Why Hygiene Access Matters for Seniors

“In my previous role, when I was working with seniors, the mornings were always tough: waking up brought feelings of disorientation, quickly followed by groans of pain. I would ask them what they needed first, alongside my daily list of tasks to get them going and out of bed to start the day. The first request always involved water—a sip or perhaps a water-soaked washcloth to clean their face and hands, and sometimes followed by washing their hair & body. Then I started thinking: we all need these things to start the day, but what about people who lack access to clean water, a bathroom, lotion, toothpaste, and all the other daily essentials?“ - Sal Steiner, Community Coordinator

Senior citizens often have more specific hygiene needs related to mobility, incontinence, sensitive skin, and chronic conditions. Common items include adult incontinence products, cleansing wipes, no-rinse body wash, barrier creams, gentle/fragrance-free soaps and lotions, denture-care supplies, and products that make bathing easier such as long-handled sponges. They may also benefit from extra-gentle skincare because aging skin is thinner, drier, and more prone to irritation and injury.

This is where Simply The Basics can help fill the hygiene gap! We want our seniors to be empowered by our commitment to equity and accessibility, allowing them to choose the specific products they prefer to preserve their autonomy. We believe hygiene is not just a luxury; it is critical for senior wellness, infection prevention, and maintaining skin health.

In the U.S. today, seniors are the fastest-growing demographic experiencing homelessness, driven primarily by soaring housing costs, fixed incomes, and a lack of mid-level supportive care. Older adults (aged 55+) account for nearly 1 in 5 people experiencing homelessness nationwide. According to CalMatters data, adults aged 50 and older make up nearly half (about 47% to 48%) of all single, unhoused adults in California. 

With these numbers growing rapidly, the need for support is greater than ever.

If you or someone you care for is a senior we invite you to search in your area for nearby resources in the Simply the Basics Hygiene Locator so that we may connect resources to those in need. You can also support the Hygiene Bank by donating directly to Simply the Basics today!