Bruising is not something that you want to see on your senior, but it can happen. Sometimes seniors bruise more easily as they get older and as the medications, they take can build up in their system. If your elderly family member is having mobility issues, that adds another potential cause.
This Can Seem Scary at First
If your senior has typically not bruised easily in the past, this can be shocking for both of you. Bruising is normally something that happens after a significant or at least noticeable injury. So if your elderly family member is not sure where the bruising is coming from, that can be frustrating.
Ask Your Senior What’s Going On
Talk to your elderly family member about what she’s noticing. If she genuinely doesn’t know where the bruises are coming from, she may be experiencing side effects from medications or other treatments. She could also be dealing with a new health issue. Regardless, it’s important to see what she has to say about the situation.
Talk to Her Doctor
Your very first step after talking to your senior is to talk to your senior’s doctor. Most people aren’t aware that increased or easier bruising can be a side effect with a wide range of medications. If your senior’s dosages have changed or if she’s taking new medications, that can increase her risk of bruising. Her doctor can rule out other potential causes, too.
Do a Safety Check
If medications or health issues aren’t behind the new bruising, your senior may have some safety considerations to investigate. Look for anything that could create a tripping hazard, this means on the floor or anything that causes her to move in ways that could cause her to fall. If she’s bracing herself on furniture, that can create a bruise. It’s much safer to install grab bars so that she has something to reach out to.
Consider Hiring Some Help
When your senior’s mobility is changing or she’s having trouble at home, having help from home care providers can make a huge difference. Talk to your elderly family member about how these professionals can make life easier and safer for her. This can also help to take a lot of worry off your shoulders.
Any time you’re spotting changes like new bruises on your senior, it’s important to get to the bottom of the issue. The solution can be as simple as improving her safety or learning more about medication side effects. Once you’ve found the cause, you can work toward finding the right answer.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Home Health Care in Beverly Hills, CA, please call Mom's Home Care and talk to our friendly, knowledgeable staff.
Our number is 323-244-4789
