September is National Skin Care Awareness Month.
As a family caregiver, this is the ideal opportunity for you to learn more about the importance of caring for your aging parent’s skin, and what you can do to protect their skin, and support their health. You have likely heard the saying that skin is the largest organ of the body. This is absolutely true, and the body’s first line of defense against illness and infection. Protecting their skin is a critical step in protecting their overall health and well-being as they age.
Use these tips to care for your senior’s skin throughout your care experience with them:
- Remember that skin damage related to the sun and sunburns doesn’t just happen during the summer months. Anytime your aging parent is out in the sun, they should be wearing sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. This will help to protect their skin against burns, as well as dramatically reduce the risk of experiencing skin cancer.
- Encourage your parent to stay hydrated. Drinking enough fluids is an important element of protecting their skin health by keeping it moist and lubricated, and ensuring the cells are able to heal and regrow.
- Encourage your parent to apply high-quality moisturizer to their skin after each bath or shower. When their skin is still damp, apply a cream or ointment style lotion that does not contain water or alcohol as a main ingredient, and that does not have harsh colors or fragrances. Re-apply moisturizer throughout the day as needed.
- Elderly adults can develop sensitive skin issues as they age. If your parent begins to experience symptoms such as redness, itching, or other irritation, it may be an indication that they are allergic to laundry detergents, softeners, or other additives. Try fragrance-free, sensitive skin versions of these products to reduce this irritation.
- Avoid very hot, and very long baths and showers. Hot water and extended exposure to water both dry out the skin, and make it more vulnerable.
- If your aging parent experiences an injury to the skin, such as a scrape, scratch, cut, or insect bite, make sure it is properly cared for, including washing the area and protecting it to reduce the risk of infection and promote healing.
An elderly home care services provider can make a tremendous difference in your parent’s health and quality of life. Elder care is designed to address your senior as a whole individual, not just any single issue or challenge. This allows your senior to continue living the lifestyle they want, while managing their physical, mental, and emotional health and well-being. The services of a care provider are completely customizable. This means your parent has access to the specific care, support, and assistance they need, when they need it. As a family caregiver this can give you reassurance and confidence knowing your parent is able to pursue a lifestyle that is independent and active, giving them the highest quality of life possible as they age in place.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering professional elder care in Clarksville, MD , please call the caring staff at Global Hands Inc. Call today 240-264-0769.
