Grooming Tips for Caregivers

If you’re a parent or caregiver for a person with disabilities who currently lives on their own or whose goal is to live independently, you may be used to assisting with their personal hygiene routine. It might be hard to know how to transition those tasks to them, or to know how best to help so that you respect their independence. That’s what this page is all about. 

It’s important to remember that independence should remain the top priority. The best way you can help is to only provide assistance when it’s needed and asked for. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Encourage independence

This helps build the person’s self-esteem, sense of control, and confidence. You can support their autonomy by providing clear instructions, acknowledging any uncertainty or anxiety they may have about performing certain tasks, and helping them to develop routines.

Protect dignity and privacy

For example, stand outside shower curtains and behind doors, ready to help but respecting boundaries. 

Keep assessing independence

Independence doesn’t happen overnight — it’s a process. Be ready and available to help, but always provide the opportunity for them to do things themselves, assuring them that you’re available to help if they need it. 

Ask questions and determine their preferences

Independence means they get to choose their products, their hairstyle, their clothing, and other aspects of their personal appearance. If your help is needed, support their choices rather than making those decisions for them. This also means being sensitive to any personal or cultural needs and practices.

Communicate effectively

This may mean using simple language or visual aids, demonstrating actions, and more. 

Consider safety, first and foremost

Your help is most needed when it comes to ensuring the person’s safety and feeling of security. This could mean ensuring that equipment is in good working order and placed properly, moving loose rugs or other obstacles, and taking care not to accidentally hurt the person by rushing.

Advocate for disability awareness

Salons and spas are great resources for people with disabilities, enabling them to have their personal hygiene needs met more easily than trying to perform tasks that may be challenging. However, these businesses often aren’t designed to be inclusive. If you find a salon that is inclusive, share how important it is to them and your personal network. And if you see one that’s not, be sure to make your voice heard as you advocate for it. When you shop around for salons, ask specifically what accommodations they make for people with disabilities.