While the goal of most family caregivers is to help their aging parent live an active and engaged lifestyle, for some elderly adults this is not possible.  Challenges and limitations can keep them from being able to get up and move around as much as they would want to.  This can put them at risk for a variety of health issues, including bed sores.

Bed sores are also referred to as pressure ulcers because they develop as a response to excessive pressure on the skin.  These injuries can lead to tremendous discomfort and pain for your parent, but can also open them to infections and other serious complications.  It is very important for you to take steps to prevent bed sores to help your loved one stay healthier.

 

Use these tips to help prevent bed sores
in your aging parent:

• Keep your parent’s skin as clean and dry as possible, even if this means giving them sponge baths in bed when they are unable to get out of bed to bathe regularly.  Be sure to pat the skin dry carefully and always make sure your parent is on clean linens

• Support your parent’s body with pillows and use pillows to provide cushioning for parts of the body that are particularly vulnerable to bed sores, including elbows, knees, and the backs of their hips

• Encourage your senior to change positions as often as possible.  This may require you or a senior care provider to provide physical assistance with changing position

• Help your parent to exercise as much as they can, as frequently as they can.  This might just be lifting their arms or legs several times, but any movement will help to keep their blood flowing and their body healthier

Can senior care help?

Starting senior care for your aging parent can be one of the best decisions that you can make for them throughout the course of your caregiver journey for them.  A senior home care services provider can be with your parent on a customized schedule to ensure that they get all of the care, support, assistance, and encouragement that they need as they age in place.

Through a set of highly personalized services tailored specifically to your aging parent’s needs, challenges, and limitations, this senior home care services provider can help your parent to stay healthy, safe, comfortable, and happy while pursuing a lifestyle that is as independent, active, and engaged as possible throughout their later years.

When it comes to helping them keep their skin healthy and safe, this care provider can support your parent in fulfilling their personal care needs, such as effective bathing, and support good lifestyle choices such as regular handwashing and moisturization.  As a family caregiver, this can give you peace of mind knowing your senior can live a high quality of life when you are with them and when you are not.

If you or an aging family member are considering home health care in Alpharetta, GA, please contact the caring staff at Caring Companions of Atlanta 470-514-5954.

 

Source:
Sixtyandme.com
Clevelandclinic.org
Parentgiving.com
Nih.gov
Advancedtissue.com