Senior Care in Monroe NJ

November is National Healthy Skin Month. As a family caregiver you already know the importance of taking care of your senior’s skin. The skin is the largest organ of the body and any damage, infections, illness, irritation, and other problems directly impact the health and wellbeing of the body. This makes it critical for you to pay close attention to your loved one’s skin and how they care for it so that they can stay as healthy, safe, and comfortable as possible throughout their later years.

Elderly skin tends to be more vulnerable than that of younger people. Their skin is thinner and has less moisture, meaning that it is more susceptible and less resilient. Though proper skincare is vital at all times of year, it becomes especially important during the winter months when the harsh influence of the environment can worsen the possible damage and irritation.

Cold, dry winter air outside, and dry, hot artificially heated air inside can draw all of the critical moisture out of the skin, leaving it tight, dry, and itchy. Even something minor such as scratching at an itch or rubbing a dry area of the skin can result in small injuries to the surface of the skin, making it vulnerable to infection and illness.

Use these tips to help your aging parent keep their skin healthier, safer, and more comfortable during National Healthy Skin Month:

• Remember to exfoliate. Exfoliation is one of the most important elements of any skincare routine, but it is one that is often overlooked. This step of the skincare routine is about sloughing off dead skin cells to reveal newer ones and help to promote faster, healthier overturn of skin cells. Choose an exfoliating product that is gentle rather than one that is course, such as walnut shells.
• Do not crank up the heat. Those bitterly cold days might make standing in a long hot shower sound wonderful, but prolonged exposure to hot water can be extremely hard on your parent’s skin. Keep showers and baths short and at a comfortably warm but not hot temperature.
• Use heavier moisture. The lightweight moisturizers that your parent might use during the summer months to keep their skin soft and comfortable might not be enough in the winter. Instead, look for rich moisturization that does not have harsh ingredients such as alcohol. Consider layering moisture, such as using a moisturizing body wash, applying an in-shower moisturizer, and then also using a thick body moisturizer such as a body butter to keep the skin hydrated.

Starting senior care for your aging parent during the winter months is an ideal way for you to help them achieve better health, comfort, and well-being. When it comes to keeping their skin healthier and safer, a senior home care services provider can ensure that your aging parent bathes regularly and effectively, uses the proper supplies, and makes choices that help to prevent dryness, injuries, and other issues that could put their skin and the rest of their body at risk. They can also be responsible for monitoring the condition and health of your aging parent’s skin so that they may be able to detect issues. If they do see problems that might have developed in your aging parent’s skin, they can bring these to your attention so that you can make the decisions that are right for them regarding the future of their care.

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring senior care in Monroe, NJ or the surrounding areas, please call Independence Home Care today at 609-208-1111 for more information.

Source:  https://healthyvoyager.com/winter-skincare-tips-for-the-elderly/