Facebook Twitter
Call Us Today:
724-788-1072

Essential Skin Care Tips for Older Adults

The skin is a protective organ that performs important functions like sensation and thermoregulation. As we age, however, its cell turnover decreases. This makes the natural defensive barrier weaker. Hence, it’s common for seniors to experience changes in the skin, such as slow-healing wounds, and thinner or drier skin that’s more susceptible to wounds and bruises.

All these factors combined make skincare essential to senior health. Likewise, here are skin care tips for older adults:

  • Wash your skin gently.

    Seniors tend to have dry skin due to a decrease in natural oil production. It’s crucial to avoid drying it out further by cleansing sparingly and gently. Warm water along with mild cleaners should be used instead of alcohol-based products and harsh soaps.

  • Moisturize the skin daily.

    Seniors and their caregivers should consider a fragrance-free moisturizer to keep their skin well-hydrated. This can prevent the itchiness and cracking that usually accompanies dry skin. Moisturize the skin after a shower or bath with a quality moisturizer to lock in hydration.

  • Apply products that protect against the sun.

    Protect against the sun’s harmful rays by applying a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with at least SPF 30 or higher. Seniors can also protect their eyes by wearing sunglasses to prevent squinting which contributes to crow’s feet.

  • Stay hydrated.

    Seniors and their caregivers should ensure they get enough fluids throughout the day. When you dehydrate, your skin does too. When this occurs, there is an increased risk of injuring the skin.

These are a few effective tips to protect the skin as we age. By following these tips, older adults can protect their skin and promote overall wellness.

Meaningful Hobbies for Seniors with Limited Mobility

Many of our elders lose mobility due to conditions like severe arthritis or injuries from falls. When this occurs, hobbies and activities they once enjoyed might now be too difficult. However, mobility loss does not necessarily mean the end of good times. There are several ways to stay engaged and have fun without the need to move around too much.

Likewise, here are a few meaningful hobbies for older adults with limited mobility:

  • Immerse yourself in good books.

    Reading is a great activity for seniors and is a fun way to keep the mind engaged. It can also enhance memory and sleep, reducing stress and delaying cognitive decline. Aside from reading physical books, seniors can use an e-reader or listen to audiobooks. They can also organize a book club among friends to enjoy both reading and socializing.

  • Get in touch with your creative side.

    Painting, sketching, coloring, and sculpture are all wonderful ways seniors can stay in touch with their creative side. Arts and crafts activities can help seniors battling chronic illness as it helps decrease negative emotions. Creative activities also reduce stress and anxiety and improve medical outcomes.

  • Spend time outdoors.

    For seniors who love the outdoors, they can still enjoy the outside environment without having to overexert themselves. Hobbies like birdwatching and vertical gardening can be relaxing and is a great mood booster. Even with limited mobility, getting some fresh air and viewing the scenery can be a great everyday activity.

These are just a few hobbies and activities that seniors can perform to stay engaged. Hobbies not only bring fulfillment but also bring numerous health benefits for aging adults.

Why Seniors Need a Companion to the Doctor’s

why-seniors-need-a-companion-to-the-doctors

Most seniors find it difficult to do even the easiest of things like some light housekeeping. As caregivers, you also have the responsibility of going with them to their doctor’s appointments. Your presence is especially important.

  • You Can Help With Communication
    Seniors may be hard of hearing or are suffering from various medical conditions that make communication difficult. With your presence, you make the communication between patient and doctor more effective. For instance, when doctors see their patients from assisted living facilities, you often see them with a nurse or a caregiver. This helps doctors not to miss any important details.
  • It Makes Each Visit More Effective
    Doctors have very limited time. It’s always one patient to the next. So you’re being there will help each visit to be more effective by asking the right questions, listening to the answers, and for good advice like important medication reminders.
  • You Need to Make the First Contact
    If you’re working at homecare in Westmoreland or is involved with the care of a senior, you know you need to be able to make the call for an appointment or even for emergency medical calls to the doctor. As caregivers, you have the responsibility of sending out a clear message to the doctor on why you need to see them.

Every doctor’s appointment is important for seniors since they are more prone to developing diseases rapidly. Your presence is not just to help them get around but really to be the bridge of communication between them and the doctor. If you’re looking for someone to accompany your loved one to the doctor or home care services in Beaver, PA, contact us at Lowenhill Home Care Services now.

Cooking With Seniors: Important Tips

cooking-with-seniors-important-tips

Even though seniors may need more of your help as a caregiver, it is still essential to give them independence. For instance, if they prefer to do some light housekeeping themselves, let them but also make sure to assist them when needed. This is also important in cooking. They like to feel in control, so if they prefer to make their meals, let them. But the kitchen can be dangerous. Check out some safety tips below.

  • Use Safe Kitchen Utensils

    If you visit an assisted living facility, you’ll notice that the tools and other materials have been adapted for the elderly’s use. Tools like automatic jar openers allow them to open cans on their own safely. Make sure to have them invest in kitchen tools they can easily and safely use.

  • Learn to Adapt Recipes

    Cooking with seniors is a good and relaxing activity seniors can do to keep themselves active. Just ask the professionals you meet at homecare in Westmoreland. However, certain cooking styles are dangerous both for their health, like frying. Make sure to help them be creative in their recipes and avoid dangerous cooking styles.

  • Help Clean Up the Mess

    Seniors have weaker reflexes and muscles, so they can easily pour or spill anything they’re using while cooking. This is dangerous because it might cause them to trip or fall. Just as you need an effective medication reminders system, you also need to come up with a kitchen system that benefits you both.

Having seniors cook their meals helps keep them more interested in eating as well as keep them active. Follow the tips above to help you out. If you’re looking for home care services in Beaver, PA, contact us at Lowenhill Home Care Services.

Our Mission Statement

Lowenhill Home Care Services strives to provide individually focused home and community based services that achieves best practice and quality care for participant and family satisfaction. It is our mission to provide you with all of the quality non-medical in-home care that you and your family need.

  • Chamber of Commerce of PA
  • Beaver County Chamber
  • Better Business Bureau

Contact Information

It will be such a pleasure to hear from you. Send a message online or give us a call.

P.O. Box 456 Aliquippa, PA 15001-3711
Phone: 724-788-1072 Ext. 1 Fax:      724-788-1171 Email: barb@lowenhill.com

Web: www.lowenhill.com

LHCS OHIO

1200 East Market Street Akron OH, 44305
Phone: 330-946-8191 Fax: 330-946-8193