Our bodies change in many ways as we get older, and our skin is one area that frequently needs extra care. For seniors, notable changes in the health of their skin increase their vulnerability to cuts and injuries. In particular, skilled nursing care providers are essential in helping seniors adjust to these changes and manage their wounds.
This blog post will discuss the different skin changes experienced and offer advice on how skilled nursing care agencies can effectively support and care for their patients.
Recognizing Skin Changes with Age
It’s important to note that not every situation is the same, which is why relying on the skills and knowledge of a skilled nursing care provider is key. They’re able to assess the situation and provide customized care to help seniors heal before bigger issues arise. Some of the changes that might occur are detailed below.
Elasticity Loss and Thinning: The skin becomes less elastic and thicker with age because it loses collagen and elastin. This means that tears, cuts, and bruises are more likely to occur on fragile skin.
Increased Dry Skin: Decreases in moisture retention and natural oil production are common in older adults. Without proper care, the skin will crack easily, which could lead to sores and infections. To assist with this, the home care team should encourage seniors to use lotion and maintain hydration throughout the day.
Slower Recovery Time: The skin heals more slowly with age because it is less able to produce new cells. This means that injuries may take longer to heal, which raises the possibility of problems.
Diminished Blood Flow: In addition to the inability to produce new cells, which is the main cause of delayed wound healing, poor circulation is also a factor. When tending to wounds, home health providers need to be aware of circulation problems and modify the care as needed.
How do Health Providers Support Seniors Through Skin Changes?
With a skilled nursing care provider in place, seniors can receive thorough skin evaluations to find possible problems before they become more serious. This monitoring also includes watching for changes in the skin’s integrity, color, and texture. Also mentioned above, the home care team can encourage essential hydration throughout the day, both directly applied to the skin through lotion and from drinking water, herbal tea, or other healthy liquids. At the same time, it’s crucial to choose the right lotion and use gentle, fragrance-free cleaning products. Also, the home care team can teach seniors to pat dry rather than rub to avoid damaging their skin.
Beyond choosing appropriate products, seniors’ clothing can make all the difference. The support team should teach seniors the value of wearing proper footwear to avoid falls that might cause wounds. Also, for some seniors, the wrong clothing material might cause issues that lead to itching and an increased risk of open sores.
The necessity for skilled care providers who can handle the particular requirements of seniors is only going to increase as our population becomes older. Home health practitioners can significantly improve the general well-being of their elderly clients by being aware of the changes that occur in senior skin and putting proactive wound care procedures into practice. Additionally, the home care team can establish a supportive atmosphere encouraging healthy aging and efficient wound treatment through education, routine examinations, and collaboration with healthcare experts.
Sources: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8222358
https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/2004-04-7840
If you or an aging loved one are considering Skilled Nursing Care Services in Coconut Creek FL please get in touch with the caring staff at Star Multi Care today. Call 954-962-0926
Star Multi Care is a Trusted Home Care Agency in Florida including Palm Beach, Miami Dade, and Broward County.
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