Learn about the unique skin care needs for older adults.
As we grow older, skin changes are not unusual. The skin becomes thinner and drier, may develop wrinkles, creases, age spots, and bruises easier. However, a little extra TLC for senior skin can make a difference towards keeping it more vibrant and healthy. Try these suggestions from the aging care experts at Grace Home Care:
- Alter the bathing routine. Trading in long, hot baths for a 10-minute shower or warm-water bath and substituting bar soap for a gentler cleanser are excellent places to begin in looking after aging skin. Helping older adults make the switch from showering or bathing every single day to every other day will provide additional protection for the skin. Also encourage seniors to follow bathing with a fragrance-free moisturizer, but steer clear of bath oils, which can boost the danger of a fall.
- Safeguard from the sunlight when outside. Spring is a good time to go outside together with a senior loved one, but make sure the senior covers his or her skin with sunscreen (at least SPF 30), look for the shade, and provide a brimmed hat for further defense from the sun’s rays.
- Boost humidity when inside your home. Dry air commonly leads to dry skin. When heating or A/C are running in a senior’s home, use a humidifier, too. Monitor humidity levels with a hydrometer (available at your local hardware or home improvement store), and aim for a reading of somewhere between 45 and 60 percent.
- Safeguard working hands. If a senior loved one takes pleasure in being able to help with household chores or gardening, make sure he/she wears gloves to guard the hands against any harsh chemicals that may irritate or hurt the skin.
- Check for skin cancer. Make certain that a senior loved one visits the dermatologist at least yearly to be examined for skin cancer, since the risk increases as we grow older. In between appointments, examine any spots or moles on the skin frequently, and inform the dermatologist of any changes in color, size, or shape to existing spots or moles. The dermatologist can also help establish a strategy to address other skin problems the senior is encountering. To find a dermatologist nearby, search the American Academy of Dermatology’s database.
At Grace Home Care, our experienced elder care team is highly skilled in helping seniors maintain optimal health, from head to toe! A few of the numerous ways we can help include:
- Senior transportation and accompaniment to checkups and surgical procedures
- Making sure seniors stay well hydrated
- Cooking healthy, nutritious meals
- Providing bathing/showering assistance
- Helping with housework and laundry
- Encouraging physical activity and exercise
- Offering pleasant companionship
- And much more
To learn more about the top-rated senior care at Grace Home Care, call us at 785-286-2273. We specialize in Alzheimer’s in care in Topeka and the surrounding areas, by offering caregiving solutions to families and their loved ones. Contact us today and let us know how we can help you.