One of the health problems that many seniors face is recurring skin infections. Seniors are prone to getting skin infections because, as people age, their skin gets thinner and more fragile. It’s easy for seniors to get a scrape, cut themselves, or scratch themselves and create an opening for bacteria to get into their skin. Fungal infections and infections caused by poor hygiene are also common in seniors, because many seniors have a difficult time with tasks like showering or washing their hands frequently. Personal care at home can help your senior parent avoid getting skin infections.
What’s Personal Care At Home?
Personal care at home is specialized help for seniors living alone. Care providers who have extra training can help your senior parent shower, brush their teeth, get dressed, and take care of other hygiene tasks like food care.
The caregivers who have personal care training know safe ways to help seniors stand up, wash their hair, get in and out of their clothes, and clean themselves in the shower. If you’re uncomfortable helping your senior parent with these tasks, or they’re uncomfortable with you helping them, personal care at home is a great option.
Personal care at home helps seniors stay clean and healthy. Caregivers can help your senior parent avoid common skin infections like:
Cellulitis
Cellulitis is one of the most common and serious skin infections in older adults. It happens when bacteria enter the skin through a cut, scrape, or sore. The infected area often looks red, swollen, and feels warm or tender to the touch.
Cellulitis usually shows up on the legs or feet, but it can appear anywhere. Seniors with diabetes, poor circulation, or weak immune systems are more at risk.
Fungal Infections
Fungal infections are very common in seniors because fungi grow easily in warm, moist areas like the feet, groin, or skin folds.
Athlete’s foot causes itching, cracking, and redness between the toes. Ringworm creates circular, scaly patches on the skin.
Yeast infections can lead to redness, rashes, or white patches, especially under the breasts, in the groin, or around the mouth.
Seniors who sweat easily, use incontinence products, or have trouble keeping skin dry are more likely to get fungal infections.
Pressure Sores
Pressure sores, also known as bedsores or pressure ulcers, are not infections at first, but they can easily become infected if not treated quickly. They happen when someone stays in the same position too long, like lying in bed or sitting in a chair without moving.
Pressure reduces blood flow to the skin, causing it to break down. If germs get into the sore, an infection can develop.
Signs of infection include swelling, pus, redness, and a foul smell. Caregivers can help prevent bedsores by changing positions often, keeping the skin clean and dry, and using cushions or pads to reduce pressure.
Impetigo
Impetigo is a contagious bacterial infection that causes red sores or blisters, often around the mouth, nose, or hands. It’s more common in children but can also affect seniors, especially if their skin is broken or fragile.
The sores can ooze or form a yellow crust. Because it spreads easily through touch, it’s important to keep the infected area clean and covered. Antibiotic ointments or pills are usually prescribed to clear it up.
Personal care providers can help your senior parent avoid this very common infection by helping them wash their hands frequently throughout the day.
Personal Care At Home Makes Hygiene Less Awkward
Talking to your senior parent about hygiene issues can be very awkward for both of you. Personal care at home helps your senior parent consistently take care of hygiene tasks without the embarrassment of depending on you for help.
If you or an aging loved one is considering Personal Care Services in Bellville, OH, please contact the caring staff at Central Star Home Health today. Call 419-756-9449
Central Star Home Health is a Trusted Home Care Agency in Ohio, including Ashland, Bellville, Bucyrus, Crestline, Galion, Lexington, Mansfield, Marion, Mt. Vernon, Ontario, Shelby, and Willard.
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