As seniors get older they will experience changes in their skin. Over time, the fat pad underneath the skin that makes skin resilient and plump disappears. That’s one of the reasons why seniors often have extremely delicate, paper-like skin.

Seniors need to take good care of their skin to avoid getting cuts, scrapes, and infections that can be serious. If your mom or dad that lives alone is having trouble with tasks like showering or washing their face daily personal care at home can be a good option for them.

If your mom or dad has personal care at home, a care provider that is trained in safety for seniors will help your mom or dad shower or clean up and take care of their hygiene. Care providers can also help your mom or dad take care of their delicate skin so that they don’t experience problems like:

1. Skin Infections

Poor skin care at home increases the risk of your mom or dad getting skin infections. Dry or cracked skin can create open wounds. Bacteria and germs can enter these wounds easily. Seniors with weaker immune systems may struggle to fight off infections. Untreated infections, like cellulitis, can spread and become life-threatening. Moisturizing and cleaning the skin regularly can help your mom or dad avoid getting potentially dangerous skin infections.

2. Bedsores (Pressure Ulcers)

If your mom or dad isn’t very mobile they can develop bedsores. These painful sores form when the skin is under constant pressure. Common areas include the back, heels, and hips. Without care, bedsores can deepen and damage tissue and bone. Regular movement, skin inspections, and cushioning can reduce the risk. Ignoring this problem can lead to severe complications, including infections.

Personal care at home means that your mom or dad will have the help they need to manage bedsores and prevent new ones from forming. If your mom or dad is sedentary or bed-bound they should have personal care at home.

3. Skin Cancer

Seniors often have more exposure to the sun over their lifetime. This increases their risk of skin cancer. Not using sunscreen daily and not checking for abnormal spots can make matters worse. Skin cancers like melanoma can spread quickly if untreated. Your mom or dad should be wearing sunscreen daily and checking for changes in moles or skin growths often. Personal care at home can help them do this.

4. Delayed Wound Healing

As people age, their skin heals more slowly. Without proper care, small cuts or scrapes can take weeks to recover. If your mom or dad has diabetes, healing can take even longer. Keeping the skin clean, moisturized, and protected helps wounds heal faster. Your senior parent may need help keeping their wounds clean and covered properly.

5. Itchy and Painful Skin

Neglected skin often becomes dry and itchy. Constant scratching can cause breaks in the skin. This leads to discomfort and opens the door for infections. In severe cases, eczema or dermatitis can develop. Treating dry skin with gentle cleansers and moisturizers can prevent this cycle. Proper hydration and a balanced diet also support healthier skin.

If your mom or dad has dry itchy skin that often gets irritated regular showers and moisturizing can help them stay comfortable.

If you or an aging loved one is considering Personal Care at Home in West Sacramento, CA, please contact the caring staff at Aging Assistant today at (916) 897-4752

James Ozsvath

Aging Assistant is a locally owned and operated in-home senior care provider, we are dedicated to helping our clients to remain in the home they love for as long as they can. Our caregiving staff are all warm and compassionate professionals, experienced in taking care of seniors in various stages of health. We handle a wide range of services, such as help with shopping, housekeeping, attending doctor’s appointments, and preparing meals. We also provide our clients with limited mobility or more intensive conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease or Dementia with the higher level of personal care that they require. Call our team now if you need help with a loved one's care.

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