How Hygiene Protocols Help To Prevent Chronic Illness in Assisted Living for Seniors
Neglecting self-hygiene is quite common among older adults with mobility issues or poor health. According to research published by the NIH, approximately 18.2% of older adults experience self-neglect and fail to maintain their personal hygiene. However, consistent neglect may lead to chronic illnesses, which can cause severe damage to overall health.
In this post, we’ll discuss the consequences of ignoring hygiene among older adults and how an assisted living community can help them maintain it. But before we get to that, let’s discuss the main reasons why someone who took great care of themselves for decades now struggles in their retirement years.
Why Older Adults Struggle to Maintain Hygiene
Older adults with limited mobility and poor health often struggle to perform personal hygiene tasks, such as bathing and grooming. However, one of the main causes of older adults neglecting their hygiene is their poor emotional state.
Mental health issues like depression can reduce their motivation and willingness to take care of themselves. They may feel like there is nothing to look forward to, which may lead them to live in idleness. However, when a senior neglects their hygiene due to depression, it may cause a domino effect. They may feel embarrassed to face people, which further leads to depression and isolation.
Additionally, some older adults who have always been independent resist caregivers trying to help. It could be due to pride or cultural stigma that causes some seniors to reject caregivers and their assistance with personal hygiene tasks.
Consequences of Poor Hygiene in Older Adults
If your senior loved one neglects personal hygiene for a longer period, it may cause several health issues, including infection, tooth decay, and even severe depression.
Infection
Infections affecting skin and hair are one of the most common and severe side effects of poor personal hygiene. But what’s worse is that infection can make your loved one more susceptible to diseases.
Tooth Decay & Gum Disease
Older adults who neglect oral hygiene can quickly accumulate bacteria in their mouth, which will eventually lead to periodontal or gum disease and cause tooth loss over time. Unfortunately, once teeth begin to fall out, your loved one’s mouth will become more susceptible to the disease, causing further tooth loss.
Moreover, poor oral hygiene may cause diseases throughout the body, including heart disease, diabetes, and lung disease.
Chronic Depression
If your senior loved one is unable to maintain proper hygiene on their own, they are more likely to experience chronic depression. Regularly brushing and styling their hair can help them maintain their self-esteem and confidence.
How Assisted Living Communities Maintain High Hygiene Protocols To Help Prevent Diseases
While it’s emotionally challenging to see your loved one neglecting their hygiene, sometimes you can’t provide them with the appropriate care and support they need. Assisted care communities are suitable for older adults who need assistance with daily living activities and personal hygiene, such as grooming and dressing. Here’s how they maintain hygiene across the community and prevent chronic diseases.
Routine Cleaning and Disinfection
Cleanliness is the core of any senior living community. Before acting on personal hygiene, assisted living communities frequently clean and disinfect every area of the building, including private apartments and shared spaces, like dining rooms and lounges. Moreover, assisted living communities provide weekly housekeeping services, ensuring residents always come home to a clean room.
Personal Hygiene and Care Practices
Assisted care homes prioritize personal hygiene for residents, with round-the-clock staff members to help with hygiene tasks, such as bathing and grooming. If your loved one has limited mobility or cognitive challenges, assisted care communities will provide special attention to help them stay clean and comfortable at all times.
Clean Bedding and Linens
Assisted living communities offer laundry and linen services to reduce the risk of bacterial buildup. They regularly wash sheets, towels, and clothing, ensuring your senior loved one wears clean clothes and lives in a peaceful and restful environment.
Looking for a Safe and Secure Home for Your Senior Loved One That Helps Them Maintain Their Health? Consider Choosing The Harrison of Wildwood
Hygiene is the core of healthy aging. If you see your senior loved one struggling with maintaining hygiene, it’s best for them to move to an assisted care community where they will be taken care of. Top senior living communities, such as The Harrison of Wildwood, provide extra support to their residents, which helps them maintain their independence.
Here at The Harrison of Wildwood, your senior loved one can maintain their comfort and wellness while enjoying their golden years to the fullest. If you want to learn more about how we can help them maintain their hygiene and overall health, schedule a tour of our community and meet our staff team today.