Senior Care in Miami

If you are a caregiver for one of the approximately one million people throughout the United States who is currently living with Parkinson’s disease, or one of around 60,000 more who will receive a diagnosis of this condition this year, you know how important it is to manage their symptoms both proactively and reactively. Seniors dealing with PD can suffer from a wide variety of symptoms and challenges, but one that many people do not immediately think of is increased risk for skin cancer.

Seniors who have Parkinson’s disease are at increased risk of developing melanoma, the most common skin cancer in the United States. While this can sound frightening, the good news is that this type of cancer is not only nearly 100 percent curable when caught early enough, it is also preventable. With a few simple additions to your care routine you can help guard your senior from this disease.

Use these tips to help you protect a senior with Parkinson’s disease:

• Always wear sunscreen. Sun protection is not just something that you need to think about when you are going to be spending the day at the beach or by the pool. Any time that your aging parent is exposed to the sun, they are at risk of developing skin cancer. Make sure that they wear sunscreen with a minimum sun protection factor, or SPF, of 30 and that they reapply as necessary throughout the day when outside

• Cover up. Even sunscreen is not always enough for those with particularly vulnerable skin. Encourage your parent to cover their skin as much as possible with lightweight, light-colored clothing. Look for clothing that has built-in UV protection for the most benefit

• Examine. Once a month make sure that you or your parent examines your parent’s body thoroughly for any changes in coloration, texture, or growths on the skin. Even something as seemingly minor as a birthmark that has gotten slightly larger or a mole that has changed shape or color can be an indication of melanoma. If you notice any of these changes, get your parent to the doctor as quickly as possible for a thorough examination.

If your parent has recently received a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease or their symptoms have increased to the point that you no longer feel equipped to handle them on your own, now may be the ideal time for you to consider home care for your aging parent. An in-home senior care services provider can act as an extension of the care that you give to your parent, providing a personalized approach to support and assistance that ensures your loved one gets the level of care and support that they deserve, while also promoting as much independence as possible.

By starting this type of care as early as you can you enable your parent to build a relationship with the care provider so that they can work together to address symptoms and challenges as they arise, establish schedules and routines that are beneficial to your parent’s cognitive needs, and be proactive about care efforts that can improve their functioning.

If you or an aging loved one are considering in-home senior care in Miami, contact the caring staff at Providence Healthcare Services.  Call today (305) 680-5349.

SOURCE:

http://www.parkinson.org/find-help/blogs/Tips-for-Daily-Living-Protect-Yourself-From-Skin-Cancer  

Providence Healthcare Services

Providence Healthcare Services was founded in 2007 as a privately owned and operated home healthcare company. We are Medicare and Medicaid certified and licensed to serve clients in all of Miami-Dade and Monroe counties. Our mission is to be a trusted provider of choice known for clinical excellence in our community. We strive to improve the health of every person we care for and make a difference in each life that we touch. By attracting and retaining the best talent, we will deliver the highest levels of care and be recognized among clients, referring partners, and our community at large.

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