Most people take one or two showers each day. That may be too much for your dad. As you age, your body’s collagen production diminishes. Sweat and oil glands aren’t as active. The skin becomes drier and thinner. If you’re bathing your dad every day, it may be too much. If you’re having a hard time helping him shower and dress, talk to a personal care at home advisor.
How Often Does He Need a Shower?
How often should you get your dad to shower? Once or twice a week is usually enough. If he experiences incontinence, a quick shower to clean him up may be necessary. If he’s more active some days and breaks a sweat, you may need to add an extra shower that week.
Skin Care and Shower Tips That Help Protect His Skin
When you do help your dad shower, make sure you’re protecting his skin. Start by setting the water temperature to be warm but not hot. Hot water dries the skin and removes protective oils on the surface of the skin.
Use a mild soap that contains ingredients like coconut oil, almond oil, shea butter, or goat’s milk. Avoid heavily perfumed soaps and shower gels as they can dry the skin.
Once he’s out of the shower, apply an unscented moisturizer. Again, look for lotions that don’t contain perfumes, alcohol, and chemical ingredients. Choosing moisturizers that are approved by dermatologists is ideal.
You want to apply the moisturizer while his skin is wet, as that traps moisture in the skin’s layers. Blot his skin dry with a soft towel or have him wear a terry robe and let him dry naturally. You don’t want to rub off the lotion while drying him.
The skin on his scalp is also delicate. If you wash his hair too much, his scalp may dry out and become flaky. Use a gentle shampoo once or twice a week. A conditioner can help. If he has thicker hair, you could use a co-wash product in the middle of the week to add moisture and rinse away any dirt or sweat that’s built up.
Look for shampoo and conditioners that avoid drying ingredients like alcohol and perfumes. If he has eczema, talk to his dermatologist about recommended products and how often he should wash his hair.
Hiring Personal Care at Home Aides May Be Better for Everyone
Bathing your dad may be especially stressful for both of you. Hire personal care at home aides to help your dad with personal care routines like showers, skin care, nail care, hair care, and shaving.
His personal care at home attendants can help him get dressed after applying moisturizer to his skin. They can also help him with brushing and flossing, toileting, and mobility. Call our home care agency to schedule the services your dad needs.
If you or an aging loved one is considering Personal Care at Home Services in Johnsonburg PA please contact the caring staff at Quality Health Services today. 814-251-9044
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