Introduction
Bathing is care that should be done every day while an elderly person lives at home. Bathing is a very important component of personal hygiene. It is an act that not only cleanses the body but also helps to combat feelings of depression or loneliness; this may be because it provides sensory stimulation and/or socialization. There are different methods of bathing such as the use of a shower, tub bath, sponge bath, and enema. The appropriate method can be selected based on factors such as safety and reliability. As a result, many elders will opt for the use of a shower bath.
There Are Several Benefits That Can Be Derived From Shower Baths In An Elderly Individual’s Life
1. Preventing Geriatric Arthritis
Taking a shower bath can help prevent geriatric arthritis in older people as well as those with arthritis due to other reasons (Mishra et al., 2016). People past the age of 60 years who want to prevent geriatric arthritis should not be afraid to take their showers in the morning. Geriatric luetic arthritis is a problem that occurs just before and during the onset of old age.
2. Control Of Skin Problems
Many skin diseases are prevented by taking a shower bath in the morning. For example, some types of skin diseases such as psoriasis and scabies are known to be caused by the lack of cleanliness which results in a build-up of dead cells and oil secretions. These Secretions accumulate on the skin making it prone to infections (Larbi et al., 2016). Taking a shower bath in the morning helps to control these problems before they become worse and spread to other parts of the body.
3. Fight Infection With The Help Of Shower Baths
Infections are caused when bacteria, fungi, or viruses infect living tissue. Diseases such as athlete’s foot and jock itch are known to spread when the skin is not cleaned sufficiently. Taking a shower bath in the morning can help to fight such diseases because all the dead skin cells, oil, and secretions will be pulled away from the body by the water.
4. Preventing Arthritis As Well As Preventing Skin Problems
The skin on which there is a buildup of dead cells and secretions will become dry and cracks will appear. This condition can be prevented by taking a shower bath in the morning. The water contains ingredients that moisten and restore hydration to all parts of the body, which makes it possible for those with dry skin to have healthy and youthful-looking skin.
5. Wash Away Germs
People with medical conditions such as diabetes and heart disease are vulnerable to skin infections. They are also prone to getting germs on their skin which can cause serious problems. Shower baths remove these germs and keep the skin healthy, young and vibrant.
6. Rewarding For The Elderly
Taking a shower bath in the morning is very rewarding for elderly people because it gives them the ability to regain their youthful look. Skin that has been exposed to water looks young and healthy again; this is because of all the dead cells that have been washed away by the water.
7. Be Free From Loneliness
Taking a shower bath is an act that can help an individual to be free from loneliness because it is something that everyone does every day. This procedure can provide some kind of stimulation and company to an elderly person because even though bathing is something as simple as removing dirt or sweat from the body, it has a very powerful effect on the mind, body, and spirit. There are a lot of benefits for the elderly when it comes to bathing; those who want to prevent geriatric arthritis should not be afraid to take their showers in the morning.
8. Exciting Activities
While shower baths may not be as exciting as a bath filled with bubbles, it is still considered to be a rewarding experience for the elderly. A shower bath provides an elderly person with an opportunity to live normally and have fun in their life. Taking a shower is something that people should do every day because it helps the body fight infection and germs, reduce the chances of getting skin problems such as geriatric luetic arthritis and psoriasis, as well as prevent other health issues later in life.
What Are The Best Methods Of Simple & Clean Bathing An Elderly?
1. First Things First
Before bathing, make sure that you have a bath mat and slippers. Wash your hands with soap and water before getting into the shower. After bathing, pat on some baby oil or moisturizer before drying off with a towel. Next, use a hairdryer to dry the hair completely before brushing it out.
2. Choose The Correct Showerhead
The showerhead has various settings such as the rainfall setting (which can be used immediately after the shower), massage setting, and spray setting (necessary for users with sensitive skin). The best way to know which is ideal for you is to test it out by turning it on under running water to see if it creates any noise or causes any kind of discomfort in the skin.
3. Cleanse The Body
Cleaning the whole body is necessary because dirt, sweat, and oil can cause infections when left on the body for long such as acne and pimples. For this step, use a body wash that contains gentle ingredients like aloe vera. Make sure to lather it thoroughly on the skin using circular motions before applying soap directly to the skin.
4. Condition The Hair
After rinsing off, use a small amount of conditioner before washing it off with shampoo. For those who want to use their favorite brand of shampoo, try in on a small area of skin first before using it all over.
5. Wash Your Hands
The hands are the least clean part of one’s body so make sure to wash it thoroughly with mild soap and warm water every time you get out of the shower. Don’t forget to dry them off with a towel and apply hand sanitizer.
6. Moisturize Bodily Skin & Hair
Apply lotion to smooth out rough areas on the skin such as heels, elbows, knees, and hands. Do not forget your hair as this can also cause flaking and dry skin or brittle ends.
7. Clean Your Bathroom
After using the bathroom, be sure to clean up after yourself by wiping off all dirty surfaces such as mirrors, cabinets, floor tiles, etc.
Conclusion
Bathing methods for the elderly can be a healthy practice that removes dead cells and oil secretions, changes hydration of skin, increases blood circulation, prevents skin diseases such as psoriasis and scabies, and helps to fight infection. As a result, taking shower baths in the morning is important for those who want to prevent geriatric luetic arthritis as well as the possibility of getting dermatitis infections or heart disease easily.