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Writer's pictureTarnya Bruinier

Top Tips for Promoting Self Care & Personal Hygiene

Updated: Jun 17

Good personal hygiene benefits physical and emotional well-being by increasing their confidence as well as preventing the spread of germs that could lead to a simple cold or other illnesses.


When your child was younger, you taught them the basics of self care.

-              How to brush their teeth, Shower or bath

-              Washing and brushing hair

-              Blowing their nose or just basic hand washing!


Maintaining personal hygiene as we get older and our body changes is one of the most essential adult independent living skills.

 

So, Why is self-care difficult for some Neurodivergent children and adults?


It may be genuinely hard to understand why it's important

Poor self care can negatively affect relationships, without this understanding there is no motivation for self care.


Explain in simple and factual terms why it is important.

FACT "We sweat more when we work, exercise, play"

ISSUE: "Some people don't like the smell of body odour"

SOLUTION: "We need to wash away the dirt, germs, smell"

 

Sensory issues and related anxiety can create a barrier for some.

Self care involves a number of different sensory experiences, all of which have the potential to be unpleasant.

These could be, Loose hair, Temperature, Soap, Smells, Echoes, Slippery Tiles. Fan noises.

 

Time consuming or boring

If an activity does not provide a sense of novelty it makes an it feel less motivating or rewarding.

-          Could they listen to music while showering?

-          A race? Yep, Grab your self a Time Timer and see if they can finish all their shower tasks before that time.

-          Is there a reward after? This could be a simple choice of tv show or a game together.

 

 Limited Fine and Gross motor skills

Some challenges include balance issues and hand-eye coordination.

-          Standing while brushing your teeth or taking a shower.

-          Visually coordinating small movements with a toothbrush.

 

Some hygiene tasks involve areas of the body that the person cannot see:

-          Brushing the back of the mouth

-          Scrubbing your back

-          Wiping after going to the toilet.

 

Here's how to provide support with Personal hygiene.

1)      Setting up routines with visuals - Establishing habits can make these activities easier and less daunting over time. Check out our Instagram for ideas on Routine charts


2)      Adaptive tools are available to assist those Limited Fine and Gross motor skills.


-         Long-handled hair brushes or back scrubbers may be useful for people who have trouble reaching certain areas of their bodies.

-         Buy unflavored toothpaste

-         Wear Waterproof earplugs to minimise noise

-         Use a rounded toothbrush

-         Purchase wipes as an alternative for showers (On those hard days)

-         Place a seat/bench in the shower.

-         Buy a wall nail scrubber.

 

There are so many things on the market that can provide assistance to those who need it.

We hope this article has given you some motivation to promote self-care.





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