senior care For the Elder Patents Hair and Teeth By Peter Mangiola Rn Bsn

Senior Care for the Elderly Person’s Hair and Teeth

If the senior in your care is bedbound, then washing his hair could be challenging. Then again you can make use of a bed shampoo basin or an expandable basin which is available in any care aids shop. Below are some tips to remember when caring for a senior’s hair in bed.

1. Gather all the things you need in advance.
2. Place a waterproof sheet and sufficient absorbent towels over the pillow.
3. Place the shampoo basin above this sheet.
4. Wash the hair carefully, then rinse.

Bed Bath Oral Senior Care

1. If it’s possible, help the elderly person sit up. If not, just turn him to his side. 
2. Insert a hand towel underneath the senior’s chin.
3. Gently brush his teeth, using a soft toothbrush and mild toothpaste. Remember to keep brushing movements away from his gums.
4. Always have a glass of water nearby so the senior can rinse his mouth anytime he needs to.

How to Remove and Clean DenturesIf you have not removed and washed dentures before, you might find it difficult to do it at first. Here is some basic information on dealing with dentures:

1. Begin with removing the upper palate by placing your forefingers over the upper border of the plate and pressing until the denture breaks up from the gums. Then pull it forward in order to remove it from the mouth.
2. To remove the lower palate, hold the denture’s inner and outer surfaces using your thumb and forefinger. Turn it a little and pull it up and out.
3. Use warm water in cleaning the denture. Scrub it thoroughly and carefully with a soft toothbrush and toothpaste. Afterwards, rinse it using clean water.

Before returning the dentures, soak them in cold water. Then insert it slowly into the senior’s mouth by applying an even and gentle pressure on both sides of the palate beginning with the upper palate then with the lower palate.