Winter skin is uncomfortable for everyone, but for an elderly adult, it can actually be dangerous. Cold, dry air outside, wind, artificial heat inside, exposure to heat from fires, and other elements can leave skin dry, thin, and vulnerable.
For an elderly adult who already has skin that is thinner and more vulnerable than that of younger adults, this can leave them susceptible to serious injuries and problems in their skin that can put them at risk of infection and illness. Protecting your elderly adult from the dangers of winter skin can keep them comfortable and healthy throughout the winter.
Use these tips to help protect your elderly loved one from winter skin as the temperatures continue to drop:
- Make sure that is much skin as possible is covered if they go out of the house. Encourage them to wear gloves, a scarf, and a hat that comes down over their forehead. This helps to protect their skin from the temperature as well as the chapping effect of cold wind.
- Apply high-quality moisturizer to their skin before they get dressed if they are going to be heading out of the house. Look for moisturizers that do not contain water or alcohol as one of their primary ingredients as both of these are very drying. Also avoid products that contain simply irritating colors and fragrances.
- Keep in mind that winter skin tends to be far more sensitive, so avoid products such as moisturizers, bath products, body washes, and even perfumes or cosmetics that contain simply irritating chemicals such as fragrances and artificial colors as these may lead to irritation and damage.
- Avoid turning the heat in their home up too high as it can be extremely drying. Consider adding a humidifier to the home to replace moisture that may be removed through the artificial heating.
- Discourage your parent from taking baths or showers that are too hot or too long as these can be very drying and irritating to the skin.
One of the most meaningful decisions that you can make for your aging parent as their family caregiver is to start elderly home care for them. A home care services provider can be with your parent on a customized schedule to ensure that they have access the level of care and assistance that they need, while also supporting independence and ensuring that you remain at the forefront of their care routine.
The personalized services of a home care provider are specifically designed to address your loved ones needs, challenges, and limitations in the way that is right for them so that they are able to live the quality of life that they desire and deserve. As a family caregiver this can give you tremendous peace of mind knowing that your parent is in good hands both when you are able to be with them and when you are not.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care Services in Sharon MA, or anywhere in Eastern Massachusetts, please call the caring staff at CARE Resolutions – (508) 906-5572.
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