Our skin is the largest organ of our body. It is a natural body covering that protects us from the sun, injury, bacteria and infection.  It regulates body temperature and stores water, fat and vitamin D.  Keeping a seniors’s skin healthy is most important when fighting infections and injury. 

Seniors that are confined to a wheelchair or that are bedbound must be checked frequently for reddened areas and open sores.  Seniors that are confined to a bed should be repositioned every two hours to prevent bedsores.  That is also the case for seniors who aren’t as active. Get them up and get them moving as much as possible.

 Skin cancer is one of the most common problems in the elderly. Look out for moles that grow rapidly or have dark pigmentations, irregular shapes or bleed.  For suspicious skin problems have it examined by a doctor.