Bruising Easily? Learn How to Protect Seniors Against Bruises.
Of all the various changes that we experience as we age, bruising easily is one that can be especially concerning for family members to observe in their senior loved ones. Although it’s best to check with the older person’s doctor whenever there is a health concern, it’s also beneficial to understand that bruising in older adults is quite common, and occurs as a result of the thinning of the skin and reduced amount of fat that occurs in aging. Even the slightest bump or scrape may lead to much more extensive bruising than in younger skin.
Home & Hearth Caregivers provides these Chicago home care tips to help minimize the chances for bruising in your senior loved ones, and to help bruises heal better when they do occur:
Preventing Bruises:
- Inspect the home for safety hazards, making sure there are clear, wide walking paths with any hazards removed that can result in a fall. Home & Hearth Caregivers can help assess the senior’s home for safety risks as well.
- Urge the older person to wear long sleeves and long pants any time tasks are being performed that could lead to injury to the skin.
- If the elderly person is a smoker, help him/her to quit. Smoking lowers collagen production, which can result in easier bruising.
- Make sure the senior’s diet includes sufficient levels of vitamin C, which plays an important role in producing collagen.
- Note that the medications listed below can increase the likelihood of bruising (although the older person should never stop taking any medications without consulting the medical provider):
- NSAIDs (ibuprofen, Advil, and Aleve)
- Aspirin
- Anticoagulants (coumadin, heparin)
- Antiplatelet medications
- Corticosteroids
Healing Bruises:
- Apply a cold compress to the bruised area for twenty minutes to reduce blood flow to the area. This can decrease inflammation as well as reduce the size of the bruise.
- Keep the affected area elevated as much as possible.
- Wrap the bruised area with a compression bandage to help reduce swelling.
Ensure the person receives immediate medical attention for any bruises that become apparent for no reason, particularly if a new medicine is being taken or bleeding is noticed in other parts of the body, such as the gums or nose.
Our Elder Care Illinois Team Can Help!
Home & Hearth Caregivers’ Chicago home care team is expertly trained in a variety of elder care issues, including older skin care, and can help with:
- Bathing and moisturizing
- Inspecting the skin for changes
- Preventing bed sores
- Providing diabetic foot care and incontinence skin care
- Ambulation to prevent falls and other injuries
- And more
Contact Home & Hearth Caregivers at 800-349-0663 for more skin care suggestions for seniors and for quality in-home care.