Seniors who are living alone need to be meticulous about caring for their skin. Age-related changes in their skin can make seniors much more likely to get scrapes and cuts. And if bacteria get into those scrapes and cuts, your senior parent may end up with a nasty skin infection.
Seniors are also more likely to experience dry skin and other skin problems that can cause skin irritations. If your senior parent scratches their skin and bacteria get into the scratch, that can also cause a skin infection.
A great way to reduce the risk of skin infections is to make sure that your senior parent has personal care services. Personal care services can help seniors with sensitive tasks like showering, brushing their teeth, moisturizing, taking care of their feet, and washing their hair. If your senior parent is struggling with hygiene as they get older, personal care services providers can help them stay clean and healthy.
In addition to personal care services, some things that seniors living at home can do to prevent skin infections are:
Keep Skin Clean and Moisturized
Good hygiene is the first step in preventing skin infections. Seniors should bathe regularly using mild soap and warm water to avoid drying out their skin. After bathing, they should gently pat their skin dry instead of rubbing it.
Applying a fragrance-free moisturizer helps prevent dryness and cracks, which can let bacteria enter and cause infections. It’s important to avoid putting lotion between the toes, as too much moisture in that area can lead to fungal infections.
Check Skin Daily for Cuts, Sores, or Redness
Seniors should make it a habit to check their skin every day for any signs of irritation, cuts, or sores. Because some health conditions, like diabetes, can cause numbness in the feet and legs, seniors may not feel small injuries.
If a wound is not noticed and treated early, it can become infected. Using a mirror or asking a personal care services caregiver or family member to check hard-to-see areas can help catch problems before they get worse.
Wear Comfortable and Protective Clothing
Loose, breathable clothing made from soft fabrics like cotton helps prevent skin irritation. Tight clothes can rub against the skin and cause sores, while rough fabrics can lead to rashes. Seniors should also wear well-fitted shoes and socks to protect their feet from cuts and blisters.
Changing socks daily and keeping feet dry helps prevent fungal infections like athlete’s foot. Wearing gloves while gardening or doing housework can also protect the hands from cuts and scratches.
Keep Bedding and Clothes Clean
Dirty clothes and bedding can carry bacteria and fungi that cause skin infections. Seniors should wash their clothes, towels, and bed sheets regularly in hot water to kill germs.
It’s also important to change clothes and undergarments daily, especially if they sweat a lot. If a senior has trouble doing laundry, they may need help from a personal care services caregiver or a laundry service to ensure they always have clean clothing and bedding.
If you or an aging loved one is considering Personal Care Services in Bellevue, WA, please contact the caring staff at Acti-Kare Responsive In Home Care today!
Acti-Kare provides exceptional senior home care across King County, Pierce County, and Snohomish County; including Bellevue, Kirkland, Kenmore, Bothell, Lynnwood, Woodinville, Redmond, Sammamish, Shoreline, Everett, Renton, Tacoma, and surrounding areas.
