Home Personal Care Tips to Follow

When a family member is recovering from trauma, chronic illness, or serious injury, good personal care is required. Most of the time, these conditions affect the patient's mobility and the patient cannot perform daily tasks without assistance. Routine tasks like eating, bathing, and moving become difficult.

Also, our loved ones need help with their daily activities as they age. Almost half of the people over 65 need help with their daily activities.

In the United States, more than 18 million people need help. This number is not expected to increase over the next few years as the population ages. Some families have chosen to care for the patient themselves, while others hire health professionals.

Everyone in charge of personal hygiene works through thick and thin and helps patients lead near-normal lives.

Whether you are dealing with an elderly person or an injured person, you should learn a few tips for home care to help create a healthy environment. It also implies taking care of your health because your comfort depends on it.

Tips for Personal Care at Home

1. Diet

Everyone needs proper nutrition to lead a healthy life. More than anyone, patients or the elderly need a carefully planned diet and healthy meals.

A caregiver is responsible for planning and preparing the diet. They also help feed the patients. If the caregiver is not a nutritionist, consult a professional to find out what works best for them.

2. Personal hygiene

The second most important aspect of personal hygiene is personal hygiene. Nurses help with daily tasks like bathing, dressing, and caring. This also includes household chores like cutting hair, trimming nails, and shaving.

3. Mobility

Mobility support is very important to patients, even if they have to do it in their environment.

Make sure the wheelchair is in tip-top shape and fits properly. Install wide doors, handrails, and a wheelchair ramp for easy and hassle-free mobility.

You can always hire a reliable personalized care plan agency for professional help. Make sure your family member is ready to accept professional help.

Give them enough time to adjust to the new course of life before handing over all responsibilities to the nurse.

4. Medications

Patients need adequate medication to recover or lead a normal life with the disease. This generally includes doctor visits, dental treatment, eye care, foot care, physical therapy, and psychiatric therapy. If they need help taking pills or remembering their schedules, add them to a daily care plan.

5. Transportation

If the person can no longer drive, you should arrange transportation so that they can get to medical appointments on time.

Home Maintenance Tips

1. Create Task Lists

When you are the personal caregiver, there is a lot on your plate. You cannot afford to lose one of your important tasks because your whole life depends on you.

It's best to create to-do lists and schedules in order of importance. If other family members or personal nurses are helping you, try to distribute the tasks. Print schedules set reminders, and keep lists ready for quick reference.

2. Natural Conversation Is Important

You should know that people who need help with daily tasks can often find it difficult to get used to the routine. You might even find some of the experiences quite uncomfortable.

You need to understand and find ways to relax. One of the most important techniques is to have a natural conversation with them at different times of the day.

Keep them informed of your plans and your next steps. Participate in conversations and encourage self-sufficiency as much as possible.

3. Preserve Dignity

A personal caregiver should be the patient at all times. You should always maintain her dignity while you take care of her. Be respectful and helpful in maintaining your privacy, whether you are taking a bath, going to the toilet, or changing.

4. Use the Correct Incontinence Devices

Most patients need incontinence aids because they have difficulty controlling their bladder or bowel movements.

Make sure you choose the right type of device to make the experience less painful for them. Clean and change devices regularly to avoid a potential risk of infection.

5. Take Security Measures

More than 30% of those over 65 falls every year. Keep your safety as a top priority. Respond to any safety concerns.

The risk of falling increases many times over when swimming. Make sure the bathroom is not wet or slippery when entering. Install grab handles. Ensure pleasant temperatures at any time of the day.

6. Keep the Environment Clean

The risk of falls is their primary concern as impaired coordination and poor eyesight make older people more prone to falls.

Make sure the environment is clean and clear. Push cables, wires, and furniture against the wall to prevent tripping accidents.

7. Keep the Area Well Lit

Inadequate lighting can lead to accidents and serious injuries. Keep your surroundings well lit, especially narrow stairs and hallways.

8. Monitor the Drug and Its Effects

Daily care plans usually include the delivery of prescribed medication. Monitor the medication plans and observe their effects.

If you notice anything unusual, it is best to report it to your doctor as soon as possible. You should stay in contact with your family doctor at all times.

9. Encourage Personal Attention as Much as Possible

Whether you are the caregiver or have hired a home care agency service, encourage yourself to take care of yourself as much as possible. Let the elderly or patients do simpler tasks themselves.

10. Be patient!

The most important tip is to be patient and compassionate. Try to stay positive.