As we get older, our bodies become more sensitive to bruising and other marks.
Elderly seniors’ bodies can undergo natural changes that weaken their skin and more susceptible to wear and tear. Additionally, a lack of moisture can lead to dry, sensitive, scaly, and wrinkling skin.
While this happens to the skin, blood vessels and skin elasticity are also affected. At Alvita Care, we want to help your loved one prevent bruising and other issues relating to skin weakness. Please call us at 212-273-0490 to see how our highly-trained caregivers can help your loved one.
Bruising happens as a result of specific conditions, diseases, and/or medications in an elderly individual’s life. Most often, bruising happens when there is trauma or damage to the body’s blood vessels underneath the skin. Elderly individuals are more prone to bruising as a result of skin weakness, as we discussed earlier.
While many elderly individuals lack depth perception and are at risk for a fall, this is when bruising is most likely to occur. Additionally, while it may take the average individual a hard bump or fall to have a bruise form, this is not always the case in elderly individuals; a slight impact can cause bruising. One of the more common reactions from an IV at a doctor’s visit is bruising on your loved one.
Alvita Care wants to help give you tips and tricks to prevent bruising on your loved one. We are open 24 hours, seven days a week, to answer any questions or concerns you may have.
In medical terms, a bruise is labeled as a contusion.
Ecchymosis occurs when the skin shows visible discoloration, and this typically happens when blood vessels are ruptured near the skin’s surface. Larger, more swollen, and hard bruises can be classified as a hematoma. Alvita Care recommends you call your local doctor or primary care physician in the event of a hematoma. Additionally, we have some tips and tricks to help prevent bruising on your elderly New York City loved one.
Some suggestions that may come in handy would include removing furniture or anything that may be a tripping or a falling hazard from your loved one’s home. Having a clear walking path is extremely important to help avoid a fall and bruising associated with it. At Alvita Care, our in-home personal caregivers can assist your loved one with sitting, standing, and any transferring your loved one may need.
Additionally, using a cane or walker may assist your loved ones if they feel they are at risk for a fall, and installing handrails can be a huge help. We suggest speaking with your doctor to see if this option is right for you. Finally, Alvita Care discourages any and all signs of elder abuse. If you believe your loved one may be experiencing this situation, please call us immediately at 212-273-0490 for additional help.
Knowing how to treat bruises is important if your elderly New York City loves one has a bruise on their body. While medical treatment is not always necessary, bruising can take a few weeks to heal, especially in elderly individuals.
- Bruising usually begins as a red mark which can turn bluish-black and/ or purple as an individual’s blood cells become damaged.
- When a bruise is just about to heal, it typically turns a greenish-yellow color in the final stage of healing.
In order to aid the healing process, we suggest using a frozen compress on any bruises to help reduce swelling and elevate the area that is bruised. This will help reduce the bruise size and slow the blood flow to the damaged tissue in that area. After applying a cold compress, a warm compress can increase circulation and reduce pressure on the afflicted area.
Finally, if your loved one shows signs of frequent bruising we at Alvita Care recommend that you consult your doctor or local physician. Occasionally, this can be signs of Leukaemia, vein thrombosis, and other unaffiliated diseases with typical bruising causes. While there are many medications that can contribute to bruising in elderly loved ones, we encourage you to speak with your doctor to learn the symptoms and side effects common with your loved one’s medicines.
Lastly, Alvita Care encourages all loved ones and caregivers to be aware of the signs and symptoms of elder abuse. For more information regarding elder abuse, we encourage you to contact the National Centre on Elder Abuse (NCEA) for more information.
At Alvita Care, we are available 24/7 to help you with any questions or concerns you may have related to home care or elderly bruising and prevention. Feel free to give us a call at 212-273-0490 or contact us by form
