Senior Care: Skin Care Recommendations for Aging Skin

Senior Care: Skin Care Recommendations for Aging Skin

When caring for an older loved one, skin care can easily take a back seat to concerns such as nutrition, preventing falls, or making sure medications are taken correctly. However, aging skin is thinner and more sensitive, so irritation, skin damage, and fungal infections can become serious concerns. If you’re helping an elderly parent and aren’t sure how to manage proper skin care, the following simple steps can help keep his or her skin healthy and protected.

Bathing & Personal Hygiene

Create a bathing routine that allows some days without a full bath to help preserve natural skin moisture

Use warm rather than very hot water during showers or baths, since excessive heat can dry and irritate aging skin

Make sure your loved one dries the skin completely with a soft towel after bathing

If your loved one has incontinence, encourage toilet visits at least every two hours because prolonged moisture can increase the risk of skin breakdown

Older adults with limited mobility or ongoing health problems may struggle to manage their personal skin care. If your senior loved one has a serious medical condition and needs assistance with meal preparation, transportation, bathing, or grooming, contact MediHomeHealth, a trusted provider of home care services. We also provide specialized support for seniors living with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.

Lotions & Skin Moisturizers

Use a moisturizer every day on areas such as the face, hands, and feet, choosing fragrance-free products and avoiding strong perfumes that may cause irritation

Look for moisturizers containing ingredients such as aloe vera or jojoba to help maintain the skin’s natural moisture

Make sure your loved one applies sunscreen before going outdoors, even for short periods, to shield the skin from harmful UV exposure and help prevent sunburn

If your aging loved one occasionally needs assistance with bathing, grooming, cooking, or other household responsibilities, or you simply need time to manage your own commitments, consider MediHomeHealth for live-in and respite care. Loudoun County and Virginia seniors can continue living independently at home with assistance from our dependable respite caregivers.

Everyday Skin Care Habits

Choose loose, comfortable clothing that does not constantly rub against the skin, and pay close attention to footwear because shoes that fit poorly can cause irritation or sores around the feet and ankles

Using a humidifier at home may help when indoor air becomes too dry and leaves older skin feeling irritated or uncomfortable

Encourage your loved one to change positions and move regularly, since remaining seated for long periods can put pressure on the buttocks and backs of the legs and contribute to skin damage

Remind your loved one to drink water regularly throughout the day to support proper hydration

Skin care is only one of many daily responsibilities that can become harder for some older adults to manage independently. If your elderly loved one needs assistance maintaining a comfortable and active life at home, contact MediHomeHealth, a trusted provider of Loudoun County, VA in-home care. Our caregivers can provide transportation to medical appointments and social activities, prepare nutritious meals, assist with regular exercise, and help with daily needs such as bathing, grooming, and light housekeeping. Call one of our friendly Care Managers at +1 (253) 565-2365 to learn more about how our experienced caregivers can support your loved one.

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