While the pandemic has people at home, it’s easy to become lax when it comes to grooming. You can’t let your parents get too lax, however. Whether they need help completing daily grooming tasks or benefit from reminders and guidance to complete them, senior care can help.

It’s easy to not want to shower each day or get into more than pajamas when you’re not leaving the house. If your mom and dad are starting to let their grooming slide, it’s time to make sure they’re getting back on track. They shouldn’t skip these grooming tasks.

Foot Care

As you get older, it may be hard to explore every inch of your feet. If your mom or dad don’t often get to look at the bottom of their feet, they need someone to do it for them. If they have a cut or sore that’s not healing properly, it can be a sign of diabetes.

It’s also important to keep the skin dry and moisturized. Cracked heels can be painful and increase the risk of infection if your parents aren’t careful.

Hair

Hair doesn’t need to be washed every day, but it should be shampooed from time to time to remove dirt and oil. A gentle shampoo that’s free of artificial ingredients and chemicals is best for sensitive skin. If your mom or dad has a dry scalp or dandruff, look for a shampoo that treats the flaking, itchy skin.

Use a wide-tooth comb to brush out the hair. It can air dry if your mom and dad are okay with that, otherwise use a hairdryer set on a low setting to prevent burns.

Nails

Keep nails trimmed. This helps keep germs from collecting under the nails, which is essential during the pandemic. Hand washing kills COVID-19 germs, but people may not get suds under long nails for long enough. Keep nails trimmed to just the end of the fingers.

Toenails also need to be trimmed. If they get too long, they can dig into the other toes when wearing shoes. It can also make shoes fit incorrectly. Trim them straight across and file any rough edges.

If your parents struggle with personal care and grooming, it’s time for senior care services. A senior care provider can help with all of these grooming tasks. Your mom and dad have help when it’s needed and encouragement when they can do something on their own.

For Senior Care Services in Millington TN, please contact the caring staff at Personal Care Services MidSouth today!