Taking care of daily hygiene can be challenging for seniors even when the weather isn’t warm, but it can be especially challenging when the hot summer weather comes. Everyone can struggle to stay fresh and feel cool when the temperatures soar. Seniors can get personal care at home to help them maintain their hygiene. Personal care at home can also help seniors with tasks like getting dressed and showering. Some hot weather hygiene tips that seniors can use to be cool and confident all summer include:
Get A Sweat Proof Sunscreen
Seniors who are going out in the sun need to wear sunscreen. But regular sunscreen can wear off and it can wear off very quickly when seniors are sweating. If it’s very warm outside seniors should wear sport sunscreen or sweat resistant sunscreen so that it lasts. Otherwise seniors may be out in the sun for hours with no protection. That can lead to serious sunburn and other heat-related problems. A sweat proof sunscreen that is reapplied regularly while seniors are outdoors is the best choice.
Use Baby Wipes To Freshen Up
Baby wipes are something seniors should always have with them. Unscented or scented baby wipes are a great tool to use to freshen up. Seniors can use them to wipe away sweat if the day is really warm. And they can use baby wipes after using the bathroom to take care of any residual odor that might linger because of the heat and sweat. It’s a good idea for seniors to keep baby wipes in their bag, purse, fanny back, or in a pocket so that they can discreetly grab a couple if they need them.
Apply Powder When Getting Dressed
Baby powder that is talc free is safe to use and can make seniors a lot more comfortable. Baby powder can prevent odor, uncomfortable wetness, and rashes. Seniors can also use diaper cream to avoid getting heat rashes on their legs or arms. If your senior parent hates the feel of baby powder they should try anti-chafing gel. This product goes on like smooth like a gel but dries to a soft powder finish so it has all the advantages of powder but is easier and less messy to apply. Anti-chafing gel can be used between any folds of skin or anywhere skin rubs to prevent friction, skin tags, and rashes.
Wash Sheets At Least Once A Week
Seniors should be washing their sheets at least once a week when the weather is hot. Wash sheets in hot water to kill any odor-causing bacteria. It’s also a good idea to use only natural fiber sheets like cotton or linen. Natural fiber sheets will allow for good air circulation and that will help seniors who tend to sweat at night. There’s less chance of seniors getting skin infections, rashes, and other skin disorders from their sheets in the summer when they are washed regularly once a week. Use unscented soap or soap created to wash baby bedding so that seniors don’t have any kind of reaction to the soap used to wash their bedding.
If you or an aging loved one is considering personal care at home in Cave Creek, AZ, please call the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Scottsdale at (480) 284-7360. We are here to help!
