As a family caregiver for an elderly adult, awareness is critical. Knowing the types of risks that your aging parent faces enables you to help them make decisions that can reduce those risks and help them to prevent serious health issues from occurring as they age in place. One such issue is skin cancer. Occurring in approximately 20 percent of the total population at some point in their lives, skin cancer can and does occur in people of all ages and all skin colors, though those who are older and of fair complexion are more likely to develop it. Fortunately, there are things that you can do to help reduce the chances that your elderly parent will develop any of the forms of skin cancer.
Use these tips to help your senior prevent skin cancer as they age in place:
- Wear sunscreen. Simply wearing sunscreen every day can reduce the risk of developing skin cancer by 40 to 50 percent. No matter the weather, your parent’s skin is still at risk of sun damage. Make sure that they wear sunscreen with a sun protection factor of at least 15 every day. If they have fair skin or intend on being exposed to the sun for more than a few minutes, consider a stronger product. Make sure to reapply regularly.
- Cover the skin. Using lightweight, dark or brightly colored clothing to cover as much of the skin as possible will not only protect your aging parent’s skin from the sun, but can help to keep them cooler as well. Encourage your parent to wear lightweight long sleeves and long pants when possible, and use hats to shield their face.
- Stay out of the sun. Avoid being out in the sun between the hours of 10 am and 4 pm when the sun is at its most intense. If you are unsure, check your shadow. If it is shorter than you are, the UV rays are at their strongest.
If you are concerned about your aging parent’s risk for developing melanoma or skin cancer, the exceptional benefits of starting elder care for them might be the ideal way for you to feel more confident about their health now and into the future. An elderly home care services provider can be with your aging parent on a customized schedule to provide a highly personalized set of services tailored to helping your loved one manage their needs, challenges, and limitations while also pursuing a lifestyle that is as independent, active, and fulfilling as possible. When it comes to helping your parent protect themselves from skin cancer, this elderly care provider can be a valuable source of support and encouragement to help them to make the choices that will protect their skin and keep them healthier. This can include reminding them to use proper sun protection, encouraging them to check their skin and bring up any changes that might be troublesome, and alerting you to any changes so that you can bring them to the doctor to get them the medical attention that they need. As a family caregiver, knowing that your aging parent has access to dedicated, personalized care at all times can help you to feel more confidence that they will be able to live the highest quality of life possible throughout their later years.
If you or a family member are in need of elder care in Deerfield Beach, FL, call the caring professionals at Star Multi Care today at (954) 870-4770. Providing service in Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, Weston, Southwest Ranches, Pembroke Pines, Cooper City, Lighthouse Point, and Wilton Manors.
Sources:
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/skin-cancer/basics/definition/con-20031606
https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/dcpc/resources/features/skincancer/
http://www.skincancer.org/media-and-press/Press-Release-2011/skin-cancer-awareness-month-reminder
https://healthfinder.gov/NHO/MayToolkit2.aspx
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