As your loved ones age, changes in their bodies can lead to many different health challenges. More frequent bruising is a common complaint. While most bruises are minor, they can be a sign of difficulties your loved one is facing, and in some cases they can indicate more serious health conditions or lifestyle problems. Sometimes, they are a factor in the decision to move to assisted living for long-term care. Here’s what you need to know to protect your loved one’s health and well-being.

Why More Frequent Bruising Occurs

A bruise is caused by tiny blood vessels in the skin breaking and blood pooling under the skin. In seniors, the skin is thinner and more delicate due to the loss of collagen, a factor that also contributes to wrinkles. At the same time, the blood vessels under the skin are more vulnerable because subcutaneous fat, the cushioning layer of fat under the skin, is reduced in seniors. All of this adds up to blood vessels that break more easily and skin that takes longer to heal.

Other factors can also contribute to excessive bruising. Seniors are more likely to have balance problems that can increase trips and falls. Loss of vision, hearing, range of motion, and coordination due to age are all common and can also lead to more frequent minor injuries during daily tasks. In assisted living environments, a caretaker may leave marks even when being careful and gentle due to the delicacy of the skin in seniors.

Finally, medical conditions such as deep vein thrombosis, liver disease, and diabetes can cause unusual bruising. For these reasons, while some increase in skin injuries is expected with age, large, unusual, or recurring bruises should not be ignored.

What to Do

First, check in with your loved one about how any worrisome marks occurred. If your loved one is falling down more often or being hurt during routine daily tasks, they may need more help at home. In some cases, a move to assisted living may be essential to ensure they’re getting the help they need with food, hygiene, and other daily care tasks. Also, make sure your loved one is seeing a doctor for any new and unusual marks that develop, as well as any recurring ones in the same areas.

For reliable and comfortable assisted living in Carlsbad, NM, choose Lakeview Christian Home. Providing long-term care for residents from across Eddy County, we have over 55 years of experience providing a healthy balance of support and independence for seniors. In addition to comfortable units and skilled nursing care staff, we also offer three meals a day and a variety of activities, including Bible classes, parties, and excursions. To learn more about the community and available units, visit our website or call (575) 885-3161.