it more comfortable for your aging parent.
  • Dry shampoo. While not as effective as a shampoo cap, dry shampoo is a good choice for occasional use or for touchups in between full shampoos. Just like it sounds, this product is a dry powder that you sprinkle onto your parent’s scalp and then brush it out. The powder binds to oils, sweat, and dirt so that they come out of the hair when brushed. This leaves the hair fresher and looking clean.
  • Movable sink. If your aging parent is going to be immobile for an extended period, you may want to consider investing in a movable sink. This device rolls right up to the side of the bed and attaches to the sink with a hose. You can then help your parent to rest their head on the side of the sink and use it much like a conventional sink, draining the water right back into the sink. Be sure to have plenty of towels handy and consider performing this task on the same day that you will change your parent’s sheets.

 
If your aging loved one is coping with limited mobility or balance problems, or has been recovering from an illness or injury that has kept them restricted to their bed or a chair, starting elderly care for them might be the right choice for them. Having an elderly home care services provider in the home with your aging parent can ensure that they get the personalized care, support, encouragement, and companionship that they need to cope with their individual limitations, challenges, and needs. Through services tailored to them specifically, your senior parent can cope with their difficulties, recover effectively, and still enjoy the highest quality of life possible. When it comes to hygiene, this means that your parent can stay healthier and more comfortable even if they are not able to shower or bathe in the traditional ways. If you are not able to be with your parent as often as they may need, or have your own limitations that keep you from being able to help them with these tasks, the professional, respectful services of a care provider can give you peace of mind.
 

If you or an aging loved one are considering senior care in Robinson Township, PA, please contact the friendly staff at Liken Home Care.  Call (412) 693-6820 or (855) 856-0551