The Relationship between Independence and Personal Hygiene of the Elderly at the Nursing Orphanage of the Foundation for Budi Bakti Medan

Oct 13, 2025 by talynt.org 103 views

The Relationship between Independence and Personal Hygiene of the Elderly at the Nursing Orphanage of the Foundation for Budi Bakti Medan

Introduction

The elderly, which are individuals who have reached the age of 60 years or more, experience a decline in physical condition as they get older. This decline has the potential to influence their independence in carrying out daily activities, including personal hygiene. Correlational descriptive research conducted at the Nursing Orphanage of the Foundation for Budi Bakti Medan aims to find out the relationship between the level of independence and personal hygiene of the elderly. Involving 40 elderly, the results showed that 65% of them had a full level of independence, while the other 82.5% showed good personal hygiene practices.

Background

The elderly population is increasing rapidly, and it is expected to reach 2 billion by 2050. This increase has put a significant burden on healthcare systems, particularly in terms of providing adequate care and support to the elderly. One of the key challenges faced by the elderly is maintaining their independence, which is essential for their overall well-being and quality of life. Personal hygiene is an essential aspect of independence, and it plays a crucial role in maintaining the health and dignity of the elderly.

Methodology

This study used a correlational descriptive research design to investigate the relationship between independence and personal hygiene of the elderly. The study was conducted at the Nursing Orphanage of the Foundation for Budi Bakti Medan, which provides care and support to 40 elderly individuals. The participants were selected based on their age, with a minimum age of 60 years. The study used a survey questionnaire to collect data on the level of independence and personal hygiene of the elderly.

Results

The results of the study showed that 65% of the elderly participants had a full level of independence, while the other 82.5% showed good personal hygiene practices. The Spearman correlation test conducted in this study revealed a significant positive relationship between independence and personal hygiene in the elderly, with the correlation coefficient R = 0.49 and the value of P = 0.001. This indicates that the independence of the elderly is very influential on the management of their personal hygiene.

Discussion

The results of this study suggest that there is a significant positive relationship between independence and personal hygiene of the elderly. This means that the more independent elderly tend to be more able to care for themselves and maintain their personal cleanliness better. However, there are several factors that can affect the independence of the elderly, one of which is age and physical condition. As we get older, both the mental and physical elderly usually decrease. The impact, daily activities related to independence, including in maintaining personal hygiene, are increasingly difficult to do.

Implications

The findings of this study have several implications for healthcare providers and policymakers. Firstly, nurses and medical personnel in nursing homes must pay more attention to the elderly who have a low level of independence. By conducting proper interventions, such as supervision and assistance in personal hygiene practice, can help improve the quality of life of the elderly. The education program can also be applied so that the elderly and their families are aware of the importance of maintaining personal hygiene even with limited physical conditions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study found a significant positive relationship between independence and personal hygiene of the elderly. The results of this study suggest that increasing independence also contributes to the quality of life of the elderly, so they can live the days more comfortable and dignified. Therefore, it is essential to provide adequate care and support to the elderly to maintain their independence and personal hygiene.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Nurses and medical personnel in nursing homes must pay more attention to the elderly who have a low level of independence.
Proper interventions, such as supervision and assistance in personal hygiene practice, can help improve the quality of life of the elderly.
The education program can be applied so that the elderly and their families are aware of the importance of maintaining personal hygiene even with limited physical conditions.
Healthcare providers and policymakers must prioritize the needs of the elderly and provide adequate care and support to maintain their independence and personal hygiene.

Limitations

This study has several limitations. Firstly, the study was conducted at a single nursing home, which may limit the generalizability of the findings. Secondly, the study used a survey questionnaire to collect data, which may be subject to bias. Finally, the study did not control for other factors that may affect the independence and personal hygiene of the elderly.

Future Research

Future research should aim to replicate this study in other settings and with larger sample sizes. Additionally, future research should investigate other factors that may affect the independence and personal hygiene of the elderly, such as cognitive function and social support.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Relationship between Independence and Personal Hygiene of the Elderly

Q: What is the significance of this study?

A: This study is significant because it highlights the importance of independence in maintaining personal hygiene among the elderly. The findings of this study can inform healthcare providers and policymakers about the need to prioritize the needs of the elderly and provide adequate care and support to maintain their independence and personal hygiene.

Q: What is the relationship between independence and personal hygiene among the elderly?

A: The study found a significant positive relationship between independence and personal hygiene among the elderly. This means that the more independent elderly tend to be more able to care for themselves and maintain their personal cleanliness better.

Q: What are the factors that affect the independence of the elderly?

A: The study found that age and physical condition are two of the factors that affect the independence of the elderly. As we get older, both the mental and physical elderly usually decrease, making it more difficult to maintain independence and personal hygiene.

Q: What are the implications of this study for healthcare providers and policymakers?

A: The findings of this study have several implications for healthcare providers and policymakers. Firstly, nurses and medical personnel in nursing homes must pay more attention to the elderly who have a low level of independence. By conducting proper interventions, such as supervision and assistance in personal hygiene practice, can help improve the quality of life of the elderly. The education program can also be applied so that the elderly and their families are aware of the importance of maintaining personal hygiene even with limited physical conditions.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: This study has several limitations. Firstly, the study was conducted at a single nursing home, which may limit the generalizability of the findings. Secondly, the study used a survey questionnaire to collect data, which may be subject to bias. Finally, the study did not control for other factors that may affect the independence and personal hygiene of the elderly.

Q: What are the recommendations for future research?

A: Future research should aim to replicate this study in other settings and with larger sample sizes. Additionally, future research should investigate other factors that may affect the independence and personal hygiene of the elderly, such as cognitive function and social support.

Q: How can healthcare providers and policymakers prioritize the needs of the elderly?

A: Healthcare providers and policymakers can prioritize the needs of the elderly by providing adequate care and support to maintain their independence and personal hygiene. This can include providing education and training programs for healthcare providers, implementing policies and procedures that support the independence of the elderly, and allocating resources to support the needs of the elderly.

Q: What are the benefits of maintaining independence and personal hygiene among the elderly?

A: Maintaining independence and personal hygiene among the elderly can have several benefits, including improved quality of life, reduced risk of falls and injuries, and improved overall health and well-being.

Q: How can families and caregivers support the independence and personal hygiene of the elderly?

A: Families and caregivers can support the independence and personal hygiene of the elderly by providing education and training on personal hygiene practices, assisting with daily activities, and providing emotional support and encouragement.

Q: What are the resources available to support the independence and personal hygiene of the elderly?

A: There are several resources available to support the independence and personal hygiene of the elderly, including home care services, adult day care programs, and community-based services. Additionally, there are several organizations that provide education and training on personal hygiene practices and independence, such as the Alzheimer's Association and the National Institute on Aging.