Helping your loved one with grooming tasks can be an uncomfortable situation. It is important to try to allow your loved one to perform grooming tasks on their own, with your supervision as needed, for as long as they safely can. When your loved one can no longer properly groom themselves, use these tips to help them out.

Tips for Grooming

• Stick to a regular grooming routine. This is especially important if your loved one has dementia. Use your loved one’s favorite toiletries, but make sure they’re safe and simple to use: for example, cardboard nail files are less threatening than metal nail clippers.
• Most people like having their hair washed regularly. Many people enjoy the feeling of having their hair washed and feel better when it is done. However, some people don’t enjoy it at all. If frequent hair washing creates tension between you and the person you are caring for, consider the advantages of clean hair. Weigh these against the disadvantages of creating that tension.
• Going to the hairdresser or barber regularly gives your loved one a routine to stick to. This can be especially beneficial if it’s something they’ve regularly done for a long time. Visiting the hairdresser routinely also prevents the need to wash their hair at home as frequently. Or find a hairdresser who will come to the house. This may be a time when you can have your hair cut too. Stick with haircuts that are easy for you and your loved one to maintain.
• If you are washing the person’s hair yourself, a hand-held shower hose may work best. Think about using a shampoo that will not sting if it gets into the person’s eyes. Alternatively, consider using a hair wash shield to prevent water from running onto the person’s face. Another option is a ‘no rinse’ shampoo that can clean the hair without using water.
• When it comes to assisting your loved one with hair removal, it is easiest and safest to use an electric razor. For hard to reach spots like the nose or ears, plucking normally works best.
• It’s important to clip your loved one’s fingernails and toenails regularly. This will prevent them from accidentally scratching themselves. Watch out for bunions, corns, or severe cracking when you’re tending to your loved one’s feet.
• A little makeup can go a long way. This may seem like an unnecessary luxury for your loved one. However, if they always used makeup in the past, even a little foundation and lipstick can make your loved one feel like a new person.
  

This article is courtesy of Active Daily Living.