How Elderly Care Can Look After Skin Care
Skin care is important for people of all ages. The elderly often have skin care issues due to aging. There are also many skin conditions that are more common as people age. If you and their elderly care aides are helping out your elderly loved one, this may be one of the things you talk to them about. If they are looking for ways to take better care of their skin, hopefully, the tips mentioned here will help.
Sun Protection
The number one way to protect the skin is to have sun protection. There are numerous ways that your elderly loved one can do this. Some of the best sun protection skin care tips include:
- Using a water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF should be 30 or more and reapplied every 2 hours)
- Try not to go outdoors when the UV rays from the sun are highest (usually this is between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.)
- Wear a hat that protects the eyes, neck, and face
- Wear sunglasses that block out UV rays
If your elderly loved one does these things, they can improve the health of their skin. Having regular sun protection can greatly lower the risk of skin cancer, as well. If needed, you can have an elderly care provider remind your loved one to do these things.
Bathing Tips
There are many bathing tips that can help to protect one’s skin, too. Some of these tips that you can share with your elderly loved one include:
- Using lukewarm water (protects the natural oils in a person’s skin)
- Take approximately 10 minute long showers
- Use fragrance-free cleansers
- Use softer washcloths
- Don’t use oils in the bath (protects against slips and falls)
These tips can help your elderly loved one to keep their skin healthier and softer on a daily or regular basis.
Examining the Skin
It is very important for your elderly loved one to examine their skin or have someone do it for them. You or an elderly care provider can do this if needed. They should be looking for ABCDEs. This means the following:
- Asymmetry (when one side is different than the other side)
- Border (Irregular or poorly defined)
- Color (multiple colors in a mole or area – ex. black, brown, and tan)
- Diameter (moles or spots greater than 6mm should be checked out)
- Evolving (any spots that change color, shape, or size should be assessed by a doctor)
If you or your elderly loved one are concerned about any moles or spots they have on their skin, the safest option would be to see a doctor. It may not be anything, but it is best to get it checked out anyway.
Tips to Share with Your Senior and their Elderly Care Providers
These are some of the best senior citizen skin care tips. Share these with your elderly loved one to help them keep their skin softer and healthier.
Source: https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/8-tips-to-protect-and-preserve-aging-skin
If you or an aging loved-one is considering Elderly Care Services in Warner Robins GA please contact the caring staff at Angels of Mercy Private Homecare Services, Inc. today at 478-745-5111.
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