Senior Skin Conditions: Preventative Treatments

Bedsores and other skin problems are very dangerous for seniors, so treating them before they worsen is essential. As people age, their skin gets thinner and more prone to problems. This means seniors must take preventative steps to avoid pain, complications, and even more serious health issues. Continue reading to learn some effective ways personal care at home aides and loved ones can avoid bedsores and other skin problems that older people might get.

Personal Care at Home Wayne NJ – Senior Skin Conditions: Preventative Treatments

Regular Skin Checks: It is important to check the skin regularly for signs of redness, itching, or discoloration. Early detection lets doctors take action immediately and keeps skin problems from worsening.

Proper Cleanliness: It is essential to keep good hygiene habits. Regular bathing, cleaning, and drying of the skin retain moisture, germs, and fungi from building up, which can cause skin infections. Personal care at home aides can assist with this, especially when seniors have difficulty with mobility.

Pressure Redistribution: To avoid bedsores, the personal care at home team can encourage seniors to move their weight around often when sitting or lying down. They can be helped to change positions or use special devices like pillows, mattresses, and overlays to relieve pressure.

Nutrition and Hydration: A healthy diet full of vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin C and zinc, is good for the skin. Proper water is also important because it keeps the skin flexible and prevents drying.

Moisturizing: Regularly using a gentle, fragrance-free lotion helps keep the skin moist and flexible.

Clothing and Shoes: Loose-fitting, breathable clothes made from natural materials are better for the skin because they prevent friction and irritation. Seniors should wear shoes that fit well and give them support to avoid getting blisters and calluses.

Management of Incontinence: When seniors have incontinence, it’s vital to deal with it well. Keeping the skin clean and dry and changing incontinence products often can help stop skin breakdown and infections. Having a reliable personal care at home team available can help.

Avoiding Falls: Falls can cause cuts and bruises on the face. Taking steps to prevent falls, like eliminating things that could trip someone up, installing grab bars, and using other aids, helps protect the skin.

Regular Exercise: Gentle exercise increases blood flow, which helps seniors stay healthy. Physical activity also helps keep muscle mass, which helps keep the skin in good shape. Seniors with a sedentary lifestyle can gain the motivation to exercise with personal care at home aide working out with them.

Care for Wounds: If seniors get a small cut or sore, they need care right away. Cleaning the wound, putting on the proper bandages, and going to the doctor if there are any signs of infection are all crucial ways to avoid problems.

Sun Protection: Seniors should protect their skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays by using sunscreen, wearing protective clothes, and staying out of the sun during peak hours.

Consulting Healthcare Professionals: Seniors can get personalized advice and tips on how to keep their skin healthy by going to dermatologists, nurses, and senior experts for regular checkups.

Ultimately, a mix of these preventive steps can make seniors much less likely to get bedsores or other skin problems. The personal care at home team, family members, and healthcare workers are all critical in ensuring seniors get the care and attention they need to keep their skin healthy as they age.

Sources: https://www.ocanamedicalcenter.com/senior-skin-conditions-what-you-should-watch-for#:~:text=Taking%20Care%20of%20Your%20Skin&text=For%20example%2C%20wrinkles%20and%20dry,are%20also%20great%20preventative%20measures.
https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/elderly-skin-conditions
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/skin-care-and-aging

If you or a senior family member are considering hiring Personal Care at Home Services in Wayne NJ, please contact the caring staff at Caring Solutions Home Care LLC. In-home senior care servicing Bergen & Passaic Counties. Call today at (973) 427-3553.