As seniors get older, they start to have more trouble with skin health. This happens because seniors are dealing with thinner skin, reduced protection from fat layers under the skin, and also because of health issues and medications. That’s a lot to manage, especially when seniors are already facing so many challenges. Elder care can help seniors and family caregivers stay on top of skin health issues and what seniors need in order to keep their skin protected.
Risks of Different Skin Issues
Some of the common skin issues seniors are likely to experience include many of the ones that most people face. Cuts, scrapes, insect bites, and sunburn are common concerns, but they can be managed with careful attention. Some issues are specific to aging adults, like pressure sores, moisture-related skin damage, and injuries related to friction and shear. The last two are common during repositioning or transfers when skin could abrade or tear easily.
Prevention Strategies
Preventing skin issues involves being proactive and diligent, and home care providers can help family caregivers learn what they need to know about caring for senior skin. Repositioning seniors regularly can help seniors who are bed-bound avoid pressure sores, for instance. Positioning aids like pillows and bolsters help to support seniors and relieve pressure on vulnerable areas. It also helps for elder care providers to inspect senior skin regularly to identify problem areas in case additional help is necessary.
Treating Skin Issues
Treating skin issues properly is essential for them to heal well. Elder care providers can help seniors to bathe safely, keeping the skin clean and avoiding harsh products that could cause damage or irritation. Hydrating the skin and keeping it dry is another part of the process for keeping senior skin healthy. If seniors do have wounds, home care providers can keep an eye on them to make sure they’re healing instead of becoming worse.
Help Getting to Medical Appointments
A big part of avoiding skin issues is for seniors to get to their doctor’s appointments and other medical appointments when they need to go. Driving may no longer be an option, so having elder care providers who can do the driving is important. Elder care providers can also safely assist with mobility during the appointment, ensuring that doctors are aware of any skin concerns.
Assistance with Other Tasks, Too
There’s a lot more to protecting senior skin, too. When seniors have the help they need with getting adequate nutrition, they’re able to keep their entire bodies healthier. Home care providers can also help with daily household tasks, ensuring seniors don’t get injured trying to do too much. All of this can make a difference.
Home care providers get to know the seniors they care for very well. That means that they’re able to spot changes in skin health and help seniors take the best possible care of their skin. Preventing skin problems is always better than worrying about the healing process, and senior care providers make that goal easier to achieve.
If you or an aging loved one are considering elder care in Pine Hills, FL, please contact the caring staff at Homewatch CareGivers of Dr. Phillips today! (407) 214-2065
Homewatch CareGivers of Dr. Phillips provides exceptional home care for seniors in Clarcona , Pine Hills, Florida Center North, Hiawassee, Lake Buena Vista, Metro West, Dr.Phillps, Windermere, Meadow Woods, Lake Nona, Hunters Creek, Buenaventura Lake, Kissimmee, St. Cloud and surrounding areas.
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