Graceful Independence: A Guide to Personal Care for Seniors

Self-Care Strategies for Senior Independence

As we age, maintaining independence in daily self-care activities becomes a crucial aspect of overall well-being. In this post, we'll delve into practical tips and considerations for seniors to approach dressing, showering, bathing, and toileting with confidence and comfort, fostering a sense of graceful independence. Each person will have their unique needs, and our hope is that this post will provide some ideas of items that may be of use to continue to give safely at home..

1. Dressing with Ease

Planning what to wear, and having it all in one place is a good start. That way, you can sit down and take your time to get dressed, where you don't need to get up and down to collect the items needed.

Chairs with Armrests

Having chairs with armrests scattered around the house is a good idea, to allow the person to be seated while getting dressed or having a rest. This is safer than having to lean over, and manoeuvre to dress while standing, as this may cause a fall. Having one in the bedroom, or wherever the dressing takes place is a good idea. Also having one in the entry is recommended, as it is safer to sit down to put shoes on rather than doing this while standing. The height of the seat should be high enough so it is easy to raise from it again, but low enough so you can reach to the floor with your hands while seated.

Choice of Clothing

Choosing clothing that is easy to put on and take off can significantly enhance the dressing experience for seniors. Opt for garments with larger openings, elastic waistbands, and magnetic closures, especially for those with challenges fully using their hands or arms. Additionally, organising the wardrobe to place frequently worn items within easy reach simplifies the dressing process. 

Reacher/Grabber

If mobility is an issue and reaching to the floor is a challenge, it may be good idea to invest in a reacher / grabber. This cost-effective tool extends the reach and is versatile in its use and they come in a variety of lengths and functions. If the reacher is either too long or too short it ends up not being as practical, so having a mid-range option, around 31-32 inches, can be a good generic length. Please note that a shorter reacher is easier to use for heavier objects.

A good quality reacher will have a rotating head, allowing the user to change the direction of the head depending on what needs to be picked up. Some are also foldable, allowing for easy storage and transportation, however foldable reachers may not be as strong and may not be able to lift heavier objects.

Sock-Aid

Sock-aids are also useful when someone struggles to reach down to put their socks on due to reduced mobility or dizziness for example. Using sock-aids can take a bit to get used to but once you get the hang of them, they are easy to use. The key is to not pull up the sock all the way over the lip of the sock-aid, but to also make sure the whole sock is on far enough, all the way to the toes (as per image). Once the sock is on properly on the sock-aid, drop the aid to the floor while holding on to the end of the ropes. Then place the foot on the top-end of the sock-aid and carefully pull the sock onto the foot.  Here is a useful video with some further tips.

Compression Stockings Devises

If you are wearing compression stockings, they can be a challenge to put on and to take off. There are different tools that can be useful to assist with this and the above sock aid may work for this too. However, as the compression stocking is tighter, you may need to use other methods or tools. If the stockings have open toes, you can use a plastic bag over the foot and slide the sock over it, so it glides on a bit easier. You can also use a Stocking Donner which is a bit more sturdy, making it easier to use compression stockings, although a bit more bulky.

Sock Remover

To help take socks off, you can use a sock remover / dressing stick. This is a great multi-use tool, which also be used to put on a shirt or a jacket when shoulder movement is limited and someone is unable to stretch the arm behind the back. It can also be used as a long shoehorn as it is multi-tool indeed. Just ensure not to scratch the skin on the feet / lower legs, as a small wound can become a bigger issue where there is delayed healing, in particular if you have reduced circulation or sensation (e.g. diabetes or neuropathy).

Long Shoehorn

A long shoehorn is also very handy, as it prevents the user to have to bend over to reach for the shoes, which may cause a moment of unsteadiness. These are a cheap insurance to prevent falls. It is also recommended that shoes are put on while seated. Choosing footwear that are easy to put on, with a closed heal, is also recommended as these tend to stay on better and not slide off while walking.

Buttoner

Using a buttoner, or a so called button hook, to get dressed and button shirts can significantly aid seniors with dexterity challenges, making dressing more independent and less frustrating. These tools feature a gripped handle and a loop or wire to guide buttons through buttonholes, ensuring buttons are securely fastened without requiring intricate finger movements. The hook at the other end can be used to assist with pulling up a zip.

2. Showering

Making the shower a safe space is essential for seniors. As with any wet area, bathrooms are high risk areas for slips and falls, so we want to do what we can to minimise this risk. Having adjustable handheld shower heads is helpful, as they provide flexibility and better hose length, allowing the user to shower while seated if needed.

Grab-bars

Install grab-bars to walls in the shower, and makes sure that any shower rails, grab-rails with a shelf,  and towel rails are rated as grab-bars. Consult with a builder to have these professionally installed for the most secure option. For a strong suction grab-bar option, it is important to only attach these to the recommended clean, smooth wall types. Installing them improperly may cause them to come off!

Grab-bars come in a variety of lengths, angles and styles, depending on where you want them to be placed. The important thing to remember is that if the grab-bars are to be used for support from sitting to standing, they should be placed slightly in front of the seat, rather than beside it to allow foe better leverage.

If you are still in the planning stages of building or renovating, take the opportunity to strengthen any walls where you may want these grab bars / rails to be positioned by adding extra nogs / reinforcement. If you are placing grab-bards on exciting walls, try to find nogs or studs to screw into. Using a stud finder can be very helpful tool, as it helps locate any solid wood behind the wall.

Bathmat

Keeping a bathmat outside the shower is a must, as a slippery floor creates a high risk for falls. Ensuring the mat is a good quality mat which remains flat and has a non-slip backing is recommended. These should be replaced if they start to loose their shape or grip, as "dog ears" of the corners can become a trip hazard in itself.

Shower Stool

If someone tends to be a bit light-headed, has poor balance, or lacks energy, a shower stool may be a good idea for the shower. The most important aspect of shower stools is that they need to have non-slip feet to be safe, as they otherwise can slide away. Other things to consider when choosing a shower stool:

• Height adjustability - to fit the user. The chair need to be high enough so the user can get off, but low enough so the feet are securely on the ground when seated for better sitting balance.
• Weight restrictions - they come for all sizes.
• With or without arm rests - arm rests makes it easier to get on and off but may be more restrictive to turn around for bathing. Ensure the person fits comfortably between the arm rests and the stool has the appropriate width.
• Material - there are different looks - most height adjustable are made out of plastic, whereas the wooden ones, are more likely to be fixed height.
• Non-slip feet - rubber feet is essential.

Long-handled brush

If shoulder mobility is limited or reach is a concern, a long-handled brush can be a useful option. These come in a variety of design. This one has adjustable heads, allowing the switch between a brush and a sponge, which may be useful. It is also foldable, which makes it take up less space.

3. Bathing

Using a bath tub can sometimes be a challenge as mobility reduces, as getting in and out of it may be difficult. For those who still prefer baths, incorporating safety features is key. Walk-in tubs or bath lifts offer accessibility, while non-slip bath mats and grab bars contribute to a secure bathing environment.

It is easier to get in than out of a bath, and having a plan if something happens is always a good idea. For example, if there is a way of contacting someone, should one be unable to get out to the bath, by keeping a phone or a personal (medical) alarm near by, this is a good safety measure. It may be easier to exit the bath while still full of water, so empty the water after exiting.

In general, when you are looking at home modifications for someone with limited mobility, it is common to recommend that a bath tub is removed and replaced with a walk-in shower, as this generally provides easier to access and is safer.

Bath-Boards and Benches

If someone wants to keep their bath, using a bath-board or bath chair is also a useful way to enter and exit a bath. There are pros and cons with the different models and makes. For any bath boards, it is important to ensure they are securely installed to the bath so they don't slide around! Combining this with a non-slip mat or strips on the bottom of the bath is a must.

Non-slip Strips and  Mats

Ensuring a non-slip surface in the bath to prevent any slipping if standing up in the bath will reduce the risks for slips. This can be either non-slip strips or a rubber like non slip bath-mat. These can also be used in the shower.

Grab-bars

Again, having a grab-bars ready available around the bath will assist with entering and exiting the bath. 

4. Toilet Independence

Using the bathroom independently can be a challenge as we age. There are a few practical solutions that may help to take some stress away, and also ensuring we remain safe. By maintaining a clutter-free space to prevent falls, and maintaining a well-lit bathroom we can enhance safety during nighttime bathroom visits.

Toilet seats

Toilet independence is a crucial aspect of daily life. If you are looking at renovating or building a new bathroom, consider installing a taller toilet, as this will by far look the most integrated. Having a toilet seat too low means it may be difficult or impossible to get up to standing afterwards. For a functional solution, consider installing raised toilet seats which are placed on top of the excising toilet seat, to ease the transition from sitting to standing. There are again a wide range of different styles; some with armrest and some without. Some with freestanding legs, and some are attached to the toilet itself. The freestanding option (portable commodes) can also be placed beside the bed at night time if needed, with a custom bucket underneath. Handrails or grab-bars near the toilet provide added support. There are some nice looking toilet-roll holders that also work as grab bars, which blends in nicely.

Portable Commodes

For those with mobility challenges and who may struggle getting to the bathroom on time, in particular at night, portable commodes can be placed strategically by the bedside for convenience. If it has wheels, ensure these are locked before use, so it doesn't role away unintentionally. 

Conclusion

Self-care for seniors is a personal and empowering journey. By incorporating thoughtful modifications and considering individual needs, dressing, showering, bathing, and toileting can be approached with confidence and comfort. The goal is to create an environment that not only prioritises safety but also nurtures a sense of autonomy and graceful independence for seniors. Embracing these tips allows us to continue our self-care rituals with dignity and assurance, contributing to a fulfilling and vibrant senior lifestyle.