If your senior parent is living alone and you’re worried that they’re having trouble taking care of their hygiene or getting dressed and undressed each day, personal care at home can help. Personal care at home is a type of home care where care providers have training in safe ways to help seniors with potentially dangerous tasks like transferring in and out of bed, showering, and getting dressed.
Your senior parent may not tell you that they need help with hygiene-related tasks or dressing. It can be embarrassing for parents to ask their children for help with tasks like showering or brushing their teeth. But that doesn’t mean your senior parent doesn’t need help with those tasks.
If you notice that your senior parent is doing any of these things, you should talk to them about personal care at home and how it can help them.
They Start to Smell Different
One of the first signs is a change in body odor. If your parents used to always smell fresh and clean but now have a strong body odor, it could mean they’re not showering regularly. Maybe they’re scared of slipping in the shower, or maybe it just feels like too much work now.
Either way, a change in smell is a big hint that something is going on.
Their Clothes Are Stained or Worn for Days
If you notice your parent wearing the same clothes several days in a row — especially if the clothes look dirty or wrinkled — that’s a sign they might be struggling. It could mean they’re having trouble with laundry, picking outfits, or even just changing clothes.
Dressing can be harder than it looks, especially if someone has arthritis or balance problems.
Their Hair Looks Greasy or Uncombed
Hair care is often one of the first things people stop doing when they have trouble keeping up with hygiene. If your parents’ hair looks greasy, messy, or unwashed for days at a time, it might mean they’re not feeling confident getting in and out of the shower, or maybe they’re too tired to bother.
Changes in how their hair looks are important to notice.
They Avoid Going Out or Having Visitors
If your parent suddenly doesn’t want to go shopping or doesn’t want anyone coming over, it could be because they’re embarrassed about their appearance. They might isolate themselves if they don’t feel clean or put together.
It’s easier to say they’re “just tired” or “not feeling up to it” than to admit they don’t feel good about how they look or smell.
Their Skin Looks Dry, Red, or Dirty
Taking regular showers or baths isn’t just about smell; it’s about skin health, too. If you notice your parents’ skin looking extra dry, flaky, red, or even dirty in spots, it could mean they aren’t washing properly.
Sometimes reaching certain areas of the body gets hard, especially if there’s pain or stiffness. This can lead to rashes, infections, or other health problems if not caught early.
If you or an aging loved one is considering Personal Care at Home in Sun Lakes, AZ, please contact the caring staff at Legacy Home Care today. Call (480) 777-0070
Legacy Home Care is a top provider of home care services in Mesa, Tempe, Scottsdale, Sun Lakes, Chandler, Gilbert, Apache Junction, Queen Creek, Phoenix, and surrounding areas.
Legacy Home Care has been serving the valley since 2007. We are family owned and operated with over 75 caregivers. We offer a customized care plan that includes services such as: Hourly Senior Home Care, 24-Hour Home Care, Dementia Care, Personal Care and Companion Care. Also ask us about our Veterans' Home Care program.
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