If you have noticed that your senior parent bruises more easily, or has more skin issues than they used to that’s not your imagination. As seniors get older their skin can change radically, and in some cases that can be a cause for concern. If your mom or dad is having trouble with tasks like showering, washing their hands, or keeping up with basic hygiene personal care at home services can help.
When people age they naturally lose collagen, which makes skin firm and elastic. They also lose the fat pad under the skin which makes it easier for the skin to heal from bumps and knocks. That can cause your mom or dad to develop serious bruises from just bumping a wall or hitting a door frame with their hand. Seniors need to take particularly good care of their skin as they get older because it does become more fragile. And small cuts or cracks in the skin can let in bacteria, which can cause serious infections.
With personal care at home, your mom or dad will have help from a trained and caring professional caregiver. A caregiver can help your mom or dad shower, moisturize their skin, get dressed in appropriate clothing, brush their hair, brush their teeth, and more. Personal care at home is a great way for your mom or dad to get the help they need without having to ask you for help.
Some of the most common skin changes that happen to seniors as they get older include:
Thinning Skin
Skin becomes thinner with age, and seniors with certain medical conditions may find their skin become very thin. Thinning skin is more sensitive and fragile, so seniors need to make sure to protect it. If your mom or dad has very thin skin make sure they are keeping their skin clean and moisturizing it daily. Wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants can help them avoid getting bruises.
Dryness
Aging skin produces less oil, leading to dryness. Dry skin may feel rough, itchy, or tight. If your mom or dad is scratching their skin frequently or complains about dry and irritated skin make sure they have a gentle but thick moisturizer made for fragile skin. Moisturizers for babies are also great for seniors because they are made for naturally fragile skin.
If the weather is very cold or if it’s dry in your mom or dad’s home putting a humidifier in the bedroom and the living room can help alleviate itchy skin. You can also get your mom or dad an air purifier to remove allergens and irritants from the air.
Wrinkles and Sagging
Collagen and elastin production slows down with age. This causes the skin to lose firmness and elasticity. Wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging are common signs of this change. To help battle wrinkles or sagging skin your mom or dad should use a face cream for mature skin. Staying hydrated and eating foods rich in vitamins A and C can also help prevent wrinkles and sagging skin.
Age Spots and Discoloration
Dark spots, also called age spots, can start to appear on your mom or dad’s face and hands. They may also experience some blotches on their face or uneven color. Using sunscreen every day is a good way to fight age spots. But, if your mom or dad does get them a dermatologist can prescribe medication to help them fade.
Slower Healing
Wounds and cuts heal more slowly with age. Reduced blood flow and weaker skin layers can mean that wounds heal more slowly. That can increase your mom or dad’s chances of getting an infection. Washing frequently with good soap and keeping skin moisturized can help prevent cracks or breaks in the skin that can become infected.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Personal Care at Home Services in Milan TN, please get in touch with the caring staff at Senior Solutions Home Care. (731) 300-2300
Senior Solutions Home Care is a Trusted Home Care Agency serving Jackson, Humboldt, Medina, Milan, Trenton, Brownsville, Madison County, and surrounding areas.
Over the years, we have expanded, providing service in all 95 counties throughout Tennessee, and we now have a growing presence in Georgia.
Senior Solutions is recognized as a top 5% independent agency and a three-time Inc. 5000 honoree in 2018, 2019, and 2020. These types of awards matter to us because they show growth in our goal of eventually touching a million lives. We’re excited to continue that growth and to touch even more families with our commitment to quality care!
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