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Top Sunscreen Information for the Elderly

In-Home Care in Moraga CA
In-Home Care in Moraga CA

Wearing sunscreen is important for all ages, including seniors. Unfortunately, many senior citizens don’t know what type or how much of it to use. As a family caregiver, you may have to help your elderly loved one to use the appropriate sunscreen at the right times. In-home care can also play an important role in making sure your senior is taking sun protection seriously.

Sun-Protection Factors or SPF

The SPF on sunscreen stands for sun-protection factor. There are many different types of SPF lotions and sprays. However, it is important that the elderly use a sunscreen that has a 30 SPF or higher. This can help to block out harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun.

Using Broad-Spectrum

Your elderly loved one needs to protect their skin from UVB radiation (the type that causes sunburns) and UVA radiation (the type that speeds up the aging process). Both these types of radiation can cause skin cancer. So, when you are helping your elderly loved one to pick out the sunscreen, be sure it is broad-spectrum, meaning it protects against both these types of rays.

Proper Timing

It is also important that your elderly loved one is applying the sunscreen at the appropriate times. Generally speaking, sunscreen should be applied to the entire body about 15 minutes before someone is going to be exposed to the sun. It is crucial that the entire body is being covered including the tops of ears, neck, nose, forehead, arms, legs, feet, and scalp. Even your elderly loved one’s back should be covered. Then, if your elderly loved one is going to be outdoors for over 2 hours, the sunscreen should be reapplied at the 2-hour mark and every 2 hours after that. If your elderly loved one is sweating a lot or has gone swimming, they should reapply the sunscreen after both these instances, too.

When to Use Sunscreen

In addition to the proper timing, there are certain circumstances where your elderly loved one may think they don’t need sunscreen, but they do. Some of these instances include:

  • Being in the shade
  • On cloudy days
  • Only going outside for a short time
  • In the morning and evening (all day really)

Now that you know your elderly loved one still needs sunscreen at these times, too, make sure they know this. It should also be noted that wearing sunglasses and a hat whenever possible outside is another great way to protect the skin and eyes from damaging sun rays.

Conclusion

This is just some of the sunscreen information that is helpful for the elderly. If you are caring for your elderly loved one, it is crucial to make sure they are following the advice noted here today. Many senior citizens won’t remember to put on sunscreen as often as they need to. If this is happening with your elderly loved one, it may be good for you to hire in-home care providers who can remind your elderly loved one to put it on and help them to put it on, as well.

Sources
https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/basic_info/sun-safety.htm

If you or an aging loved one is considering in-home care in Moraga, CA, please contact the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Walnut Creek. (925) 203-3039.

Five Ways to Help Your Mom With Bathing and Hygiene

Personal Care at Home in Concord CA
Personal Care at Home in Concord CA

Since her stroke, your mom cannot do many personal care tasks independently. She needs someone to help her get showered and dressed. Brushing and flossing her teeth is too difficult. She cannot shave, apply moisturizer to her skin, or trim her nails.

It’s clear your mom needs help, more help than she’ll accept from you. Between your job, scheduling and managing your mom’s many therapy sessions, and your need for self-care, it’s stressful. How can you help your mom with bathing and hygiene without stressing her or yourself out? The answer is personal care at home.

Set Up a Soothing Setting

Sometimes, aromatherapy can be soothing. Have an essential oil diffuser in the bathroom. Scents like lavender, vanilla, and mint may help your mom relax while you wash her, trim her nails, and take care of her personal care needs.

Invest in a Terry Robe

During a shower, your mom may not enjoy being fully exposed. Purchase a terry robe that’s a little larger than she needs. Drop one shoulder to wash that area, pull the robe back up, and do the same on the other side.

The robe will get damp, but it can be dried outside in the sun. Wash it when you wash the towels.

If she resists using a robe, switch to towels. Have several towels that you can drape over her. Remove towels as needed to wash that area and then cover her back up.

Make the Most of Hand-Held Aids

A hand-held shower wand simplifies the bathing process as you direct water where it’s needed. A shower mitt or brush puts a little distance between your hand and your mom’s body, which may be less awkward for her.

When you’re brushing and flossing her teeth, floss picks may be easier to use. An electric toothbrush breaks up plaque better.

Provide Rewards

Consider offering a reward for getting through it. Your mom may not like having to rely on you or a caregiver for help, but you can make it more appealing by rewarding her with something she loves.

After she lets you bathe her and help her get dressed, sit down together for a cup of coffee and carrot cake muffin. She might appreciate a chai latte and slice of coffee cake.

Hire Personal Care Aides

It’s time to talk to a personal care at home agency. With a specialist’s help, you can arrange the personal care services your mom requires. You’ll have peace of mind that she’s in great hands, and she isn’t stressed that you’re seeing her at her most intimate moments.

Jot down a list of the care tasks she needs help with from the time she gets up to the moment she goes to bed. Find out if others in the family can help her with any of them, and if she’ll allow their help. From there, book personal care at home for her.

If you or an aging loved one is considering personal care at home in Concord, CA, please contact the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Walnut Creek. (925) 203-3039.