aging skin - home health care agencies baltimore

When we get older, skin changes are typical. Skin becomes thinner and drier, may develop wrinkles, creases, and age spots, and bruises more easily. However, a little extra TLC for aging skin can make a difference towards keeping it more attractive and healthy. Try these suggestions from the aging care professionals at Home With You Senior Care:

  1. Alter the bathing regimen. Exchanging long, hot baths for a 10-minute shower or warm-water bath and replacing bar soap with a gentler cleanser are great starting points in taking care of aging skin. Transitioning from showering or bathing each day to every other day can help senior loved ones further protect their skin. Older adults should also follow bathing up with a fragrance-free moisturizer, but steer clear of bath oils, which could raise the risk for a fall.
  2. Guard from the sun’s rays when outside. Springtime is a popular opportunity to enjoy the outdoors with a senior loved one; however, be certain that the older adult protects his or her skin with sunscreen (at least SPF 30), search for the shade, and provide a nicely brimmed hat for further defense against the sun’s rays.
  3. Increase humidity when indoors. Dry air, naturally, contributes to dry skin. When heating or A/C are running in an older adult’s home, make use of a humidifier also. Check humidity levels with a hydrometer (available at the local hardware or home improvement store), and aim for a reading of somewhere between 45 and 60%.
  4. Protect working hands. If your older loved one likes assisting with household chores or gardening, be sure he/she wears gloves to guard the hands from any abrasive chemicals that could possibly aggravate or hurt the skin.
  5. Check for skin cancer. Be sure that a senior loved one visits the dermatologist at least annually to be monitored for skin cancer, due to the fact the risk increases as we grow older. In between visits, check for any spots or moles on the skin on a regular basis, and inform the dermatologist about any alterations in color, size, or shape to existing spots or moles. The doctor can also help establish a strategy to tackle various other skin issues the senior is experiencing. To find a dermatologist in your area, search the American Academy of Dermatology’s database.

At Home With You Senior Care, our experienced elder care team is highly trained in helping seniors maintain optimal health and wellness, from head to toe! A few of the various ways we are able to help include:

  • Transportation for seniors and accompaniment to check-ups and surgical procedures
  • Making sure seniors stay sufficiently hydrated
  • Cooking healthy, nutritious meals for seniors
  • Providing bathing/showering assistance
  • Helping with housework and laundry
  • Encouraging physical activity and exercise
  • Offering pleasant companionship
  • And much more

Contact Home With You Senior Care, one of the most reputable home health care agencies Baltimore families trust,  by calling 410-756-0959 any time to let us know how we can help. Our Howard county senior care services provide area families with compassionate, professional in-home care specifically designed to meet the unique needs of your senior loved one.