Patient Hygiene It is a fact that when a person is clean and groomed, they simply feel better. So why are some people not clean and groomed? There are a number of reasons. -
The number one reason in the United States that people do not take regular showers, and keep themselves groomed, is depression. A person that is suffering from depression, and is not receiving treatment may feel hopeless, and not care what their appearance is. They don’t see a hot shower as helping, because they don’t feel anything will help. Depression not only makes a person mentally exhausted, it can make you physically tired as well, which can also play a part in making it difficult to have the energy to shower and shave/clean up. A person that is depressed does not carry out normal day to day activities and hygiene is among them.
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A lack of resources is an understandable reason for lack of hygiene. If a person does not have a regular home, they certainly won’t have access to a regular show, or razor. However, more people do actually have homes, yet lack the funds to purchase grooming products. Food supplementation programs cover food only, and if income is very limited for a family, there may not be enough money for soap, shampoo, razors, deodorant, etc. This is especially difficult for children and teenagers; no teen wants to go to school with unclean hair. Many communities are coming up with solutions for this very problem, and perhaps this is something that you and your coworkers could begin to help as well. Donations of shampoos, conditioners, razors, soaps, deodorant, essentially everything hygiene, including feminine products. A visit to the grocery store or drug store may seem like an everyday task, and adding a couple bottles of shampoo, or a stick of deodorant could make a difference in another person’s life, a big difference. Putting a donation bin in the break room is a great idea, and donations can be made in batches. Homeless shelters, community centers, women's shelters, can all benefit from such items, and it can allow better hygiene, and more self confidence. Imagine trying to search for a job when you have no means to groom your hair.
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Another group that often gets left out of proper hygiene is the elderly. Many need assistance in the shower and combing hair or shaving.
Many nursing homes put little emphasis on hygiene of their residents, which could actually improve their quality of life. -
Another reason people avoid bathing is a difficult one to determine, however, one that should be addressed. People that have experienced sexual abuse often have a fear of showering, or even changing clothes. These patients should be referred for appropriate counseling; with proper therapy this is something that can benefit the patient in more ways than just hygiene.
Related: History of Nursing in the United States Hospitalized Patients Patients that are admitted into the hospital probably have limited hygiene supplies at their disposal. If they are unable to use the shower, it is a good gesture to provide a bed bath. A warm washcloth, with mild soap and water can improve the patients overall feeling, and keep skin fresh and clean. There are wash basins available for shampooing hair, which can make a bed ridden person feel much better. A bed bath is certainly not as refreshing as a shower, but it is at least it is a form of hygiene. Be sure to exchange gowns and socks, then change sheets, making for a fresh bed and clothing can make a patient feel better. We all know there are a number of homeless people that are brought into the hospital. Collecting a supply of clothing from others that is being donated, can be a great gift to a person that has nothing to change into. Don’t overlook socks, shoes and coats as well; if a person has no home, it's not likely they have extra clothes or shoes. Related: 5 Ways a Nurse’s Duties have Evolved Most of us take hygiene for granted. Our showers are always ready and available, as are bottles of shampoo and soaps. We think nothing of a nice warm bath or shower; however, when you encounter a patient with poor hygiene, consider the fact that they simply may not have a choice. Related: shirt
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