peseytymiset

Peseytytymiset is Finnish for the acts or occasions of washing oneself or another person; the plural form of peseytyminen, meaning washing or cleansing. The root peseytyä means to wash oneself; the term is used in everyday language and formal contexts to describe routine hygiene practices and cleansing events.

In daily life, peseytytymiset include showering or bathing, washing hands, face, and other parts of the body, and grooming. They cover regular personal hygiene activities that people perform to maintain cleanliness, comfort, and social acceptability.

In caregiving settings, peseytytymiset refer to structured hygiene routines designed to maintain skin health, prevent infections, and support comfort and dignity. They may be performed by the person themselves or by caregivers; common forms include bed baths, assisted showers, and perineal care; also include oral hygiene and hair care. Practices emphasize consent, privacy, temperature control (water around 36–37°C), gentle handling, drying, and moisturising; use of gloves and single-use wipes as needed; infection-control measures.

In Finland and other Nordic countries, peseytytymiset are considered an essential part of personal care in homes and institutions, with guidelines aiming to preserve dignity and independence while ensuring safety. Challenges include time constraints and risk of skin problems; modern care emphasizes person-centred approaches that tailor hygiene routines to individual needs, preferences, and abilities.