What Can You Do to Help Your Senior to Avoid Bruising?

Bruises aren’t something that you can prevent completely, but as your elderly family member has gotten older you might have noticed that she bruises more easily. The layer of cushioning fat just under the skin gets thinner as people age, and that contributes a little bit to easier bruising. But there may be other causes, too, so make sure to talk with your senior’s doctor. 

Put Together a Fall Prevention Plan

Senior Care Herendon, VA: Avoid Bruising

If your elderly family member doesn’t already have a fall prevention plan, you and she need to put one together. Tripping and falling can cause serious injuries, but even if your aging family member doesn’t fall she can still bump into something and bruise herself. Your senior’s plan might include an exercise plan after you talk to her doctor as well as using mobility devices like canes as needed. 

Make Sure There Are Clear Pathways in Her Home 

Whether you’re starting from scratch with a fall prevention plan or your senior already has one, look for areas where tripping hazards might be hiding out. Clearing pathways helps to ensure that your aging family member has the space that she needs to safely navigate her home. This might even involve rearranging some furniture here and there.  

Protect Her Skin in General 

It’s important that you and your senior are protecting her skin in general as much as you can. That means using sunscreen when she’s out in the sun for longer than a few minutes, even in colder weather. Long sleeves protect from cold and wind. Limit hot showers and baths, opting instead for cooler temperatures. Using a moisturizer helps to lock in essential moisture and keep skin healthy. 

Talk with Her Doctor about Possible Causes 

Talk to your senior’s doctor about what might be contributing to bruising for her. There may be changes to her health or side effects from medications that make this worse for your elderly family member. If your senior hasn’t been paying a lot of attention to what she’s eating, she may want to add some healthier options or even add supplements to her daily diet. Her doctor can help you to put a plan together. 

Hiring senior care providers can be a huge help, especially if your elderly family member could use some assistance with mobility. Handing over more difficult tasks to someone else may also ensure she’s not getting bumps that later turn into bruises. 

If you or an aging loved-one is considering Senior Care in Herendon, VA please contact the caring staff at Thrive Health Care Services today. (703) 992-0484